Understanding Your Vehicle Emissions Inspection Report

Your Vehicle Emissions Inspection Report (known simply as "VIR") contains a wealth of information about your emissions inspection.

To the right is a sample VIR broken down into sections.  You can read more about each section below.

If you do not have a VIR in front of you, you can view a sample one by clicking here.

Vehicle Information:

This section lists information regarding the specific vehicle being tested.  Information such as the Vehicle's Identification Number, model year, make, model name, engine size and number of cylinders, and current mileage can be found in this section. 

Other information in this section is GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and ETW (Estimated Test Weight).

• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating means the maximum recommended combined weight of the motor vehicle and its load as prescribed by the manufacturer and is (i) expressed on a permanent identification label affixed to the motor vehicle; (ii) is stated on the manufacturer's certificate of origin; or (iii) is coded in the vehicle identification number.
• Estimated Test Weight or Emissions Test Weight means the weight of a motor vehicle as automatically determined by the emissions analzyer system based on vehicle make, model, body style, model year, engine size, permanently installed equipment, and other manufacturer and aftermarket supplied information, and used for the purpose of assigning dynamometer resistance and exhaust emissions standards for the conduct of an exhaust emissions inspection.

Tailpipe and Visible Smoke Results:

This section contains information regarding the results of the tailpipe emissions test as well as the inspection for visible smoke.

To read more about tailpipe emissions, click here.

To read more about visible smoke emissions, click here.

Note:  The tailpipe emissions section will show "N/A" for most OBDII inspections.  N/A will also be displayed in the case of an inspection failure for visible smoke, emissions control component(s), or a Failed/Invalid inspection result.

Emissions Control Components and OBDII Inspection:

In this section, you will find results of the visual emissions component inspection as well as OBDII test results when applicable.

To learn more about emissions control components, click here.

To learn more about the On-Board Diagnostics systems, click here.

Overall Test Results:

There are four possible "overall test results":

• Passed - The vehicle has passed all criteria required by the emissions inspection process to register with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to operate on the commonwealth's highways.
  Related Topic: My vehicle has passed the emissions inspection, now what?
• Failed - Vehicles that fail the initial inspection are eligible for ONE free retest at the original station within 14 calendar days of the initial inspection. Vehicles that fail the emissions inspection must be repaired and reinspected until a pass or waiver is obtained. Upon a failure, the vehicle emissions inspection report, which indicates the failed item(s) and a second page, the "Emissions Repair Data Form," will be given to you by the inspector. Repair and diagnostic work performed and/or approved by a certified emissions repair technician employed at a certified emissions repair facility, can be applied toward an emissions inspection waiver.
  Related Topic: What should I do if my vehicle fails the inspection?
• Waiver - The vehicle passed the visual inspection, gas cap pressure test, visible smoke inspection and all vehicle manufacturer mandated warranty repairs have been satisfied . However, tailpipe emissions test results have continued to exceed the applicable standard(s) for tailpipe emissions and the citizen has spent the required dollar amount for repairs performed by a Certified Emissions Repair Technician employed at a Certified Emissions Repair Facility. The vehicle is allowed to register for one registration cycle to operate on the commonwealth's highways.
• Failed/Invalid - an inspection that results in a failed/invalid due to rpm and/or dilution is an inspection that could not be completed accurately. 
  Related Topic:  Types of Failures

Bar Code and Transaction Identification Number (TIN):

The bar code and TIN are used to transfer and verify inspection information.  The Department of Motor Vehicles may ask for the TIN during the registration renewal process.

Remarks and OBDII Diagnostic Trouble Codes Section:

This section of the vehicle inspection report will provide you with information regarding applicable free retests, waiver provisions, and warranty information for which you may be eligible. The remarks section will print pertinent information depending on the performance of your vehicle during the emissions inspection process.

This section will also contain up to five Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) if present in the vehicle's On-Board Diagnostic computer.  It is important to understand that there may be more than five DTCs present; if so, they will also need attention during the diagnosis and repair process.
Related Topic:  Introduction to On-Board Diagnostics

Inspection Station Information

This section contains information regarding the Inspection Station that performed the emissions inspection as well as the name of the Emissions Inspector.  Details regarding the emissions inspection analyzer system are also printed in this section.

Air Check Virginia Contact Information and Inspector Signature:

If you have any concerns about your emissions inspection that haven't been satisfied by station personnel, you can contact the Air Check Virginia program office.  Directly to the right of that information appears the signature of the emissions inspector who performed your emissions inspection.