What type of vehicle is classified as a “light-duty” vehicle?

A light-duty vehicle is defined as one that has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 8,500 pounds or less. This classification encompasses most passenger cars, mini-vans, and smaller SUVs, which are commonly used for everyday transportation. The 8,500-pound threshold is key to distinguishing light-duty vehicles from heavier classifications like medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicles, which are designed for more demanding workloads and often include larger trucks.

Understanding this classification is crucial for emissions inspections, as light-duty vehicles usually have different emissions standards compared to heavier vehicles. This distinction reflects regulations aimed at reducing overall emissions from transportation sources. Thus, the classification of light-duty vehicles is important for compliance with these regulations and for understanding the different requirements and testing protocols applied to various types of vehicles.