Smoking Vehicles

​​The smoking vehicle program exists to improve the health and well-being of Broward County citizens and the environment by helping to minimize air pollution.

One of the main goals of the program is to educate the general public about the effects of smoking vehicles and how we can all help resolve this problem.

Reporting Smoking Vehicles
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The smoking vehicle program exists to improve the health and well-being of Broward County residents and the environment by reducing sources of air pollution.

One of the main goals of the program is to educate the general public about the effects of smoking vehicles and how we can all help resolve this issue.​

What is a smoking vehicle?
​

Any car, bus, or truck that generates smoke continuously fro​m the exhaust pipe(s) for five seconds or more. Smoking vehicles are illegal and in violation of the Broward County Code, Chapter 27, (Section 27-175(j)(1) and (j)(2)​ within the same chapter and section.​

How often do you find yourself driving behind a smoking vehicle? You roll the windows up, close the vents, and can still smell the fumes!

According to the EPA, ​a typical (non-smoking) passenger vehicle emits approximately 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year.
Help us keep our air clean by identifying and reporting smoking vehicles.

To report a smoking vehicle:

Please fill​ out an online complaint form​​​ , following the steps below:

In the Details Tab​:

  • ​​Select Report Smoking Vehicles from the Type of Issue drop down menu.​
  • ​Select Report Smoking Cars and Trucks OR Report Smoking Bus​es.
  • Select Next, then fill in the following information:
    • The smoking vehicle’s Florida tag number
    • The make and color of the vehicle
      • ​Vehicle model is optional
    • The date and time the smoking vehicle ​​was seen
      • Uploading supporting photo/s or video/s is optional, but strongly encouraged. The icon to add photo/s or video/s is located at the very bottom of the Details tab,

    • ​Select No for Are you a BC Certified Smoking Vehicle Observer​ (CSVO), unless you are a current Broward County employee in the Resilient Environment Department who has taken the CSVO training given by Broward County's Air Program.

In the Location Tab​:

  • Drag and drop the orange location icon to the spot on the map where the smoking vehicle was observed.
    • ​PLEASE NOTE: Try to zoom in enough to indicate the direction the vehicle was heading on the road which the vehicle was seen on.
  • Select Next

In the Contact Info Tab​:​​

  • Fill in all necessary contact information, then click Create Request​
*​​As of July 1, 2021, SB60​ requires complaints to have names and addresses of complainants​. If you have issues or questions about the f​orm, you may email us at AirOutreach@Broward.o​rg. ​

Regulation on Smoking Vehicles can be found on Broward County's Code of Ordinances​. ​​


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​Common Causes of Smoking Vehicles

While it is normal for smoke to appear during the first few seconds after engine startup for some vehicles (such as diesel), a well-maintained vehicle should not emit visible exhaust. Preventing a vehicle from smoking often involves simple upkeep and maintenance procedures.

Gasoline Vehicles
​Visible Sign
Diagnosis​
​White
​Coolant and/or water leaking into combustion chamber
​Blue
​Burnt engine oil
​Black or grey
​Incomplete fuel combustion
Diesel Vehicles

Diesel engines don't have to smoke!

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

​Visible Sign
Diagnosis
​White
​Improper air/fuel mixture. Fuel is not burning
​Blue
​Burnt engine oil or atomized
​White or grey
​Incomplete fuel combustion

​Interesting facts about motor vehicles:

  • Motor vehicles account for 63% of the air pollution in Broward County.
  • There are about 1.9 million registered motor vehicles in Broward County, which equals more than 1 vehicle per resident.
  • Only 10% of motor vehicles cause about 50% of the total air pollution generated by all motor vehicle​s.

Smoking vehicles cost you money:

  • County Fines - the owner of a smoking vehicle can be cited by a Natural Resource Enforcement Officer from the Resilient​​​​ Environment Department. If the problem is not corrected within 30 days, fines of up to $100 may apply.
  • State Fines - any State of Florida law enforcement officer can issue a traffic infraction to a smoking vehicle.
  • Out of Pocket - a smoking vehicle will use more oil and gasoline. The longer it goes without being repaired, the more damage may be done to the engine. This could mean higher repair costs for you in the long run.​​

​Smoking vehicles are bad for you:

  • Vehicle exhaust, even from non-smoking vehicles, is made up of tiny particles that could get lodged in your lungs.
  • These tiny particles are a contributor to respiratory diseases, such as emphysema and asthma.
  • Exhaust from smoking vehicles, diesel vehicles, and even gasoline vehicles can emit pollutants that are suspected to cause cancer in humans.​​​

​​​What can you do if your vehicle is smoking?

Take the vehicle to a certified mechanic that is trained in emissions controls.

  • Take the bus - Call Broward County Transit (BCT) at 954-357-8400.
  • Share a ride with someone to school, work, and/or social events.
  • Call 1-800-234-RIDE to start a car pool.​​​
  • Take the Tri-Rail​: Call 1-800-TRI-RAIL.
  • Bike, walk, or skate when possible.​​