Right now, the state's testing fee is $25 for vehicles made in 1982 and after, or $15 for vehicles made before 1982; under the bill passed May 7, the fee caps could double to $50 and $30. The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission will determine the exact increase, though it cannot go higher than those new caps.
Supporters say the fee increase is necessary to create more testing stations, expand roadside remote testing, establish self-testing kiosks and increase wages for employees at the testing facilities. "Some sit in line for two or three hours to get their car tested. ...I can guarantee you, if we don't get a fee increase, we will not reduce wait times," Jim Brandon of Air Care Colorado told lawmakers.
But in their comments on the Westword Facebook post, readers wonder what they're waiting for. Says Andrea:
It’s already a super-antiquated system. Nothing like sitting at an idle for an hour while five rapid test vans sit defunct in the emissions testing parking lot.Adds Melissa:
Last time, we were lined up onto the main road. It took about two hours. They didn’t have all the bays open. either.Offers Jason:
I am absolutely frustrated with the emissions scam. Two years ago, my 2017 Subaru suddenly needed to be tested. I drove it across town and waited 45 minutes to get a test. As soon as my car was up, they drove it though the garage and not two minutes later it passed. All they needed to do was check the engine computer. Waste of time, waste of money. We waste more emissions just getting to the testing center. I can't believe this outdated system is still in place.
Notes Devin:
Titling and registration are already astronomical. Vote these crooks out come elections.Suggests Nate:
How about eliminating the emissions testing altogether? That would certainly save a lot of money during the state's budget shortfall....Adds Michael:
We need to expand TABOR to include fees. We are not an ATM.Wonders Corey:
Could we please lower the registration costs if we do this?Notes Daniel:
Even more people will likely drive with expired license plates.Responds Alan:
If they do this, what people should do is just blatantly ignore getting an admissions test. Especially when you consider that the police aren't even punishing people who are driving around without registration or plates. Why punish people who keep up with the things they're supposed to keep up with? Yep, they allow all these knuckleheads to get away with not paying their fair share by getting registration and emissions done.Adds Brian:
I'm sorry, but maybe we need to start practicing a little bit of civil disobedience if they're going to try and nickel and dime us to death. Or maybe these lawmakers should take a big pay cut before they take any more money out of our pockets. And let's see how long they last in their job.
What a ripoff. Most cars pass. This is a waste of time and nothing more than a money grab.Offers James:
This is bullshit! Vehicles are more efficient, the testing program should be ENDED!!!!!!!!Suggests KS:
While I feel there is an absolutely a need for regular safety checks and controls on vehicle emissions, the main issue that people are going to have with it is that I need to get my vehicle tested every year, when someone who can afford to exchange their brand-new car for another in the same time gets to avoid testing. It really is not fair.Concludes Birdie:
The only people this affects are poor people who cannot afford it to begin with, and now it’s doubled in price. I cannot afford a brand-new car...I drive a 2011 model. So I will have to get my current car tested. None of my in-laws have to do this or have had to for over fifteen years, because they can all afford new cars. In more ways than one, this says to me and a lot of people out there:
“You’re dirty because you’re poor. Grow up, work harder, and get a new car so you can stop destroying the earth.”
Why bother with emissions tests?? Drilling for oil and gas and coal will completely foul the air.What do you think of Colorado's emissions program? The proposed fee increase? Post a comment or share your thoughts at [email protected].
