Indiana Regulators Propose to Redefine Antique Vehicles to Force More into Emissions Tests

 
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management is proposing to redefine the term ‘antique vehicle” in order to force more of these hobby cars into the emissions inspection program.  Under existing law, an antique vehicle is defined as “a motor vehicle or motor scooter that is at least 25-years old.”  Under the regulation, the definition would be revised to require that the vehicle must be at least 25-years old, registered and plated as a historic motor vehicle, driven a maximum of 3,000 miles per calendar year, and include Federally required pollution control equipment for that make and model year.  Under the plan, the vehicle would be periodically forced into a vehicle emission test site to verify that these requirements have been met.
 
We Urge You to Submit Written Comments Opposing This Regulatory Proposal by March 13, 2009.
  • Existing law in Indiana exempts any vehicle 25-years old and older from emissions testing.
     
  • Indiana’s current emissions testing exemption recognizes the minimal impact of vehicles 25-years old and older on vehicle emissions and air quality.
     
  • Vehicles 25-years old and older constitute a small portion of the overall vehicle population and are a poor source from which to look for emissions reduction.
     
  • Antique vehicles are overwhelmingly well-maintained and infrequently driven (about one-third the miles each year as a new vehicle).
Legislators and regulators are feeling the heat from a failed effort to meet air quality goals and are looking for a convenient scapegoat.  The old car hobby should not carry the burden of their mistakes!  
Mailed comments should be addressed to: 
 
#08-674 (APCB) I/M Program - "Antique Vehicle" 
Manda Clevenger:  Mail Code 61-50 
Rules Development Section/Office of Air Quality 
Indiana Department of Environmental Management 
100 North Senate Avenue 
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 
 
- Hand delivered comments will be accepted by the receptionist on duty at the tenth floor reception desk, Office of Air Quality, Indiana Government Center North, 100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana. 
 
- Comments may be submitted by facsimile at the IDEM fax number: (317) 233-2342, Monday through Friday, between 8:15 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.  Please confirm the timely receipt of faxed comments by calling the Rules Development Section at (317) 233-0426.
 
Comments must be postmarked, faxed, or hand delivered by March 13, 2009.