Illinois Lawmakers OK Chicago Smoke Testing

A plan to perform smoke tests on trucks registered in the Chicago area passed the state Legislature despite industry opposition.

The bill was approved by the Illinois House May 20, and late last week rested on Gov. George Ryan's desk, awaiting his signature.

Two years or older trucks weighing more than 16,000 pounds and registered in areas of the state with pollution problems -- specifically, Chicago and its suburbs and sections of Illinois near St. Louis -- must be tested annually for excessive exhaust emissions. Fines of up to $1,000 could be imposed for violations.

The Illinois Transportation Association, which fought against smoke testing, is trying to get Ryan to use his amendatory veto power to make the bill acceptable.

The trucking organization wants to exempt interstate trucks and vehicles maintained according to a manufacturer's specifications (5-17 p. 5). It also wants to increase the minimum weight of trucks that must be inspected, citing concerns that the engines of some trucks under 26,000 pounds lack governors and would "blow up" under the rigors of testing.

Fred Serpe, ITA executive director, said truckers are "livid" about the bill and said if it isn't changed they could "have it tied up in court for the next 10 years."

For the full story, see the May 24 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.

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