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Motor Vehicle Emissions Inspector

Transportation Inspectors
Description
Inspect motor vehicles for compliance with emissions regulations by performing OBD-II, tailpipe, opacity, and visual checks; document results, issue certificates, and enforce testing protocols in a safe, well-calibrated environment.
  • • Verify vehicle identity, model year, fuel type, and GVWR to determine required test procedures.
  • • Perform OBD-II inspections, including MIL status, DTC retrieval, and readiness monitor checks.
  • • Conduct tailpipe emissions tests using approved dynamometer or idle/ASM procedures when applicable.
  • • Measure diesel smoke and opacity with approved meters and record results.
  • • Perform gas cap and EVAP system integrity tests as required.
  • • Visually inspect emission-control components for presence, condition, and tampering.
  • • Check for exhaust leaks, excessive smoke, or illegal modifications.
  • • Calibrate and leak-check analyzers and opacity meters according to schedules and protocols.
  • • Maintain ventilation and exhaust extraction to ensure a safe testing environment.
  • • Record test data, observations, and equipment calibration logs in the inspection system.
  • • Determine pass or fail outcomes using regulatory thresholds and testing protocols.
  • • Issue certificates, inspection stickers, or failure notices, and submit required reports.
  • • Explain results to motorists and outline corrective actions or retest procedures after failures.
  • • Verify repair documentation and perform retests after corrective work.
  • • Safeguard certificates, test gases, and other controlled materials to prevent fraud or misuse.
  • • Follow chain-of-custody and quality-control procedures and participate in audits.
  • • Report suspected tampering or noncompliance to appropriate authorities.
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Tasks & skills: O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge). Learn more
Sources & Standards: This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
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