What if my vehicle fails the test?

Information from Drive Clean, and more than 30 North American jurisdictions with programs similar to Ontario's, shows that an average of about 85 per cent of passenger cars and light-duty trucks pass inspection at their first test. However, if your vehicle fails to meet emissions standards, you will need to either have the vehicle repaired to obtain a full pass or to comply with the requirements of the Repair Cost Limit (RCL) and obtain a conditional pass.

You will receive a report indicating your vehicle's emissions results from the test, as well as information on the most common reasons for failing the test. If you want to take advantage of the Repair Cost Limit (RCL) to obtain a conditional Drive Clean pass, you must use the services of an accredited Drive Clean facility for an emissions system diagnostic, repair cost estimates and repairs. However, you may do repairs yourself or go to any local garage but the RCL will not apply.

The RCL sets a maximum on the amount that you must spend on repairs to qualify for a conditional pass for registration renewal only. Any other repairs that put the total cost above the RCL may be deferred. If your vehicle continues to fail its emissions tests for future registration renewals, you may continue to obtain conditional passes - but you will have to meet the requirements of the RCL each time.

The RCL does not apply to repairs covered by a manufacturer's warranty or repairs that are required before a Drive Clean facility will test a vehicle. The conditional pass may not be used to transfer ownership of a vehicle and plate it for the road, as a protection measure for purchasers of used vehicles.

The RCL varies, depending on where in the Drive Clean program area your vehicle is registered. For full details on the Repair Cost Limit, contact the Drive Clean Call Centre, visit the Drive Clean web site or ask an accredited Drive Clean facility for an RCL information card.