Oregon cars to start tattling on emissions
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
PORTLAND — Starting next year, self-service kiosks and a dashboard device that sends auto emissions data to the state will allow drivers in the Portland and Medford areas to avoid long lines at testing stations.
The $39 dashboard device tells the state whether a car is polluting. Drivers will get an e-mail, a postcard and 45 days to fix it.
The device will not record speed or location. On Board Diagnostics, a feature on 1996 and later vehicles, makes the program possible. A computer chip monitors engine components that affect how much exhaust a car puts out.
Receivers for the remote units will be stationed near busy intersections. Ted Kotsakis, head of the state Vehicle Inspection Program, said they want enough so each car passes one at least every two weeks.
The other option, self-service kiosks, will be open around the clock. Users insert a credit card and unfurl a cord that plugs into the car and checks the engine.
Drivers who use the new options would pay what they do now for testing, plus the cost of a dashboard device if they want one.
Source: The Olimpian