Being a Smog Spotter makes a difference

After receiving a Smog Spotter report, the DMV's Compliance Enforcement Division sends an advisory letter to the registered owner of the smoking vehicle. If the letter does not require the vehicle to be inspected at the DMV Emissions Lab, the registered owner must check the vehicle and make any necessary repairs to reduce excessive emissions. Improperly tuned and excessively worn engines not only cause air pollution problems, they waste fuel and can result in higher operating costs.

If law enforcement or DMV staff makes a report, the registered owner will be instructed to present the vehicle at a DMV Emissions Control Lab for inspection. Failure to comply can result in cancellation of the vehicle's registration or a hold on its renewal.

Additionally, law enforcement officers may issue citations for excessive smoke under several laws including Nevada Revised Statute 484D.415: "The engine and power mechanism of every motor vehicle shall be so equipped and adjusted as to prevent the escape of excessive fumes or smoke."