Follow these tips to ensure your test is quick, efficient and goes smoothly:

• Avoid testing at the end of the month, the beginning of the month and on Saturdays, since these are the busiest testing times.

• Make sure the vehicle brought in for testing is due for a test by clicking on our Vehicle Eligibility Check tool.

• Use the Station Locator tool below to view estimated wait times at testing stations.

• Ensure your vehicle is safe to operate so that your emissions test may be safely conducted.

• If your 1996 or newer OBD-equipped vehicle has a covered or otherwise obstructed diagnostic link connector (DLC), please open or remove the cover (consult the owner's manual for location and instructions), or remove the obstruction prior to arriving at the testing station.

• If your 1996 or newer OBD-equipped vehicle has recently been serviced, or if the battery has been disconnected, please drive the vehicle for several days before bringing it in for inspection.

• When arriving at a testing station, leave the engine running unless directed otherwise.

* Remember, you must have your vehicle tested before you can renew your registration.

When should I test my vehicle?

If your vehicle is due for testing and your plates are expired, please test at your earliest convenience. Waiting until the end of October, when the SOS registration extensions are expected to end, could result in heavy traffic and long wait times.

Avoid testing at the end of the month, the beginning of the month and on Saturdays, since these are the busiest testing times.

If you do not feel comfortable visiting an Illinois Air Team testing location, you may take advantage of the registration expiration extension or you may have someone else bring your vehicle in for emissions testing.