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PO-2460
The requirements of the Drive Clean program are set out in Regulation 361/98 made under the Environmental Protection Act and Regulation 628/90 made under the Highway Traffic Act. These regulations establish various emissions testing standards and requirements for the operation and registration of various types of vehicles in Ontario.
To establish a Drive Clean accredited facility, an individual or business must enter into a performance contract with the Ministry, complete a training program and install Ministry approved equipment to test vehicle emissions. Drive Clean accredited facilities can provide testing only, repairs only or both testing and repairs. All facility employees performing Drive Clean inspections are required to take a Drive Clean Inspector Certification training course to ensure that they are knowledgeable regarding the test and the operation of the test equipment. Facility employees that are certified to perform emission tests are called vehicle inspectors.
The Ministry monitors accredited facilities, vehicle inspectors performing the tests, and certified technicians doing the repairs for expected pass/fail rate and irregularities. The Ministry’s website indicates that Drive Clean facilities may be suspended or terminated from the program for actions such as:
• Incomplete tests (i.e. failing to conduct the gas cap test)
• Inaccurate tests
• Poor repairs
• Falsifying test results
• Non-compliance with operating procedures such as:
o Failing to employ a full-time Certified Repair Technician
o Operating without appropriate insurance
o Not paying the annual accreditation renewal fees