Have you ever heard about the smog abatement fee? It’s a simple extra charge introduced by some governments for owners of new and modern cars. These individuals can choose to pay a smog abatement fee for several years after purchasing their new vehicle instead of getting regular smog checks. Keep reading to find out more about the meaning of the smog abatement fee and smog checks!
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What Are Smog Checks?
A smog check can be defined as an emission law and vehicle inspection program that examines vehicle exhausts and helps control emission levels. Usually, the process consists of a visual inspection of the vehicle’s systems, components, and functionalities. It makes it possible to check if the computer and diagnostics of the vehicle work properly. Moreover, smog checks are conducted to estimate the amount and levels of vehicle emissions.
The frequency at which smog checks need to be done varies depending on where you live. In some countries or states, it’s mandatory every two years. In others, drivers have to go through the test every twelve months. Of course, there are also countries where smog checks aren’t obligatory at all.
What Is a Smog Abatement Fee?
Regardless of where you live, your car will not be subject to regular smog checks if it has been produced in the last eight years. In this situation, to avoid going through this process repeatedly to check the car’s functionality and ensure that its emissions are under control, you pay the smog abatement fee.
In simple terms, smog abatement is an extra fee, usually in the ballpark of $20–25 or so, which you are obliged to pay every year if your car is new, anywhere between one and eight years old.
Newer vehicles are typically designed to meet stricter emissions standards and produce fewer pollutants. For this reason, places around the world that have introduced the smog abatement fee allow owners of such new vehicles to pay it instead of completing regular smog checks, recognising their lower environmental and health impact.
The Impact of Smog on Public Health – Why It’s So Important to Reduce It
The negative effects of smog are hugely detrimental to human health—that’s been long-proven. However, in a broader context, pervasive air pollution also impacts entire ecosystems and leads to decreased biodiversity.
It’s therefore imperative to reduce air pollution in as many ways as possible. The list below highlights just some of the ways that smog can be harmful to human populations:
- Public Health Pressure – Persistent poor air quality will reflect on the overall health of the local population, impacting longevity and increasing the strain placed on clinics and hospitals.
- Economic Impact – There is a clear link between good air quality and economic prosperity. Businesses and tourists flock to areas with clean air, and policymakers that neglect this aspect stand to miss out on robust income streams.
- Wildlife Populations – Animals are also negatively affected by air pollution, further disrupting the food chain and various ecosystems.
Smog abatement fees and smog checks are just a drop in the bucket. To take real, effective action, we need to come together and collaborate. See how Airly’s initiatives go public in viral campaigns in partnership with reputable brands like Decathlon or Aviva, or check out all our other case studies here!
The Takeaway
Smog abatement fees apply to new vehicles that are in decent shape (up to eight years old), and thus don’t have to go through smog checks. In exchange, their owners have to pay the fee of around $20–25 a year. For governments, it’s a way of gathering some more revenue instead of making car owners regularly perform needless tests.
Wondering whether smog is even dangerous? Check out our blog to discover twelve reasons proving that it can have a tremendous impact on health!