Vehicle emissions test notices suspended amid budget impasse

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois motorists will have to keep track of when their vehicles need to pass an emissions test or be renewed, because the state says it won’t provide mailed notifications.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Secretary of State’s office announced the temporary policy changes Tuesday.

The EPA said in a news release that it was forced to suspend mailing of vehicle emissions test notices, starting with license plates that expire at the end of March, because of the lack of a state budget.

As a result, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White has decided to temporarily allow license plate renewals for vehicle owners who haven’t taken the emissions test, citing an unfair burden to the state’s residents. Those owners will be told they still have to get their vehicle tested.

White’s office said in September that it would stop mailing vehicle registration renewal reminders because of the budget standoff. The move was estimated to save $450,000 a month and intended to allow White’s office to continue mailing other reminders — such as for driver’s license renewals — for a few months until the postage account is depleted, he said in a statement.

White’s office also said it will resume regular vehicle registration procedures when the EPA resumes mailing out vehicle emissions test notices. Those who need to renew vehicle registrations have to do so in person because the pin number needed to do so online is sent through the mail.