Can you sell a car that hasn’t passed an exhaust emissions test?

By Roger Houghton

Exhaust emission testing is not included in the roadworthiness test in South Africa, although an examiner has the right to fail a vehicle which is emitting what he or she considers to be excessive smoke from the exhaust pipe.

Local emission tests do not form part of vehicle homologation in South Africa. The SA standard requires manufacturers or importers to provide confirmation of relevant tests (including emissions) having been conducted by the vehicle manufacturer with successful results.

Nowadays all new cars must have a sticker on the windscreen giving details of CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption under international controlled conditions.

Roadworthy tests, where a vehicle may be failed for excessive smoke, are required when a used vehicle is sold, or in the case of a change of ownership.

Legislation has been proposed to make it mandatory for all vehicles to undergo a roadworthy test every two years, but it has not yet been passed by parliament. Roadworthy tests are required every 12 months for vehicles operated for reward, heavy duty goods vehicles weighing more than 3 500kg and taxis, while buses are tested every six months.