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Washington, D.C. introduces self-service kiosk for vehicle emissions testing

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November 26, 2019

Washington, D.C. motorists can do their own vehicle emissions testing, at their convenience, at a self-serve kiosk at the Takoma Recreation Center at 300 Van Buren St. NW, according to a Washington Post report.

Washington, D.C.  Mayor Muriel E. Bowser and Gabriel Robinson, director of city's department of motor vehicles, recently presented the $300,000 machine at the center, which will be available seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Motorists will no longer have to go to the city's lone inspection station at 1001 Half St. SW.

The machine has a touchscreen and audio with instructions on how to do the inspection process, as well as a camera for safety and security. Vehicle owners will receive an emissions report and a temporary certificate to place on their dashboard until they receive an official sticker, providing they pass the test. Those who fail will receive a printout that explains why they failed and what to do to pass the test. Users will be billed $35 during the registration process.

The kiosk will work for 2005 and newer vehicles, while older models will still have to be taken to the Half Street location for inspections.

Officials will be on hand at the Takoma center for a few weeks to assist drivers with the machine. The DMV also plans to install another kiosk in Ward 7 or 8, but officials do not presently have a timeline.