What is the consequence of a vehicle demonstrating excessive visible smoke during inspection?

When a vehicle demonstrates excessive visible smoke during inspection, it may fail the smog check due to its potential to indicate serious emissions problems. Excess smoke typically suggests that the engine is burning fuel inefficiently or that there may be issues with components such as the fuel injection system, piston rings, or valve seals. This not only contributes to higher emissions but also reflects a lack of proper maintenance, which may lead to harmful pollutants being released into the atmosphere.

Therefore, this observation is significant enough that it can directly affect the vehicle's compliance with environmental regulations. Inspectors are mandated to evaluate the emissions of a vehicle thoroughly, and visible smoke is a key indicator of whether a vehicle meets the necessary standards. If a vehicle fails this aspect of the inspection, it will require repairs to address the underlying issues before it can pass.