? about TX smog laws

[bartman]

I passed one of the mobile smog checks out on the west side of Fort Worth a month ago and as far as I know it'll run the numbers on Gasoline powered vehicles exhaust.

There's special equipment required to measure particulates from Diesel exhausts and since there's no smog checks for Diesels here in Texas I wouldn't worry about it.

As usual, bunch of good info. I understand that there are no checks for diesels here, but I wonder if the "visible emissions" law pertains to us, or just the gassers.

 

[Tx_Atty]

Diesel is exempt - there is an 800 number and a website to report smoking vehicles (same group as running the van) and one of the first questions is "was it a diesel?". If you were to get a ticket, and I doubt you will, it would be thrown ouot.

 

[powerboatr]

It's just a laser beam setup that's at a fixed position which is probably the average height for gasoline powered vehicles so it's pretty accurate with a certain degree of error which I don't know what is.

It's actually cool in a way that when the vehicle with too much of this or that coming from the exhaust the computer activates a camera to get a shot of the rear license plate which the registered owner will receive a mandatory emission test notice in the mail.

California has utilized this type of passive testing for at least 9-10 years in the Sacramento area and it seems to be catching on in other states.

so your telling me a laser aimed at a height of most gasser exhaust pipes and can read the particulate matter/smog from a moving object(exhaust stream and car) mixing with out side air and can give a reasonalbe reading to warrant a smog check???? (but we cant find osama)
so if i get one( a smog notice) and its all good, does texas dot reimburse me for the test or time wasted??? wow
is this a wide beam laser ?
we i got some time tomorrw i am doing a research project

 

[whatabudro]

I was getting on to WB 635 from Midway today (for those not familiar its a relatively short uphill on ramp) and I noticed one of TXDOT's smog sensing vans set up on the onramp. I let out of the throttle since I was smoking a bit trying to gain speed. But then I began to wonder...my truck is exempt from emissions testing, but is it exempt from the "visible emissions" law? Can I fog the sensor without fear of a picture of my bumper on a ticket in my mailbox? Any input would be much appreciated.

Thanks
Bart

Texas emissions law found on www.tceq.state.tx.us

Does this Apply to Diesel Vehicles?
Yes, diesels are affected. The TCEQ is aware that some diesel-powered motor vehicles may emit brief puffs of smoke when first started, or while under a heavy load, such as passing or climbing a steep hill pulling a trailer. However, according to state regulations, no motor vehicle should produce visible exhaust emissions for more than ten consecutive seconds. This law applies to all vehicles, regardless of fuel type.

That would take some programming and injectors

Definition of "Tampering"
Tampering is removing or making inoperable any system or device used to control emissions from a motor vehicle engine. The motor vehicle is defined as any self-propelled vehicle designed for transporting persons or property on a street or highway. The only exception to the tampering rule is the need to install a new certified emission control system or device that is equally effective in reducing vehicle emissions.

Tampering may include, but is not limited to:

Removing the catalytic converter, air pump, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, or doing anything to keep them from working properly, such as disconnecting vacuum lines and electrical or mechanical parts of the pollution control system.


Adjusting any element of a car or truck's emission control design so that it no longer meets the manufacturer's specifications.


Installing a replacement part that is not the same in design and function as the part that was originally on the vehicle.


Adding a part that was not originally certified on the car, such as installing a turbocharger.

IE: removing the kitty and the CCV mod

 

[bartman]

Diesel is exempt - there is an 800 number and a website to report smoking vehicles (same group as running the van) and one of the first questions is "was it a diesel?". If you were to get a ticket, and I doubt you will, it would be thrown ouot.

Excellent! Smoke on from here on out on the smog van (but for no more than 10 consecutive seconds.)

 

[bartman]

IE: removing the kitty and the CCV mod

Thanks for the info, Bryan, and speaking of which, when are we gonna drill that hole so I can finish up my ccv mod?

 

[bad_bad_bubba]

I smoke those thing every time I go by them!

And havent got a ticket yet.

 

[bartman]

Big 10-4 Bubba, I'll be full in next time.

 

[Fire1]

I've smoked them a few times myself w/o a ticket.

 

[black_cloud_stroker00]

Is it getting that bad with the smog down in Texas? I haven't even heard of a smog problem in Nebr, and I live in Omaha.