CleanRun

Smoky vehicle reporting

Excessive smoke from vehicles contains particles and other pollutants that contribute to air pollution in Perth and can have a negative impact on people's health.
The Department of Environment and Conservation operates a smoky vehicle reporting program. This is a community based program that encourages reporting of smoky vehicles. Reports can be made by:

• Telephoning +61-8-9324 2835 or Freecall 1800 0SMOKY (1800 076 659) - 24 hour recorded service
• Faxing (08) 9333 7450
• E-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Using the smoky vehicle reporting booklet - request one by e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

A vehicle is deemed to be smoky if it breaches the Road Traffic (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 2002 that contains the "10-Second Rule". The "10-Second Rule" states that a vehicle must not emit visible smoke emissions continually for ten seconds or more.
When making a report the following details are required:

• Ensure the vehicle smokes continuously for ten seconds or more before reporting (to minimise the number of false reports)
• Registration number
• Make and model
• Colour
• Location (where you saw it)
• Date and time you saw it
• Your details (name, address, telephone, email). Please note these are kept confidential and used only to verify complaints.

The owner of the reported vehicle will be sent a letter informing them that their vehicle has been observed smoking excessively and suggesting they should have the vehicle repaired. If multiple confirmed reports are received, details of the smoky vehicle will be provided to the Department for Transport or WA Police for follow up action under the "10-Second Rule".
If your vehicle is emitting any visible smoke for more than ten seconds, it may be in breach of the Regulations, and you should ask a mechanic for advice. CleanRun will be conducting community participation days where community members will be able to obtain a free ‘health check’ for their vehicle and find out more about strategies to reduce their vehicle’s emissions.

A review of the smoky vehicle reporting program identified that it could also be used as a tool to help recruit vehicles for emissions testing. The reporting program is currently being revised to engage a greater number of people and to adopt a firmer enforcement approach for those vehicles that receive multiple reports.