Drive Clean emissions tests are no longer mandatory for passenger vehicles as of April 1.

The Ontario government announced the cancellation of the program last year, stating that auto industry standards have improved since it began in 1999, making it unnecessary.

However, annual emissions tests are still mandatory for heavy-duty diesel vehicles that are seven years or older, including transport trucks and buses, under a new program introduced by the Ontario government. Also, heavy-duty diesel vehicles older than the current year will have to pass a test if they are resold, before they can be registered to a new owner.

According to the government, the cancellation of the Drive Clean program will save taxpayers $40 million annually.

