It "used to be" that there were no emissions testing on diesels. No more. I have a 2009 diesel Jetta and just learned that it does, in fact, require emissions testing. From the VA QED:
• NOTE: Diesel powered vehicles are not exempt from the emissions testing program requirements when they have:
1. A model year newer than 1996, and
2. A Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) less than 8,501 lbs., (if GVWR is not available, empty and gross weights will be used) and
3. A registration that expires in July 2007 or later.
It would seem this is based on Federal regs and law, so it likely is also required elsewhere. Although emissions testing is not required everywhere; it depends upon local pollution levels. It would seem that this is a sort of retroactive application of emissions testing, since this certainly wasn't the case 14 years ago when the 1997 models came out.
Just an FYI for those of us with diesels that are about to have their registration renewed.
• NOTE: Diesel powered vehicles are not exempt from the emissions testing program requirements when they have:
1. A model year newer than 1996, and
2. A Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) less than 8,501 lbs., (if GVWR is not available, empty and gross weights will be used) and
3. A registration that expires in July 2007 or later.
It would seem this is based on Federal regs and law, so it likely is also required elsewhere. Although emissions testing is not required everywhere; it depends upon local pollution levels. It would seem that this is a sort of retroactive application of emissions testing, since this certainly wasn't the case 14 years ago when the 1997 models came out.
Just an FYI for those of us with diesels that are about to have their registration renewed.
