FAQ about reporting smoky vehicles

What information do I have to include with my report?
Do I have to give my name?
What does EPA do with the smoky vehicle reports?
Can I report vehicles registered interstate?
Are there any other restrictions on the vehicles that I can report?
How much smoke defines a smoky vehicle?
Is water vapour (steam) emitted from the vehicle a problem as well?
Are diesel vehicles exempt?
Can I report a noisy vehicle?
I've forgotten my password. How do I access the system?
My contact details have changed. How do I change them on the system?

What information do I have to include with my report?

We need to have:

• the registration number and
• a description of the vehicle:
  • make
  • body type (sedan, utility, van, etc.)
  • colour and
  • model (if possible).

EPA supports safe driving practices. You should use an appropriate safe means of recording these details. These details enable us to crosscheck the registered details on the VicRoads database to avoid mistakes.

We also need to know where and when you saw the vehicle:

• road, suburb or town
• date and
• time (including am or pm).

Insufficient information may result in your report not being processed.

The on-line EPA Smoky Vehicle Reporting System provides drop down lists from which you can select the relevant item.

If you don't have information such as vehicle make or vehicle body type, select "UNLISTED" from the list and enter any information in the "model" field that may help us identify the vehicle, such as any signage identifying the owner in the case of trucks.

Retain your notes even after completing the online form in case we need to contact you to clarify the information.

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Do I have to give my name?

EPA request your name and contact details when reporting smoky vehicles by telephone in case a query arises. Your contact details are not released to anyone.

What does EPA do with the smoky vehicle reports?

If the vehicle description registered with VicRoads doesn't match the reported description, no further action will be taken. If the details do match, we will send a letter to the owner advising them that their vehicle has been reported as emitting smoke and may need repairs. The letter also says that, if the vehicle is observed emitting smoke by an EPA or police officer, the owner may be fined.

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Can I report vehicles registered interstate?

As EPA only has access to details of Victorian registered vehicles through VicRoads, we cannot act on reports of smoky vehicles that are registered in another state.

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Are there any other restrictions on the vehicles that I can report?

No. However if you report a semi trailer or other similar vehicle emitting smoke, we can only act if you give us the registration number of the prime mover section at the front. Trailer registrations such as 12345 S can't be followed up.

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How much smoke defines a smoky vehicle?

The legislation defines a smoky vehicle as one which continuously emits visible smoke for 10 seconds or more.

Is water vapour (steam) emitted from the vehicle a problem as well?

No. When reporting a smoky vehicle, take care that it's not just emitting water vapour (steam). For a while after starting the engine, water vapour is emitted from the exhaust pipe, which, when cooled by the surrounding air, can look like smoke. The wispy looking water vapour is very evident when the vehicle is started on cold mornings.

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Are diesel vehicles exempt?

The regulation applies to all cars, trucks, buses and motorcycles regardless of the engine type or even if they are going up a hill. Diesel engined vehicles are not exempt.

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Can I report a noisy vehicle?

A member of the public can report a noisy vehicle to the Traffic Management Unit at their local police station. If a police officer assesses the vehicle as being too noisy, the vehicle will be referred to EPA for noise testing (get more information about noise and motor vehicle noise testers approved by EPA).

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I've forgotten my password. How do I access the system?

The login page provides a facility whereby if you included your email address with your registration details, then you can request an email be sent to that address with your login details. If you didn't include an email address or it is no longer current, call EPA on (03) 9695 2664 or send an email.

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My contact details have changed. How do I change them on the system?

Once you have logged in, there are menu options available to update your contact details or your password.

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