Opus takes inspection to a new level in Rhode Island

Opus innovations are making vehicle inspection faster and more efficient in Rhode Island, and further reducing the risk of fraud or tampering in the State’s decentralized inspection stations.

Latest generation OBD equipment
The company has installed new on-board diagnostic (OBD) testing equipment in 325 stations, as part of the recently renewed contract to manage Rhode Island’s emission testing program to 2025 – with possible extensions until 2031.

Opus’ latest generation OBD system, including monitors, scan tools and barcode scanners, is fast, highly accurate and easy to use, plugging directly in to the vehicle’s computer port. It will make inspection faster and more efficient.

Anti-fraud innovations
New anti-fraud cameras are also being rolled out to all stations. When complete, each station will have three cameras – a lane camera covering inspection activity, a camera on the OBD monitor to verify the inspector’s identity, and a hand-held camera to record vehicle defects and license plates, verifying the right vehicle is being inspected.

A new patented ‘e-verify’ electronic anti-fraud system is also being introduced. When the vehicle is plugged in to the OBD equipment, this system will automatically check a range of vehicle attributes to detect discrepancies and potential fraud.

Testing diesel trucks from 2020
Starting in 2020, Opus will support emission testing of diesel trucks and heavy goods vehicles. This follows a decision by the State to begin testing diesel emissions for the first time. The move will expand the network of decentralized stations supported by Opus to more than 400 stations.