AF Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program Published Dec. 3, 2013 By 412th Test Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Air Force continues to strive at being a good steward of the environment. Clean air is an important natural asset to preserve for future generations. Beginning Feb. 11, 2014, Edwards AFB federal employees, both military and civilian, will be receiving emails from "no-reply@apims.af.mil titled 'Action Required: vehicle emission testing self-certification is due within 30 days.'" This is a self-certification request, allowing the Air Force to demonstrate compliance with a Federal law requirement - the Clean Air Act, Section 118(d) (42 U.S.C. ยง7418(d)). The statute requires all Federal employees to meet local Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program requirements (also known as a Smog Check) in the area where the member is employed. Edwards AFB is located within a Vehicle I/M Program "Basic Area" requiring specified model year vehicles to be certified. Vehicles registered in a Basic Area typically receive a Two-Speed-Idle Smog Check certification. Demonstration of compliance with the CAA Section 118(d) had previously been accomplished through the issuance of base decals displayed in vehicle windows. The decals were discontinued due to posing a possible security weakness, which left the installation in a potential noncompliance status. The self-certification program is now being used to demonstrate compliance with CAA Section 118(d) utilizing a simple web-based Employee-vehicle Certification and Reporting System via email notification prompt. What does this mean to you? Upon email notification receipt, please complete the automated ECARS requirements as soon as possible. You will need to provide the year, make and model of the vehicle(s) you drive on base 60 days or more per year. If applicable, you will also need to know the county where your Smog Check was accomplished and the month and year it expires. In California, the smog certificate renewal requirement is typically biennial and coincides with the vehicle's registration. Based on your self-certification answers, ECARS will also accept the following exemptions: - Your vehicle has a repair waiver issued by the Bureau of Automotive Repair - Your vehicle is 6 years old or newer - Your vehicle is a 1975 model year or older - Your vehicle is a diesel - Your vehicle is a hybrid - Your vehicle is an electric vehicle - Your vehicle is a motorcycle - You do not drive on Edwards AFB 60 days or more a year If the ECARS notification system prompts that your vehicle does not meet local Vehicle I/M Program emission certification requirements, you will be required to have your vehicle pass a Kern County "Basic" Smog Check. A Smog Check from another state can be used to meet the requirements if it is current and meets Kern County "Basic" emissions certification requirements. Again, you will need to know the county where the Smog Check was conducted and the year the certificate was issued. Please complete all ECARS self-certification requirements to determine your compliance status. Questions regarding the AF Vehicle I/M Program can be directed to Michael Hanshaw at (661) 277-9080; or email at michael.hanshaw@edwards.af.mil.