Georgia's Clean Air Force
An Overview for the
Motoring Public
Overview
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Slide 2
7.22.2014
What is Georgia’s Clean Air Force?
Testing Information
My Vehicle Did Not Pass, Why?
Repairing My Vehicle
Retest Process
Vehicle Sales
Registration Scenarios
Resources At Your Fingertips
What Is Georgia's Clean Air Force?
`
 Georgia's Clean Air Force (GCAF) is the state's emissions
testing program, also known as the Georgia Vehicle
Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Program.
 The I/M program has been in existence since 1981.
Federal CCA Amendments of 1990 led to Georgia
being required to implement an “enhanced inspection
and maintenance program.” This enhanced program
was implemented in 1996. OBD testing began in 2002.
Slide 3
What Is Georgia's Clean Air Force?
`
 The program covers thirteen (13)
metro Atlanta counties.
−
The covered counties include: Cherokee,
Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb,
Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton,
Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding and Rockdale.
Did you know?
GCAF has cleaned up nearly two million vehicles since the
program started.
Slide 4
Did you
know?
GCAF has
cleaned up
nearly 2
million
vehicles
since the
program
started in
1996.
Testing Information
 In This Section:
− Why We Test
− What Are The Benefits Of Emissions Testing?
− How Do I Get My Vehicle Tested?
Slide 5
Testing Information
Why We Test
 Air pollution is a public health
and environmental issue in
metro Atlanta.
 Particulate matter found in air
pollution can increase the risk
of heart attack, stroke and
other cardiovascular
problems.
 Children and senior citizens
are especially vulnerable, but
anyone who inhales deeply
can suffer asthma attacks,
coughing and wheezing, and
shortness of breath.
Slide 6
06.06.2014
For additional details,
download the Health
Benefits poster.
Testing Information
What Are The Benefits Of Emissions Testing?
 GCAF is designed to identify
and ultimately repair the
emissions issues that cause
gasoline-powered cars and
light-duty trucks to pollute the
air.
 Since 1996, more than two
million heavy polluting vehicles
have been identified and
repaired.
Slide 7
Help Georgia Breathe
A Little Easier!
Testing Information
How Do I Get My Vehicle Tested?
Which vehicles require testing?
 Please see the current Question and Answer (Q&A) brochure.
Which vehicles do not require testing?
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Three most recent model years
Vehicles 25 model years old or older
Diesel powered vehicles
Motorcycles
RVs and motor homes
Alternative fueled vehicles that run exclusively on alternative fuels
View the Question and Answer (Q&A) brochure for more details.
Slide 8
06.06.2014
Testing Information
How Do I Get My Vehicle Tested?
Where do I test?
 You may get your vehicle tested at any testing
station which displays a state-certified sign (see
example). A list of testing locations can be found by
clicking here.
How much does an emissions test cost?
 Per Georgia law, the testing fee may not be more
than $25. Stations are independently owned and
operated and determine the price they will charge.
Slide 9
06.06.2014
Testing Information
How Do I Get My Vehicle Tested?
Are there different types of tests? Yes, there are two types of
tests performed in Georgia
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Tests
 All 1996 and newer vehicles receive a three-part inspection: a visual
inspection of the catalytic converter, an OBD test and a fuel cap
inspection.
Accelerated Simulation Mode (ASM2) Tests
 All 1995 and older model year vehicles will receive a three-part
inspection: a visual inspection of the catalytic converter, an ASM2
tailpipe exhaust emission test, and a fuel cap inspection.
 For more details, click here.
What if I own an alternative fueled vehicle?
 Vehicles powered only by diesel fuel or that run exclusively on
alternative fuel (natural gas, propane, etc.) are exempt from
emissions testing. Dual-fuel vehicles must be inspected if one of the
fuels burned is gasoline.
 For more details, click here.
Slide 10
06.06.2014
Testing Information
How Do I Get My Vehicle Tested?
What if my free retest has expired?
 The free retest is valid for 30 calendar days, including the day and
time of the first inspection. The retest must be used at the original
inspection station. If the retest has expired, you will be required to
pay for the next inspection.
 Note: Another emissions inspection station may perform the free
retest at no charge, however it is up to the station’s discretion as to
whether or not to perform the retest.
What steps do I take if my vehicle has been impounded?
 Pay the vehicle’s ad valorem tax and any additional fees.
 Take the tax receipt to the impound company, at which point the
vehicle will be released.
 Have the vehicle towed from the impound lot to a testing station.
 Get the vehicle emissions tested.
 Return to the tag office for the new tag decal.
Slide 11
06.06.2014
Testing Information
How Do I Get My Vehicle Tested?
How do I get a refund?
 GCAF does not have the authority to issue
refunds because stations are independently
owned and operated.
 Retests are required to be free at the
original
inspection station for 30 calendar days. The 30 days includes the day
of the first inspection and expires at the time of day of the original
test.
 If your original inspection station’s equipment is down or if the
station is closed, call 1.800.449.2471 or send an e-mail to
info@cleanairforce.com for assistance.
Slide 12
06.06.2014
Testing Information
How Do I Get My Vehicle Tested?
What if I will be out of the area when my vehicle‘s
registration is due?
 Vehicles can be tested well in advance if the driver will be out of the
area at time the registration is due.
 A vehicle inspection report (VIR) is valid for one year.
 Contact your county tag office to determine if it will allow a
registration renewal prior to the normal renewal period (if more than
60 days prior to the renewal date).
 Click here for more information.
Slide 13
06.06.2014
Testing Information
How Do I Get My Vehicle Tested?
Where are the service centers located and what are the
hours of operation?
 GCAF has five full-time service centers located in Clayton, Cobb,
DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties. Part-time service centers are
open in Cherokee, Coweta, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Henry,
Paulding, and Rockdale counties.
– The hours of operation and driving directions to all service centers are
listed on the GCAF website at www.cleanairforce.com.
– Additionally, GCAF partners with metro Atlanta tag offices to offer
waiver services. We recommend contacting your local tag office to
find out the services they offer.
Slide 14
06.06.2014
Testing Information
How Do I Get My Vehicle Tested?
How do I request a referee test?
 If you question the test procedures, accuracy of the inspection
equipment, or validity of the results, you may request a referee test
within 15 calendar days of the disputed inspection if no repairs have
been made to the vehicle (15 days includes the day of the first
inspection).
− The referee test will be observed by a GCAF representative at a
mutually agreeable time at the inspection station where your vehicle
was tested. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call
the GCAF Call Center at 1.800.449.2471.
− Also, please report any offers to illegally pass a vehicle by calling the
GCAF Call Center at 800.449.2471 or by sending an e-mail to
info@cleanairforce.com.
For additional testing information, please review the
Question and Answer brochure, available at
www.cleanairforce.com and at all certified testing facilities.
Slide 15
06.06.2014
My Vehicle Did Not Pass. Why?
 My Vehicle Did Not Pass. Why?
− What Causes A Readiness Failure?
− What Causes A Non-Communication Failure?
− The "Check Engine" Light
− What Causes A NOx Failure?
− What Causes A HC Failure?
− What Causes A CO Failure?
Slide 16
06.06.2014
My Vehicle Did Not Pass. Why?
What Causes A Readiness Failure?
Possible causes of a readiness failure include:
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The failure could be the result of something preventing the vehicle
from becoming “Ready.” You should check all wires, fuses, and the
thermostat. All wires should be checked on any installed after market
system (Ex: CD player, radio, security, navigation system, satellite
radio, etc.). Check the thermostat for proper operating temperature.
The failure could mean there is a recall, outstanding Technical
Service Bulletin (TSB) or manufacturer extended warranty issue
related to the vehicle’s emissions control system.
Note: A diagnostic analysis should be performed using an OBD
generic scan tool; be sure the scan tool is connected to the Data
Link Connector (DLC) under the dash, not under the hood.
For additional information on readiness,
click here.
Slide 17
06.06.2014
My Vehicle Did Not Pass. Why?
What Causes A Non-Communication Failure?
Possible causes of a non-communication failure include:
 A failure could result from the data link connector (DLC) being
blocked, missing or broken.
 The failure could result from interference caused by or damage to a
wire or fuse. You should check all wires and fuses.
− All wires should be checked on any after market system (E.g. CD player,
radio, security, navigation system, satellite radio, etc). If a wire is interfering
with the battery or OBD computer, it could damage or interfere with the
connection to the OBD computer.
 The failure could mean there is a recall, outstanding TSB, or
manufacturer extended warranty issue related to your vehicle’s
emissions control system.
Continued ►
Slide 18
06.06.2014
My Vehicle Did Not Pass. Why?
What Causes A Non-Communication Failure?
Possible causes of non-communication failure include
(cont'd):
 Note: A diagnostic analysis should be performed using an OBD generic
scan tool; be sure the scan tool is connected to the DLC under the
dash, not under the hood.
 If a mechanic is able to communicate using generic OBD scan tool,
contact GCAF at info@cleanairforce.com or call the GCAF Call
Center at 1.800.449.2471 for further assistance. You are required to
provide documentation from your mechanic stating all of the above
have been checked.
For additional information on noncommunication, click here.
Slide 19
06.06.2014
My Vehicle Did Not Pass. Why?
The “Check Engine” Light
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The “Check Engine” light may illuminate
indicating something as minor as a loose
fuel cap or as major as an emission
control component failure.
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Your Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) will
list the first five Diagnostic Trouble Codes
(DTCs) indicating the general area of the
emissions control system failure.
Tip: tighten the fuel cap until it
clicks and drive for a few days.
 If a DTC listed on the VIR indicates a fault within the vehicle’s
“evaporative system,” you should tighten the fuel cap until it clicks
and drive the vehicle for a few days to see if the OBD system turns off
the “Check Engine” light.
Slide 20
06.06.2014
My Vehicle Did Not Pass. Why?
The “Check Engine” Light
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A transmission code that turns on the “Check Engine” light is directly
related to the vehicle’s emissions control system.
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A vehicle’s on-board computer will illuminate the “Check Engine”
light if a problem with the transmission is detected. A diagnostic
analysis will help identify the transmission component(s) needing
repair.
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If the “Check Engine” light is flashing, the vehicle should be serviced
immediately to avoid costly damage to the vehicle’s main emissions
control component – the catalytic converter.
For additional information on the "Check
Engine" light, click here.
Slide 21
06.06.2014
My Vehicle Did Not Pass. Why?
What Causes A NOx Failure?
Possible causes of NOx failure include:
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A faulty or clogged EGR system and/or EGR valve
Incorrect ignition timing
Incorrect fuel pressure
A broken or leaky vacuum hose
A faulty mass air flow sensor
Old coolant/antifreeze
Faulty oxygen sensor(s)
A faulty or malfunctioning thermostat
You should seek a repair facility for assistance. You are encouraged to
view the RepairWatch Public Report to find a qualified emissions repair
shop in your area. The report can be found at any inspection station or
on the GCAF website at
www.cleanairforce.com.
Slide 22
06.06.2014
My Vehicle Did Not Pass. Why?
What Causes An HC Failure?
Possible causes of a hydrocarbon (HC) failure
include:
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Faulty spark plugs and plug wires
Faulty oxygen sensor(s)
A faulty mass air flow sensor
A faulty EGR system
Clogged or leaking fuel injectors or carburetor
Incorrect ignition timing
You should seek a repair facility for assistance. You are encouraged to
view the RepairWatch Public Report to find a qualified emissions repair
shop in your area. The report can be found at any inspection station or
on the GCAF website at www.cleanairforce.com.
Slide 23
06.06.2014
My Vehicle Did Not Pass. Why?
What Causes A CO Failure?
Possible causes of a carbon monoxide (CO) failure
include:
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Faulty oxygen sensor(s)
A faulty mass air flow sensor
A faulty PCV valve
A clogged air filter
Incorrect ignition timing
Faulty fuel pressure
A dirty fuel injection/carburetor
A vacuum and/or exhaust leak
You should seek a repair facility for assistance. You are encouraged to
view the RepairWatch Public Report to find a qualified emissions repair
shop in your area. The report can be found at any inspection station or
on the GCAF website at www.cleanairforce.com.
Slide 24
06.06.2014
Repairing My Vehicle
 Repairing My Vehicle
− Where Should I Go For Repairs?
− Repair Issues
− Repair Shop Complaints
− Repair Assistance Knowledge Base
− TSB/Recall Notification List
− How Do I Get My Vehicle Retested?
Slide 25
06.06.2014
Repairing My Vehicle
Where Should I Go For Repairs?
 Check to see if your vehicle is covered by a
manufacturer’s emissions control warranty.
– If the vehicle is under warranty, you should take it to an
authorized dealer. If the vehicle is not under warranty, you should
find a qualified emissions repair shop to make the necessary
repairs.
 You are encouraged to view the RepairWatch Public
Report to find a qualified emissions repair shop in your
area.
– You can find the report at any emission inspection station or on
the GCAF website at www.cleanairforce.com.
Slide 26
06.06.2014
Repairing My Vehicle
Where Should I Go For Repairs?
 Note: GCAF recommends that you obtain a written estimate
for any work before authorizing your repair technician to
proceed.
− Be sure you or your mechanic completes the Emissions Repair
Form you received when your vehicle failed. The completed
Emissions Repair Form and original Georgia Vehicle Inspection
Report (VIR) are required when the vehicle is retested.
Slide 27
06.06.2014
Repairing My Vehicle
Repair Issues
What if I cannot locate a part?
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You should check local salvage yards, as well as the following
websites* for the unavailable part:
www.autozone.com
www.advanceautoparts.com
www.pepboys.com
www.partstrain.com
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www.autop.com
www.carparts.com
www.jcwhitney.com
You can find additional places in the Yellow Pages, under “Auto Parts
New.”
If all attempted efforts to locate the part have failed, then contact 1800-449-2471. Attempts to locate parts must be documented.
Please note: it is illegal to install a used catalytic converter.
You are encouraged to pay the vehicle’s ad valorem tax while
searching for the part.
*This is not a complete list. Further research may be needed.
Slide 28
06.06.2014
Repairing My Vehicle
=
Repair Shop Complaints
What if I am dissatisfied with
the work of my repair
facility?
 GCAF does not regulate the
repair industry; however, GCAF
suggests that you file a
complaint with your repair
facility/dealership or contact the
Better Business Bureau, the
Governor’s Office of Consumer
Protection, or the Secretary of
State’s office.
Slide 29
01.01.2014
Repairing My Vehicle
Repair Assistance Knowledge Base and TSB/Recall Notification List
Georgia's Clean Air Force offers two resources to
research repair issues:
Repair Assistance Knowledge Base - A list of recalls, Technical
Service Bulletins (TSBs), warranties and Diagnostic Trouble Codes
(DTCs).
TSB/Recall Notification List - A list of recent Technical Service
Bulletins (TSBs) and recalls.
Slide 30
06.06.2014
Repairing My Vehicle
v
How Do I Get My Vehicle Retested?
 For every paid test, you are allowed one free retest.
View retest requirements.
 Bring the completed Emissions Repair Form to the retest
location. You will need to make a copy of the Repair
Form if you want one for your records. The emissions
station will keep this form.
 If you need a copy of your most recent VIR, you can
print a copy of your VIR via the GCAF website,
www.cleanairforce.com. All you need is your vehicle
identification number (VIN).
Slide 31
06.06.2014
Vehicle Sales
 In This Section:
− Passing VIR Not Available
− Non-Emissions County Purchase/Non-Covered
County
− Buyer Lives In A Non-Covered County
− Out-Of-State Seller
− “As-Is” Clause
− Complaint Process
Slide 32
06.06.2014
Vehicle Sales
Passing VIR Not Available
What if I purchased a vehicle that
does not have a passing Georgia
Vehicle Emissions Inspection Report
(VIR).
 Prior to purchasing a used vehicle, you
should look up the VIN, via the Georgia’s
Clean Air Force (GCAF) website, to see if the
vehicle has a passing VIR.*
 If you purchase a used vehicle from a seller
located within the 13-county testing area
and plan to register the vehicle in a covered
county,** the vehicle must have a passing
VIR from the last 12 months.
― Within 12 months, a vehicle may be sold
numerous times using the same valid VIR.
Slide 33
06.06.2014
**Covered counties: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette,
Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, and Rockdale.
Vehicle Sales
Passing VIR Not Available
What if I purchased a vehicle that does not have a passing
VIR.
(cont'd)
 Sellers are not required to provide the buyer with a hard copy of the
VIR. The VIR will be on record electronically at the tag office. If you
would like a hard copy of the VIR, a free copy can be obtained from
the GCAF website at www.cleanairforce.com or at any GCAF
Customer Service Center.
Slide 34
06.06.2014
Vehicle Sales
Non-Emissions County Purchase
I purchased a vehicle in a non-emissions county.
 The seller is not responsible for selling a vehicle with a current, valid
passing Georgia Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) if the seller is not
located in the 13-county testing area.
*Covered counties: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette,
Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, and Rockdale.
Slide 35
06.06.2014
Vehicle Sales
Buyer Lives In A Non-Covered County and Out-Of-State Seller
What if I live in a county that does not require emissions
testing?
 If the buyer is located in a county that does not require emission
testing, the seller is not responsible for selling a vehicle with a current,
valid passing Georgia Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR).
What if I purchased a vehicles from an out-of-state seller?
 He or she is not responsible for selling a vehicle with a current, valid
passing Georgia VIR.
*Covered counties: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette,
Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, and Rockdale.
Slide 36
06.06.2014
Vehicle Sales
"As Is“ Clause
I purchased a vehicle “As Is”;
what does that mean?”
 Vehicles sold “As Is” are just that - “as is;”
however:
− Georgia law requires a vehicle to
have a valid, passing emissions
inspection at the time of sale if the
vehicle will be registered in a covered county and if the seller
is located in the 13-county testing area.
− A valid, passing emissions inspection is required to register a
vehicle in any of the 13 metro Atlanta counties, therefore
emissions inspections are not subject to the “As Is” clause.
− The Georgia Secretary of State’s Office requires the seller
provide the buyer with the necessary paperwork to register
and tag a vehicle within 30 days of sale (seven days if
purchased from a private seller).
Slide 37
06.06.2014
*Covered counties: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette,
Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding and Rockdale.
Vehicle Sales
Complaint Process
What is the process for filing a complaint against a seller?
1.
2.
3.
Visit the GCAF website and download the Used Vehicle Sale
Complaint Form.
Submit the completed form with the requested documentation (a
bill of sale and affidavit are required documentation).
GCAF will investigate the case and contact you after the
investigation is completed.
Note: The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD)
encourages you to seek resolution with the seller prior to filing a
Used Vehicle Sale Complaint.
Slide 38
06.06.2014
Registration Scenarios
 In This Section:
− Late Registrations
− Early Registrations
− Moved To A Covered County From A NonCovered County
− Test Not On File At Tag Office
− Data Errors
Slide 39
06.06.2014
Registration Scenarios
Late Registrations
What if I am late registering my vehicle?
 If the vehicle has not been registered for several years and is
registering late for the previous year, the vehicle will need to be
tested now for the late renewal and tested again before the renewal
for the current year.
 If the vehicle has not been registered for several years and is
registering for the current year, the vehicle will only need to be tested
once to return it to the regular testing schedule. It is the tag office’s
discretion as to what is required for late registration. Please contact
your tag office for information regarding registration.
Slide 40
06.06.2014
Registration Scenarios
Early Registrations
Can I test and register my vehicle early?
 Yes, a Georgia Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) is valid for 12 months or
one registration renewal, by the same owner.
 Georgia’s Clean Air Force (GCAF) recommends you test your vehicle
four to six weeks prior to the registration renewal date; however, you
may have the vehicle tested earlier if needed.
– To test early, the emissions inspector will need to select the option to
test “At Motorist’s Request.”
 You should contact your tag office to determine if it will allow a
registration renewal prior to your normal renewal period (more than 60
days before your registration renewal date).
Slide 41
06.06.2014
Registration Scenarios
Moved To A Covered County From A Non-Covered County
I recently moved into a county that requires emission tests;
what do I need to do?
 You must have your vehicle tested and registered within 30 days.
 If you just moved to one of the 13 covered counties from a Georgia
county where emissions testing is not required and your vehicle has a
current Georgia registration, a valid emissions certificate will not be
required until your registration renewal due date.
Slide 42
06.06.2014
Registration Scenarios
Test Not On File At Tag Office
What if my test is not on file at my county tag office?
 If your vehicles test record is not on file, your vehicle's information, the
vehicle identification number (VIN), was entered incorrectly during
testing.
 The inspector must retest the vehicle and correct the issue at no cost
to you.
Slide 43
06.06.2014
Registration Scenarios
Data Errors
What if the inspector
entered the data for my
vehicle incorrectly.
 If the VIN, mileage or any of
the vehicle information is
entered incorrectly, the
inspector is to retest the
vehicle and correct the
issue at no cost to you.
For additional information on your rights,
please review the Motorists Rights poster
posted at www.cleanairforce.com and
certified testing facilities.
Slide 44
06.06.2014
Resources At Your Fingertips
GCAF Website and GCAF Customer Service Centers
 Resources At Your Fingertips
− GCAF Website
− GCAF Customer Service Centers
− GCAF Call Center
− Question & Answer Brochure
− Registration Renewal Insert
− Foreign Language Documents
− Motorist Rights Poster
− Health Benefits Poster
Slide 45
06.06.2014
Resources at Your Fingertips
Georgia's Clean Air Force (GCAF) offers numerous
resources to assist you with the emissions testing process.
 GCAF Website
CleanAirForce.com
− Find Program information, applications,
online VIR reprints, station locations,
GCAF Service Center locations,
tag office locations, etc.
 GCAF Customer Service Centers
Slide 46
06.06.2014
− GCAF offers waivers, extensions,
and exemptions assistance at multiple
locations throughout metro Atlanta.
Click here for a full listing of locations
and additional useful information.
Resources at Your Fingertips
GCAF Call Center, Q&A Brochure and Registration Renewal Insert
 GCAF Call Center
−
1.800.449.2471, option 1
−
Asistencia disponible en Español
 Question & Answer Brochure
Q&A brochures are available at all
certified testing locations to assist
motorists with failing vehicles.
 Registration Renewal Inserts
are mailed by your county tag office to
explain how to get started.
Note: Brochures and inserts are
available online.
Slide 47
06.06.2014
Resources at Your Fingertips
Foreign Language Documents, Motorist Rights Poster and Health
Benefits Poster
 Foreign language documents
Literature available online at
www.cleanairforce.com in Spanish,
Korean and Vietnamese.
 Motorists’ Rights Poster
Outlines your rights during the
emissions testing process
(see example).
emission
 Health Benefits Poster
Outlines the health benefits of
emissions testing.
Slide 48
06.06.2014
emission
Thank You
Georgia's Clean Air Force