PA Emissions Inspector Certification Practice Exam

In which decade did emissions devices start being installed on cars?

1. 1950

2. 1960

3. 1970

4. 1980

The correct answer is: 1960

The correct answer is the 1960s because this decade marked a significant shift in automotive emissions control as awareness of air pollution began to rise, leading to regulatory changes. In response to growing environmental concerns and studies indicating the health impacts of vehicle emissions, the U.S. government initiated measures to curb pollution from cars. The introduction of the first federal emissions standards in 1968 prompted manufacturers to start integrating emissions control devices, such as catalytic converters and positive crankcase ventilation systems, into their vehicle designs. This proactive approach laid the groundwork for further advancements in emissions technology and stricter regulations in subsequent decades.