Vehicles are the single largest domestic source of smog-causing emissions in Ontario. Drive Clean, administered by the Ministry of the Environment, reduces smog-causing pollutants by identifying grossly polluting vehicles and requiring them to be repaired.

If you own a light-duty vehicle in the Drive Clean Program area (Southern Ontario from Windsor to Ottawa) that is five years old or older and is a 1988 or newer model, you must take your vehicle for a Drive Clean test every two years in order to renew its registration. Light Duty Vehicles manufactured before the 1988 model year are exempt from Drive Clean emissions test requirements.

If you are buying a used vehicle that is older than the current model year and is a 1988 or newer model, the vehicle must pass a Drive Clean test to transfer the ownership and plate it for the road.

Please note that the act of creating, distributing or using false Drive Clean passes is an offence under the Environmental Protection Act. Emissions inspectors who do so can be decertified; vehicle owners will be charged.

You don't have to wait for a Drive Clean test to do something positive for the environment. Keeping your vehicle well maintained according to the manufacturer's recommended service schedules is an important part of driving clean. For example, if the 'check engine' or 'service engine' lights come on, have your engine looked at by a qualified repair technician as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could face costly repairs to the vehicle's engine or emissions control system.

For more information on Ontario's Drive Clean program, visit www.driveclean.com or call the Drive Clean Call Centre toll-free at 1-888-758-2999.