What action should be taken if a vehicle exhibits visible smoke during a smog inspection?

When a vehicle exhibits visible smoke during a smog inspection, the appropriate action is to abort the inspection and document the issue. This is crucial because visible smoke is an indication of a potential malfunction in the vehicle's engine or emissions control system, which could lead to higher emissions than permitted.

Stopping the inspection at this point is essential for several reasons. First, it helps to protect the integrity of the testing process; allowing the inspection to continue could result in inaccurate results about the vehicle's emissions. Second, it safeguards the environment by ensuring that vehicles that are clearly emitting excessive pollutants are not allowed to pass simply because the visible smoke might be overlooked. Finally, documenting the issue provides a clear record of the observed problem, which can be important for both the vehicle owner and regulatory compliance. This documentation can help inform the customer about the need for repairs and ensure that the vehicle is addressed before further testing.