Introduction

If you see a vehicle emitting smoke for more than 10 seconds, you can make a report online to the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).

What you need

  • vehicle registration number
  • state of registration
  • vehicle type
  • vehicle make, model and colour (optional)
  • date and time of observation
  • suburb and street
  • vehicle smoke colour
  • your contact details.

How to report

  1. Select 'Report online'.
  2. Complete the form.
  3. Select 'Submit form'.

More information

  • You need to provide your contact details when making a report. The EPA doesn’t accept anonymous reports. Your personal details are protected and won’t be passed on to the owner of the vehicle.
  • You should make your report within 14 days of the observation.
  • You must observe the vehicle emitting smoke for more than 10 seconds continuously to make a report.
  • The colour of the smoke helps to indicate what's wrong with the vehicle emitting the smoke.
  • During cold weather, condensation can be mistaken for white smoke. Don’t report a vehicle if you think the visible emission could be due to condensation.
  • You can use the Report to EPA mobile app to report smoky vehicles, litter from vehicles and noisy exhaust.
  • The NSW EPA can act on reports for vehicles registered in NSW, ACT, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria. If you want to make a report about a vehicle registered in the Northern Territory, Tasmania or Western Australia, you’ll need to contact the state or territory EPA.
  • The owner of a smoky vehicle may not be aware that their vehicle is emitting excessive smoke, or that there may be a problem with it. After a report is made, the EPA will check the vehicle registration matches the vehicle description and then send an advisory letter to the owner.
Last updated: 11 March 2024