Pennsylvania Northern Region Emissions Practice Exam

When a vehicle's odometer is nonfunctioning during emissions testing, the testing process typically relies on default values for mileage rather than the actual mileage recorded by the odometer. This is done to ensure that emissions testing can still take place even when the odometer's readings are unavailable.

Using default mileage allows the testing facility to assess whether the vehicle meets the necessary emissions standards based on estimated usage. This approach preserves the ability to conduct emissions tests and maintain compliance, even in instances where vehicles may have malfunctioning equipment.

In contrast, if a vehicle does not receive a sticker, it indicates a more significant issue that is unrelated to mileage records. Other potential consequences, like engine inspections or cost penalties, are also dependent on different failures or violations rather than specifically the status of the odometer. Therefore, proceeding with defaults to mileage is the correct and standard protocol when an odometer isn't functioning properly.