Got a VW? Don't worry about state emission tests

The revelation that Volkswagen misled federal regulators in emissions tests shouldn't affect the regular testing many suburban car owners have to get done, a state environmental official said.

For one, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency spokeswoman Kim Biggs said, the VW scandal concerns federal testing.

For another, the Illinois program that tests many Chicago-area cars' emissions exempts diesel-fueled cars, which are at the root of the Volkswagen controversy. Illinois drivers with diesel-powered cars, electric-only cars and motorcycles, among some others, don't have to submit to the regular testing, Biggs said.

Volkswagen has billed some of its cars as "clean diesel." In recent days, the company has admitted some car software was set up to dupe federal regulators and show the cars polluting less than they actually do.

The state emissions checks are limited to large metro areas like Chicago and the suburbs to try to limit air pollution.