A state lawmaker has just introduced legislation that ends Lycoming County’s participation in the vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program.

State Rep. Jamie Flick, R-South Williamsport, introduced the bill to help the county’s motorists and end what he called an outdated and ineffective program. He represents Lycoming and Union counties 83rd district and asked other legislators to co-sponsor the bill.

Also known as the IM program, at its inception, the program’s initial intentions were to reduce air pollution and promote environmental conservation.

However, the surge of newer and more fuel-efficient vehicles on roadways calls for a reassessment of the program’s efficacy and necessity, Flick said.

Additionally, this program places what Flick described as a “substantial financial burden on the citizens of Pennsylvania, particularly low-income individuals, and small business owners.”

Nowadays, the costs associated with inspection fees, potential repairs, and time off from work for the testing process all create undue hardship communities. Cars that are driven less than 5,000 miles a year are exempt from emissions testing and cost for most vehicle owners is between $30 to $50, with market-rates applying for various mechanics, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles website.

Most gasoline-powered motor vehicles with a model year of 1975 are subject to an emission inspection. Actual test requirements are based on make and model, drive system, vehicle weight, etc.

“Opting Lycoming County out of the program would provide much-needed relief to our constituents who are struggling to make ends meet,” Flick said.

The IM program is federally mandated, however, Flick’s legislation, if passed, would petition the EPA to remove Lycoming County from this federal requirement.

Flick reached out to other legislators and asked them to please consider co-sponsoring this legislation. He considered it a way to unburden Lycoming County’s residents from this inefficient and costly endeavor.

As designed, the state program was meant to extend the life of a vehicle and improve air quality.

What Flick said is true. If the vehicle does not pass, the owner must make emissions-related repairs and have the vehicle re-inspected before the current safety inspection expires.

Making these repairs will not only reduce emissions, but also may help to improve gas mileage and prolong the life of the vehicle.

After necessary repairs are completed, the first re-inspection will be free, as long as it is done within 30 days at the same place that conducted the initial inspection.

However, if the vehicle still doesn’t pass the inspection, and the owner can show that he/she has spent at least $150 on emissions-related repairs, the owner may be eligible for a one-year waiver.

In some cases, the owner may have to spend more if a major repair, such as replacing a catalytic converter, is the only reasonable way to address the problem.

Motorists must obtain an emissions sticker or a waiver from a certified inspection station and pass a safety inspection before a safety inspection sticker can be affixed to the vehicle.

The emissions inspection is due once a year at the same time or before the annual safety inspection.

Some counties do not require the emissions testing and fees are market-driven, so, if possible, the motorist should shop around.

Individual stations and dealers determine the emissions inspection fee, as they always have for safety inspections. Stations may charge a fee for an exemption.