Report a Smoking Vehicle

The program is geared towards educating the public that 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.

A high percentage of those receiving notification, from the Air District that their vehicle was reported, return a form confirming that their vehicle was smoking and that steps were taken to have the problem repaired.

The 1-800-EXHAUST & Report A Smoking Vehicle Program is available in the 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, http://www.baaqmd.gov/exhaust/exhaust.htm, 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.

Common Causes Of Vehicle Smoke