The bill H.48 aims to enhance air quality by prohibiting the installation of equipment in motor vehicles that increases their ability to emit soot, smoke, or particulates. It introduces new legal language that makes it illegal to retrofit vehicles with devices that enhance emissions and establishes civil penalties for violations. Specifically, individuals who retrofit vehicles with such devices will face a civil penalty of up to $500 for a first offense and between $500 and $1,000 for subsequent offenses. Additionally, the bill mandates that motor vehicles must be in good mechanical condition and properly equipped, prohibiting the operation of vehicles that emit excessive soot or smoke.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws to include specific prohibitions against operating vehicles with modified exhaust systems that increase emissions and against purposefully releasing visible quantities of soot, smoke, or particulates. Violators of these provisions will also be subject to the same civil penalties as those for retrofitting violations. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, reinforcing the state's commitment to reducing vehicle emissions and improving air quality.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-567, 23-1221