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Inspection Info - Specialty Vehicles
Collector, Replicar and Other Specialty Vehicles
For vehicles that are licensed in unique categories such as collector or replicar, unique AirCare requirements may apply. In this section you can find specific policies and requirements for most of these vehicles.
Also, anyone who is considering an engine exchange, and anyone who is having difficulty repairing their older vehicle should read the applicable sections below.
Replicar, Replikit, Specialty, and Ubilt Vehicles
Any vehicle that was registered as a Replicar, Replikit, Specialty Vehicle or Ubilt on or before August 31, 1994, will be tested as though it were a 1972 vehicle. That means that it will be exempt from the visual inspection requirements of the AirCare inspection, and the standards used for determining a pass or fail result on the tailpipe emission test will be those applicable to 1972 model year vehicles.
Any Replicar, Replikit, Specialty Vehicle or Ubilt registered after August 31, 1994 will be tested as though it were a 1988 model year vehicle. To pass the AirCare test, the vehicle must be fitted with an engine and associated emission control system sufficient to comply with the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 1103, effective September 1, 1987 (0.25 grams/kilometre HC, 2.1 grams/ kilometre CO, and 0.6 grams/ kilometre NOx measured using EPA75 test procedure). Generally, this will require the use of a feedback fuel control system and a 3-way catalytic converter.
AirCare Inspection Requirements for Collector Vehicles
Information in this section pertains only to AirCare requirements for vehicles that are or will be granted Collector status by ICBC. For details of ICBC’s collector car program visit their web site [external link].
When a new application is made to ICBC for Collector vehicle status, and the vehicle is to be licensed in rating territories D, E, or H, approval will not be granted unless the vehicle has passed a valid AirCare inspection (expiry date is not in the past). If the vehicle has not already passed an AirCare inspection when you submit your collector vehicle application to ICBC, you will be given a letter to provide to the AirCare inspection centre that advises them of your application and authorizes them to perform the appropriate emissions inspection for the model year of your vehicle. Vehicles 1974 and older will receive an idle-only inspection. Vehicles 1975 and newer and all modified collector vehicles will receive a dynamometer inspection. Once your vehicle has passed the inspection, Collector plates can be issued.
Once granted Collector vehicle status, the vehicle is thereafter exempt from AirCare inspection, as long as the vehicle ownership remains the same and the vehicle continues to be licensed with a Collector licence.
Click here for a few examples showing the AirCare requirements for Collector vehicles
Antique Vehicles
Vehicles licensed as Antique or Vintage vehicles are exempt from the AirCare program due to their limited use (parades, exhibitions, etc). For more details on licensing antique vehicles, see the ICBC website [external link].
Engine Exchanges
Perhaps your vehicle is not in a unique licensing category but you have made (or are considering making) an engine exchange. Click here for a description of what is an acceptable engine replacement.
Common Issues For Older Vehicles
If you have an older vehicle, this information may be helpful.
If You Have Questions
If you still have any questions about specialty vehicles and AirCare, send us an e-mail and we will answer your question as quickly as possible.
