The state of Alabama does not have a requirement for testing vehicles for emissions. However, according to state law, individual cities are allowed to pass laws that require testing to begin. There are also many privately owned facilities that complete this testing throughout the state.
Throughout the years, there have been a number of groups that were interested in protecting the environment and have therefore began pushing for legislation to be put into place that has strict guidelines for emissions. However, these groups have been unsuccessful in getting these items passed thus far.
Periodically, these same groups offer voluntary testing to those who are interested so that residents can easily determine if their vehicles require attention. These special events often focus on learning what you can do to make your vehicle more environmentally friendly and seeing how well it tests for pollution.
Alabama Incentives for Eco-Friendly Driving
The state Motor Vehicle Division, although smog and emission testing is not required, still lists reasons that keeping your vehicle environmentally friendly is beneficial. The state offers a variety of perks to those who are interested, including special tax breaks and vehicle insurance discounts. These are referred to as green driver incentives.
Protect Yourself, Your Family and the Environment
Pollution can be damaging to humans and it is important that you understand the ways that you can protect yourself. For this reason, the State of Alabama offers guidelines to follow as well as special announcements in the case of a high air pollution situation. Residents can keep themselves safe if they stick with the following items as indicated through the state’s DMV guidelines:
- Stay indoors as much as possible
- Carpool to and from work
- Telecommute as much as possible
- Adjust your thermostat to conserve energy – up in summer, down in winter
- Ride a bus, subway, metro line, or other public transportation
- Ride a bike or walk whenever it is possible
- Refuel your vehicle during cooler parts of the day; avoid filling your vehicle up when it is hot outside
- Do not use lawn mowers or other gas powered equipment on smog alert days
- Limit or discontinue use of aerosol products, oil-based paints, and solvents
- Eliminate unnecessary trips; combine errands when possible.
With vehicles that are newer than 1996, you probably have access to a Diagnostic system Check feature. This system helps determine when there are issues occurring within your car. Be sure to have these items checked whenever the “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon” light appears.
You may also find that you are having emission issues when this light comes on as well. In order to protect both you and the environment, be sure to have these items reviewed when the light does come on.
Although the state of Alabama does not have specific requirements regarding checking for emissions, they are very conscious of the effect of car emissions on the environment. They offer multiple reasons for residents to be inclined to improve the emissions that are coming from their vehicle as well as a number of suggestions as to how to keep vehicles working well.