NCTCOG High-Emitting Vehicle Program (HEVP)

Smoking Vehicle The High-Emitting Vehicle Program (HEVP) conducts regional programs in an effort to reduce emissions from on-road mobile sources. These initiatives focus on public awareness and enforcement of emissions standards. The North Central Texas region does not meet Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for ozone levels, and vehicle emissions are a major cause of these ozone-forming pollutants. Studies indicate approximately 10% of the polluting vehicles are responsible for over 50% of the nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in our nonattainment area. Identifying vehicle emission problems that may develop in the time period between annual emissions inspections helps get the highest polluting vehicles repaired or replaced sooner.

In order for the region to meet federal air quality standards, it is necessary to address on-road emissions. The following Programs work in conjunction with other air quality initiatives to help bring the North Central Texas region into compliance with the EPA mandated guidelines for the eight hour ozone standards. The High-Emitting Vehicle Program is a part of the State Implementation Plan (SIP).

The Enhanced Remote Sensing Performance Based Pilot Program

The Enhanced Remote Sensing Performance Based Pilot Program will utilize the latest in remote sensing technology to target smoking and/or high-emitting gas and diesel vehicles currently operating on North Central Texas roadways. NCTCOG's main objective is to inform the vehicle's owner of their emissions-related issues and assist in offering solutions to improve air quality in our region.

Enhanced Remote Sensing Performance Based Pilot Program Web site

The NCTCOG Emissions Database (NED)

The NCTCOG Emissions Database (NED) is an internet-based, password-protected database containing over 50 million State vehicle emissions inspection records for 16 of the 17 nonattainment counties in Texas. NED is made available free of charge to any law enforcement agency* and is used as an integral part of the Regional Emissions Enforcement Program. The database also serves as a great research tool for administering the AirCheckTexas Drive a Clean Machine Program, and for monitoring potential fraudulent inspection station activity.

NCTCOG Emissions Database (NED) Web site

*Free of charge to any law enforcement agency in the North Central Texas nonattainment region.

The Regional Emissions Enforcement Program (REEP)

The Regional Emissions Enforcement Program (REEP) was developed to assist in identifying and removing high-emitting vehicles from roadways displaying counterfeit, fictitious, improperly issued, and/or stolen State inspection and registration certificates. REEP takes a four pronged approach to enforcement by: performing everyday on-road enforcement utilizing the NCTCOG Emissions Database (NED), conducting covert operations on State Vehicle Emissions Inspection Stations to identify inspectors performing improper inspections, investigating and pursuing dealers and manufacturers of fictitious or counterfeit inspection certificates, and also by investigating and pursuing civil litigation against car dealers selling improperly inspected vehicles. NCTCOG offers comprehensive training through the Emissions Enforcement Program to educate local law enforcement officers on the State's Inspection and Maintenance Program and encourages collaboration between counties to increase enforcement efforts.

Regional Emissions Enforcement Program (REEP) Web site

The Regional Smoking Vehicle Program (RSVP)

The Regional Smoking Vehicle Program was developed so residents may anonymously report vehicles emitting excessive exhaust. Vehicle owners of reported vehicles receive a letter documenting the report, information about repair or replacement assistance which may be available to them, and encourages the vehicle owner to voluntarily have emissions-related repairs made, if needed.

Regional Smoking Vehicle Program (RSVP) Web site