New DMV Vehicle Inspection Rules For Sussex County Delaware
Greg Buckley • July 20, 2023
Changes Start August 14th, 2023
For all Sussex County residents: New DMV rules regarding vehicle emissions take effect starting August 14th, 2023.
Why is this important:
Up until now, Sussex County was not part of the emission programs followed by sister counties, Kent and New Castle. This allowed grace for motorists whose vehicles had or have the Check Engine Light on. Inspectors ran a tailpipe test and the traditional safety inspection (lights, wipers, horns). In most cases, vehicles would pass and a new registration will be extended.
What happens next:
The new rules for Sussex are now the same as in Kent and NewCastle County. The exception: Sussex County will start OBDII inspections at model year 2008. Prior model years will not be affected. Any Check Engine Light that is "on" will be a reason to fail inspection. As in the other counties, if an inspector witnesses a vehicle's Check Engine Light illuminated, they may excuse you from any further inspection until the Check Engine Light issue is resolved.
New Inspection Procedure:
With the new inspection procedures in place, inspectors will now test that the Check Engine Light is reporting (they will cycle the ignition) and also hook up their monitor to the vehicle's connector and monitor any emission related codes present. This is an extra step that will require you to step out of the vehicle so that the inspector can connect to your vehicle.
What Should You Do:
If you live in Sussex County, have a check engine light on and are due for inspection within the next THREE MONTHS, I suggest to go through the inspection lanes BEFORE August 14th. Personally, I always suggest getting a two year registration because the extra cost offers you additional time should you need it to correct an emission related repair.
Hopefully this can help you explain the new DMV/DNREC rules for residents of Sussex. If there are any questions please feel free to call and discuss.
Thank you - Greg Buckley
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