Why was the SMOKING VEHICLE program established?
The SMOKING VEHICLE Program was established to reduce visible exhaust from
vehicles traveling in the basin.
District's SMOKING VEHICLE program depends on public participation.
Residents can call the District's toll-free number (1-800-55-99-AIR) with a
complaint about a smoking vehicle they have seen traveling the basin's roads
and freeways.
How does SMOKING VEHICLE program work?
Drivers who spot a vehicle emitting excessive amounts of
exhaust smoke can call the District's toll free number (1-800-55-99-AIR) and
report it.
A District staff member will ask callers to use the toll-free line:
- the smoking vehicle's license
plate number (the program only has jurisdiction over vehicles registered in
the State of California);
- the vehicle make; and
- the date, time and location of
the observation.
Using the Department of Motor Vehicle's database, District retrieves the
owner's registration information and mails an advisory letter to the owner
informing them that a complaint has been filed against their vehicle. All
information involved in the program remains confidential.
What does the advisory letter say and what must the owner do after
receiving one?
The letter advises smoking vehicle owners that their vehicle was reported to
be smoking and recommends they have it repaired to eliminate excessive
emissions.
The letter also alerts the owner to the fact that excessively smoking
vehicles violate the State of California Motor Vehicle Codes (Sections 27153 and
27153.5) which carries a fine of $100 to $250, -- depending on the type of
vehicle -- for first time offenders.
After owners make the necessary repairs, they are asked to complete the
Smoking Vehicle Compliance Form attached to the advisory letter and return it to
District.
Can District impose fines on vehicle owners who have been reported
through the SMOKING VEHICLE program?
No. However the California Highway Patrol (CHP) can cite passenger vehicles
as well as big rigs and buses for excessive smoke and if warranted impose a
fine.
Can District's toll free number be reached anytime, day or night?
Yes. Residents can report a smoking vehicle to District's 1-800-55-99-AIR
24-hours a day, seven days a week.
Has District's SMOKING VEHICLE program made a difference?
On average, more than 40% of the vehicle owners who
receive an advisory letter return their completed compliance forms to the
District, stating that they have attended to their vehicle, either having it
checked and if warranted having any needed repairs made.
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