Upcoming Changes to Wisconsin's Emissions Program

Wisconsin’s emissions program is about to change.

Starting July 2, you will no longer be able to test at the stations you once went to. Those locations are owned by a company named Envirotest. Previously, Envirotest contracted with the state to administer emissions tests.

Earlier this year, another company named Systech outbid Envirotest for the emissions contract. Now instead of 5 company owned test facilities, there will be 200 in a 7 county area. Systech is contracting with local repair facilities to do the emissions tests.                           

What does this mean for the consumer? There should be shorter wait times. With 200 test locations the volume at stations will be much less. Test centers will be
more convenient with locations closer to consumers. There will be an increase in hours available to test. All 200 centers are required to be open a minimum of 50 hours per week to test cars.

With 200 test locations the volume at stations will be much less. Test centers will be more convenient with locations closer to consumers.

That’s where the difference ends. Everything else should remain the same. There is no charge to the consumer for the first 3 tests. All you need to do is take your registration slip showing your due for testing when you go in. Testing will be required every other year on your vehicles unless there is an ownership change which could shorten that term temporarily.

There will be a barrage of media attention giving more details before the program changes. Watch for a website showing locations of new test stations. Changes should be seamless to the consumer and if everything goes as planned it should make life easier for all involved.