TLC ASSISTS INDUSTRY IN PREPARING FOR NEXT PHASE OF OBD II EMISSIONS TESTING

On January 1, 2005, the TLC will begin implementing a new emissions test at the Woodside Inspection Facility. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are requiring this new test, On Board Diagnostics II (OBD II), in order to comply with state and federal mandates for clean air. OBD II is a direct car-to-computer test that will replace the current emissions test for most vehicles with model years 1996 and later.

For the past six months, the TLC has been using a limited version of OBD II testing. Full OBD II testing begins in January. Preliminary tests show that, without appropriate preparation, the initial failure rate for medallion taxicabs could rise appreciably. Aside from revealing malfunctions requiring immediate attention and repair, OBD II will also uncover potential malfunctions that were not yet apparent. For the owners of those vehicles, this would mean expensive repairs and inconvenient re-inspections.

In conjunction with the DMV and the DEC, the TLC will host two information sessions. Information will be provided on OBD II, failure criteria under the standard OBD II test, and steps that you can take to prevent an emissions test failure. The attached Fact Sheet (TLC/DEC/DMV) has additional information. Each hour-long session will begin on the hour (9 AM, 10 AM, etc). You only need to attend ONE session.

The TLC strongly encourages all those involved with vehicle inspection preparation and mechanical maintenance to attend these important informational sessions. Failure of the OBD II test may prevent renewal of your vehicle’s DMV registration and repeated failures may lead to temporary removal of your medallion.

In order to reserve a space (or if you have any questions) please contact the TLC’s Safety and Emissions Division at (718) 267-4598 at least one week before your information session.