They'd get dinged here.

Modifying engines to bypass emissions controls have been illegal in the US since the 1970s (earlier in California), but it was hard to enforce until states started having annual emissions inspections - they aren't (yet) required everywhere in the US.

Tom Levenson points us to TPM who cites the EPA:

Defeat devices. It is a violation of the CAA to manufacture, sell, or install a part for a motor vehicle that bypasses, defeats, or renders inoperative any emission control device. For example, computer software that alters diesel fuel injection timing is a defeat device. Defeat devices, which are often sold to enhance engine performance, work by disabling a vehicle's emission controls, causing air pollution. As a result of EPA enforcement, some of the largest manufacturers of defeat devices have agreed to pay penalties and stop the sale of defeat devices.

Tampering. The CAA prohibits anyone from tampering with an emission control device on a motor vehicle by removing it or making it inoperable prior to or after the sale or delivery to the buyer. A vehicle's emission control system is designed to limit emissions of harmful pollutants from vehicles or engines. EPA works with manufacturers to ensure that they design their components with tamper-proofing, addresses trade groups to educate mechanics about the importance of maintaining the emission control systems, and prosecutes cases where significant or imminent harm is occurring.

Cheers,
Scott.

Post #391,658 by static 7/7/14 5:18:31 PM Reply	They'd get dinged here. Quite illegal. Diesels are not allowed to do that. Wade. Just Add Story http://justaddstory.wordpress.com/
Post #391,676 by Another Scott 7/7/14 9:29:48 PM Reply	It's illegal here, too. Modifying engines to bypass emissions controls have been illegal in the US since the 1970s (earlier in California), but it was hard to enforce until states started having annual emissions inspections - they aren't (yet) required everywhere in the US. Tom Levenson points us to TPM who cites the EPA: Defeat devices. It is a violation of the CAA to manufacture, sell, or install a part for a motor vehicle that bypasses, defeats, or renders inoperative any emission control device. For example, computer software that alters diesel fuel injection timing is a defeat device. Defeat devices, which are often sold to enhance engine performance, work by disabling a vehicle's emission controls, causing air pollution. As a result of EPA enforcement, some of the largest manufacturers of defeat devices have agreed to pay penalties and stop the sale of defeat devices. Tampering. The CAA prohibits anyone from tampering with an emission control device on a motor vehicle by removing it or making it inoperable prior to or after the sale or delivery to the buyer. A vehicle's emission control system is designed to limit emissions of harmful pollutants from vehicles or engines. EPA works with manufacturers to ensure that they design their components with tamper-proofing, addresses trade groups to educate mechanics about the importance of maintaining the emission control systems, and prosecutes cases where significant or imminent harm is occurring. Cheers, Scott.
Post #391,681 by pwhysall 7/8/14 3:09:43 AM Reply	Instant, massive MOT fail here Consequences: big fine, etc. Also most insurance policies require the vehicle to be properly taxed and MOTed, so also uninsured, which, if detected (and there's plenty of ANPR-equipped police cars that can do it) will result in instant seizure of the vehicle. Funnily enough, people don't "roll coal" in the UK. Because even if it wasn't illegal, the tutting and eye-rolling would literally shame them to actual death.

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