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Those Long Lines For Emissions Test? They Weren't Even Necessary

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Tens of thousands of motorists waited in long lines for an emissions test required to register their cars.

But, that wait may not have been necessary for thousands of drivers, CBS 2's Vince Gerasole reports.

Budget problems kept the Illinois EPA from sending out emissions test reminders.

When notices resumed, drivers were given a deadline to get the test done, but nothing clearly told motorists there was still a way they could have avoided the massive lines.

The Secretary of States office had waived the emissions requirement for vehicle registration.

Lines at testing locations stretched on and on, frustrating drivers for days and days.

Some waited in line for two hours.

To renew a vehicle registration in older cars, Illinois motorists are required to submit to emissions tests.

Without it, the car's registration can't be renewed, and drivers can be slapped with a $100 fine.

Not surprisingly, people suffered through the wait when they finally received delayed notices with clearly marked deadlines.

The trouble is, those notices didn't inform motorists the tests were waived through the end of May.

The state was willing to forego the test, something drivers would have known only by checking the posted notices on the websites of both the Illinois Secretary of States office and the Illinois Environmental protection agency.

EPA Notice

"You got to be kidding me," said Tristian McCoy said.

If you total up all the time Tristan McCoy and his father spent on two visits to an emissions center, it adds up to over five hours

"Why didn't they tell us?" McCoy said.

The Secretary of States office says it took the original action "to relieve motorists of an unfair burden."

As for who is responsible, a spokesperson said "this is the [Illinois EPA's] program."

That agency insists its website notification was part of a thorough campaign to keep the 14,000 drivers in line yesterday alone informed.

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