Since the OP truck has fumes coming out of it he needs to check out the "gross polluter" info below.
THE CALIFORNIA MODEL
Changes in California's Smog Check II program are a good indication of the direction that other states forced to adopt enhanced emissions testing may follow. When the federal Clean Air Act was amended in 1990, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency initially mandated a centralized, state-run enhanced vehicle emissions testing program (I/M240) that would have eliminated privately-owned Smog Check stations (a $480 million per year industry in California). California negotiated an alternative plan with the EPA that would achieve the same reductions in vehicle emissions without such draconian measures.
The new emissions testing program enhancements were enacted into law in 1994 and approved by the EPA on September 26, 1996. Subsequent legislation has further refined the Smog Check II program to include the following elements:
- As of June 8, 1998, California's smoggiest urbanized regions that did not meet federal or state air quality standards for ozone and carbon monoxide went to enhanced emissions testing on a dyno. The tests included oxides of nitrogen (NOx) for the first time.
Enhanced areas include all of Orange County, southern Ventura County, western San Diego County, most of Los Angeles county, parts of Riverside and San Bernardino counties, and the urbanized areas of Sacramento, Fresno, Stockton, Modesto, Bakersfield, Davis, Vacaville, Palm Springs, and Hemet-San Jacinto.
In less smoggy "basic areas" enhanced emissions testing is not required and the existing biennial two-speed idle test at licensed test-and-repair stations remains the same as before. Basic emissions testing is required for vehicles that are being sold or are being registered in California for the first time.
- I/M 240 Test Equipment. In areas that required enhanced testing, equipment meeting BAR97 specifications and a dynamometer are required. The BAR97 Emissions Inspection System (EIS) for Acceleration Simulation Mode (ASM) testing consists of a 5-gas analyzer, other hardware, software, a fuel cap tester, and a dynamometer with restraints. Test station technicians are also required to have a Digital Storage Oscilloscope (DSO) to help diagnose emissions system problems, and an "Advanced Emissions Specialist" (EA) license.
The dyno is used primarily for checking NOx emissions. To get accurate NOx readings, the engine must be under load to produce the high combustion temperatures that form NOx.
The only problem with using a dyno is that some all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles cannot be driven on a two-wheel dyno, nor can some vehicles with traction control systems. These vehicles will be exempt from the enhanced emissions test but must still pass a two-speed idle test.
Test results are transmitted electronically to the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Eliminating paper Smog Check certificates should reduce the potential for fraud.
- Targeting Gross Polluters. A "gross polluter" is a vehicle that far exceeds allowable emissions levels for a particular model. Gross Polluters represent up to 15% of California vehicles, but are responsible for more than half of the state's vehicular smog. Gross polluters must be repaired and have those repairs verified (and emissions certified) at a Test-Only station. California will use computer modeling to identify vehicles that fit the "high emitter profile" so the owners can be notified that they have to take their vehicles to a Test-Only station for testing.
Test-Only Stations are privately-owned Smog Check stations licensed by the Department of Consumer Affairs/Bureau of Automotive Repair (DCA/BAR) to inspect and certify vehicles (including gross polluters), but they do not fix emission problems. Repairs can be performed at "Gold Shield Guaranteed Repair" stations which are licensed Smog Check facilities that meet high performance standards and guarantee the repairs they make on gross polluters.
Remote Sensing Devices (road side sniffers) may also be used to catch gross polluters. Such devices use an infrared beam to identify gross polluters and a camera snaps a picture of the vehicle's license plate.
- Help for poor folks. If a vehicle fails a Smog Check inspection, but the owner cannot afford to make the repairs, the owner may be granted a "repair cost waiver" if the owner first pays for at least $450 in emissions-related repairs at a licensed repair station. This waiver is good for two years, and only one waiver will be issued while the motorist owns the vehicle.
There is also an "economic hardship extension" for qualified low-income motorists. Like the Repair Cost Waiver, the extension is valid for two years and may be obtained only once during a motorist's ownership of a vehicle. However, to obtain an extension, motorists must spend $250 on emissions-related repairs at a licensed Smog Check station, or have an estimate from a licensed Smog Check station showing that a single repair would cost more than $250. Motorists must also verify their household income, which must be at or below 175% of the federal poverty level (about $29,000 a year for a family of four).
Neither the repair cost waiver nor the economic hardship extension can be obtained if the vehicle has a tampered emissions system, is being registered for the first time in California, is being sold, or was issued a waiver or extension in the previous Smog Check inspection.
California also offers "low income repair assistance" to help low-income motorists pay for emissions-related repairs. The program will help pay for vehicle repairs that are cost-effective and maximize clean air benefits. The motorist must make a $250 co-payment, with the state contributing an additional amount not to exceed $450. Repairs must be performed at a Gold Shield station.
- Exempt vehicles: Cars built in model year 1973 and earlier are exempt from all aspects of the Smog Check Program. Also, cars four model years old and newer are exempted from the biennial requirement, but still must have Smog Checks performed when the vehicle is sold or being registered for the first time in California.
