Waivers

What is a waiver?

When a vehicle has failed at least one emissions test and the owner has made efforts to have that vehicle repaired, a waiver may be issued at one of the 23 Full-Service E-Check testing facilities. See below for the types of waiver options. The motorist must bring all original emissions-related repair receipts, as well as the vehicle, to the full-service station in order for a waiver to be issued. Repairs may be performed at any legitimate repair facility or by the vehicle owner. In the case of self-repairs, only receipts for parts will count toward a waiver. An owner may not submit receipts for her/his own labor. Tampering-related repairs do not count toward either waiver option.

Note: Waivers are not transferable to the new owner if the vehicle is sold. Warranty repairs do not apply to the waiver limit requirements.

Apply for a Waiver

When a vehicle has failed at least one emission test and the owner has made efforts to have that vehicle repaired, a waiver may be issued at any of the 23 Full-Service E-Check Center. Visit the Ohio EPA website https://epa.ohio.gov for a list of locations.

A Repair Cap Waiver is issued to a motorist when they have spent a minimum of $300 (see below) or more towards emissions-related repairs, related to failures, on a vehicle and the vehicle still does not pass. Implementation: Vehicles that take their first test and fail in 2025 shall be subject to the $300 repair waiver amount until March 31, 2026. Vehicles that take their first test and fail in 2026 shall be subject to the $450 repair waiver amount. Remember vehicles are allowed to test up to one year early. The motorist must bring all original emissions-related repair receipts, as well as the vehicle for inspection, to the station in order for the waiver to be issued. Receipts will only be accepted for repairs performed after the initial E-Check and/or within sixty days prior to the inital E-Check. While repairs can be conducted by any shop or vehicle owners labor receipts will only be accepted towards a waiver if work was done at a repair facility processing a vendor's license for automotive repair. Tampering-related or Warranty repairs do not apply to the waiver limited requirements. 

Note: Waiver are not transferable to a new owner. 

Waivers are issued at the 23 Full-Service Ohio E-Check Stations. For the Full-Service E-Check station nearest you, contact 1-800-CAR-TEST or:

 

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