New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 20 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Chapter 11 - ALBUQUERQUE - BERNALILLO COUNTY AIR QUALITY CONTROL BOARD
Part 100 - MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION - DECENTRALIZED
Section 20.11.100.17 - VEHICLE INSPECTION CRITERIA

Universal Citation: 20 NM Admin Code 20.11.100.17

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 18, September 24, 2024

Failure to pass any one of the applicable criteria specified below in Subsections A, B, C, D and E of 20.11.100.17 NMAC, entitled exhaust emissions, anti-tampering, visible emissions, gas cap, and on-board diagnostics respectively, shall constitute noncompliance with 20.11.100 NMAC and a fail VIR shall be issued.

A. Exhaust emissions: Every motor vehicle that is determined to emit quantities (rates) of CO and HC greater than those listed in Table I appropriate to model year and weight classification listed shall be failed. Every motor vehicle with emissions rates equal to or lower than the applicable amounts shall be passed under subsection A of 20.11.100.17 NMAC.

TABLE I Maximum Allowable Exhaust Emissions

Vehicle Model Year

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (pounds)

Group Code

Unloaded

Idle Mode

2,500 RPM Test

HC PPM

CO %

HC PPM

CO %

1975 - 1978

0 to 6,000

C/T

500

5.0

500

5.0

1979 - 1980

0 to 6,000

C/T

400

4.0

400

4.0

1981 - 1985

0 to 6,000

C/T

220

1.2

220

1.2

1986 - 1990

0 to 6,000

C/T

200

1.2

200

1.2

1991 - 1995

0 to 6,000

C/T

180

1.2

180

1.2

1975 - 1978

6,001 to 8,000

LT

600

6.0

600

6.0

1979 - 1980

6,001 to 8,000

LT

600

4.5

600

4.5

1981 - 1982

6,001 to 8,500

LT

400

2.7

400

3.0

1983 - 1988

6,001 to 8,500

LT

300

1.2

300

3.0

1989 - 1995

6,001 to 8,500

LT

220

1.2

220

1.2

1975 - 1980

8,001 to 10,000

MT

650

6.5

650

6.5

1981 - 1990

8,501 to 10,000

MT

400

4.0

400

3.0

1991 - 1995

8,501 to 10,000

MT

220

2.0

220

2.0

B. Anti-tampering:

(1) All motor vehicles subject to 20.11.100 NMAC shall be inspected for the presence of a catalytic converter(s) that is properly connected.

(2) Any vehicle with required features or components removed or rendered inoperative shall be failed. If no tampering with required components or systems is evident, this portion of the inspection shall be passed.

(3) Vehicles that have had the original engine removed and replaced with a newer or inherently cleaner technology engine (including the emissions control devices required in association with that engine) may be eligible for a waiver of compliance with portions of Subsection B of 20.11.100.17 NMAC. The program manager shall determine if a vehicle has been retrofitted with an engine that is not adaptable to the emissions control requirements for the vehicle chassis model year. When the program manager makes the determination, the program manager may waive the requirements for replacement of emissions control equipment. There shall be no waiver for the installation of a catalytic converter unless the program manager determines installation would create a safety hazard.

C. Visible emissions (smoke): All motor vehicles subject to inspection must pass an inspection for visible emissions. The air care inspector shall watch the tailpipe during the idle portion of the emissions test and during the high-speed portion of the emissions test (using a mirror if necessary). If the inspector observes any smoke (not steam) during any part of the inspection, the visible portion of the emissions test shall be a fail.

D. Gas cap (pressurized): All 1975-2005 model year vehicles subject to inspection must pass a pressurized gas cap test to check the integrity of the gas cap seal designed to minimize fuel vapor loss or hydrocarbon emissions. Any vehicle with a gas cap that does not hold pressure consistent with the design standard for the vehicle shall be failed.

E. On-board diagnostics (OBDII): All 1996 and newer gasoline motor vehicles must pass an on-board diagnostics test specified by 40 CFR Part 51, Subpart S, Inspection/Maintenance Program Requirements. Any vehicle with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or a set diagnostic trouble code (DTC) shall be failed. Any 1996 and newer model year vehicles that have been determined by the program manager to be OBDII incompatible shall be tested using the two-speed idle test with maximum allowable exhaust standards of 100 ppm hydrocarbons and 1.0 % carbon monoxide.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. New Mexico may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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