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Air Quality Fact

It is the Air District’s job to adopt rules and policies that are fair and equitable to all residents of the Bay Area and to ensure that community-level air pollution problems are not eclipsed by larger-scale policy issues.

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Report a Smoking Vehicle

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District's voluntary 800-EXHAUST program for reporting smoking vehicles began in December 1992. Since its inception, the program has evolved from a simple report and enforcement program into a more comprehensive resource for Bay Area residents focusing on consumer education and assistance. Today, the Smoking Vehicle Assistance Program (SVAP) is geared towards educating the public on the environmental and health effects of smoking vehicles and helping to connect owners of older, polluting vehicles with Air District and state assistance programs for vehicle repair or retirement.

 

 

For more information on the Smoking Vehicle Asssistance Program, visit www.smokingvehiclehelp.org.

 

 

Smoking vehicles contribute 20 to 30 percent of the soot and particles in the air and that particulate matter is injurious to health. A major component of the educational program is that smoking vehicles can be prevented by keeping vehicles in good repair. Smoking vehicles generate 10 to 15 times more pollution than well-tuned vehicles.

 

As a result of the 800-EXHAUST Smoking Vehicle Assistance Program, a high percentage of smoking vehicle owners who receive notification and assistance information from the Air District, return a form confirming that their vehicle was smoking and that steps were taken to have the problem repaired Air District Assistance Programs are available int e following San Francisco Bay Area counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma and the southwestern portion of Solano County.

  • They're Unhealthy - A vehicle spewing visible exhaust is not only unpleasant; it also makes the air unhealthy to breathe. Smoke is made up of tiny particles that can lodge in the lungs. Recent studies have shown these small particles are a major contributor to respiratory diseases.
  • They're Against The Law - A car, truck or bus emitting visible exhaust for more than 10 seconds may be cited by a local law enforcement or California Highway patrol officer with a fine of $100 for cars and $250 for trucks or buses. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District's smoking vehicle program helps to encourage owners of smoking vehicles to get the vehicle repaired before they get a ticket.
  • Report Smoking Vehicles - If you spot a vehicle emitting excess smoke, call 1-800-EXHAUST, go to www.800exhaust.org, or email to exhaust@baaqmd.gov and give the license number and the date, time and place the vehicle was spotted. The Air District sends letters to vehicle owners notifying them of the air quality consequences of smoking vehicles, warns them of the possibility of being cited and encourages them to have their vehicle checked and repaired.
Diesel Engines Don't Have To Smoke

Although diesel vehicles emit some smoke on acceleration, they should not smoke constantly. All vehicles, including diesels, are subject to the same smoking vehicle law as gasoline engines.

Prevention Is The Key

A well-maintained vehicle should not emit visible exhaust. Preventing a vehicle from smoking often involves simple maintenance procedures.

Diesel Engines Don't Have To Smoke

Although diesel vehicles emit some smoke on acceleration, they should not smoke constantly. All vehicles, including diesels, are subject to the same smoking vehicle law as gasoline engines.

Last Updated: 4/23/2012