News

Vehicle Inspection

6 August 2008

In order to tackle air pollution, São Paulo City Hall has created a law in 2008 that allowed the municipality to establish a mandatory vehicle inspection for mechanical malfunctions that would occasionally lead to above average levels of carbon emission and loudness, based on performance standards.

The law foresees an annual inspection for all vehicles registered in the municipality, starting in 2009. Diesel based vehicles and the share of the ethanol, natural gas and gasoline based fleet with potential above average gas emission shall be inspected during 2008.

If the vehicle passes all tests, it receives a certificate that is attached to the windshield. If not, the vehicle has to be repaired for mechanical adequacy and then go thru a second inspection.

The citizens will be able to schedule their inspection online following the current annual license renovation calendar, according to the license plates last number.

The owners will have 90 days counting from the date of its license renovation to have the inspection done with no charges. However, the citizens will have to pay a charge of US$ 32,42 if the second inspection is not made within 30 days from the first inspection.

A US$ 338,00 fine is expected for any vehicle running without the certificate.

A private company, Controlar, won the public bid and is now responsible for the process. 35 new inspection centers will be created by the company in order to respond to the demand.