The nationwide Smog operation aims to remove from traffic vehicles whose technical condition fails to meet environmental protection requirements, for example through excessive smoke from the exhaust system, police say on their website. (Officers will also respond to other traffic violations related to the technical condition of vehicles.)
The operation is also educational in nature. Officers:
Let us remember that transport, particularly in large cities, contributes to worsening air quality. We will remind drivers that the smog taking its toll is also “thanks” to technically defective vehicles emitting exhaust fumes with excessive toxicity.
Due to increasing air pollution, and consequently the negative impact of many substances on the health and lives of both people and all fauna and flora, smog has become a worldwide problem. “That is why we should all try to comply with regulations concerning the emission of harmful substances,” the police add.
During the operation, selected police patrols will use inspection and measuring instruments to determine whether environmental protection requirements have been violated.
Officers:
We remind drivers that, while overseeing the safety and order of road traffic, a police officer is authorized, among other things, to check the technical condition of a vehicle on the road.
If it is determined, or there is justified suspicion, that a vehicle violates environmental protection requirements, a police officer, pursuant to Article 132(1)(1)(c) of the Road Traffic Act, is required to confiscate the vehicle registration certificate.