Emissions Alert Mandated By EPA Rule

The Environmental Protection Agency, as proposed, has formally required new heavy trucks to have warning lights that indicate when engine emission controls are malfunctioning or deteriorating, starting in 2010.

The agency issued the final rule Dec. 15, ordering manufacturers to install onboard diagnostics, similar to systems commonplace on passenger vehicles since the mid-1990s.

Manufacturers also must make available the information needed to service and repair the systems.
The rule establishes a single, national standard for heavy truck diagnostics. Sensor accuracy and durability remains an issue, industry officials said.