By Matt Sepic, KWMU
St. Louis – Missouri's new vehicle emissions testing program is now in effect.
St. Louis-area motorists may now get their vehicles tested at repair shops instead of the old testing stations.
Renee Bungart with the Department of Natural Resources said more than 200 garages now offer the test, and hundreds more are getting licensed.
"Anyone can look for a Gateway Vehicle Inspection Program sign that's supposed to be displayed right below their Missouri official testing station sign," Bungart said. "So anyone can go to that station to have their emissions test and safety inspection both at the same station."
The new test uses vehicles' on-board computers. So that means cars and trucks with 1995 or older model years are exempt.
However 1997 and newer diesel cars and light trucks are now required to take the test.
As part of the phase in, people with license plates expiring this month have until the end of the year to get the test.
The program was supposed to start in September, but it was delayed because more time was needed to equip shops and train technicians.
For more information, visit www.GatewayVIP.com