Emission control system

Spark ignition engined vehicles 

Information

This inspection applies to all spark ignition engine vehicles originally fitted with an emission control system 

Method of inspection 

1. Check the presence and condition of any emission control systems fitted as standard. 
2. Turn on the ignition and check that the engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminates and then goes off. On some vehicles it will be necessary to start the engine before the MIL goes off. 

An engine MIL is required to be fitted to: 

• petrol vehicles (including light goods vehicles) with 4 or more wheels, not more than 8 passenger seats in addition to the driver’s seat and first used on or after 1 July 2003 
• petrol vehicles with 4 or more wheels, more than 8 passenger seats in addition to the driver’s seat and first used on or after 1 July 2008 
• gas and bi-fuel vehicles (including light goods vehicles) with 4 or more wheels, not more than 8 passenger seats in addition to the driver’s seat and first used on or after 1 July 2008 

Kit cars and amateur built vehicles are not required to be fitted with an engine MIL.

Vehicles prior to the above dates are not required to be fitted with an engine MIL, however if an engine MIL is fitted, the inspection is limited to an engine MIL that is illuminated, indicating a fault.

Reason for rejection

	Deficiency Category
Emission control equipment fitted by the manufacturer: missing, obviously modified or obviously defective.	MAJOR
Engine MIL illuminated, indicating a malfunction or inoperative.	MAJOR

Compression ignition engined vehicles - Diesel

Information 

This inspection applies to all compression ignition engined vehicles originally fitted with an emission control system. 

Method of inspection 

1. Check the presence and condition of any emission control systems fitted as standard. 
2. Turn on the ignition and check that the engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminates and then goes off. On some vehicles it will be necessary to start the engine before the MIL goes off. 

An engine MIL is required to be fitted to diesel vehicles with 4 or more wheels and first used on or after 1 July 2008. 

Kit cars and amateur built vehicles are not required to be fitted with an engine MIL.

Vehicles firsts used prior to 1 July 2008 are not required to be fitted with an engine MIL, however if an engine MIL is fitted, the inspection is limited to an engine MIL that is illuminated, indicating a fault.

Reason for rejection

	Deficiency Category
Emission control equipment fitted by the manufacturer: missing, obviously modified or obviously defective.	MAJOR
Engine MIL inoperative, or illuminated indicating a fault	MAJOR