600 Cars a Day, Then 80. Cincinnati's Tailpipe Test, 1975.
The film of this episode premieres October 20, 2026 on YouTube. The documents, the transcript and the sources are below now.
On January 1, 1975, Cincinnati and Hamilton County bolted an exhaust-emissions test onto a car-inspection lane the city had been running since 1940.
Transcript
Two lights
R001 CLOSEUP OF AN EXHAUST ANALYZER USED AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO. A HOSE FROM THE CAR'S TAILPIPE RUNS TO THE MACHINE WHICH REGISTERS CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS. EXHAUST EMISSION TESTS WERE STARTED ON AN ANNUAL BASIS IN JANUARY, 1975, FOR ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES. ALL VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE CITY UNDERGO ANNUAL SAFETY CHECKS
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15440). View the original.
This machine had two lights on it. If the red one came on, you had thirty days.
D01 CLOSEUP OF AN EXHAUST ANALYZER USED AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO. A HOSE FROM THE CAR'S TAILPIPE RUNS TO THE MACHINE WHICH REGISTERS CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS. EXHAUST EMISSION TESTS WERE STARTED ON AN ANNUAL BASIS IN JANUARY, 1975, FOR ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES. ALL VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE CITY UNDERGO ANNUAL SAFETY CHECKS
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15440). View the original.
The left-hand dial counted hydrocarbons, in parts per million. The right-hand one counted carbon monoxide, as a percentage of everything coming out of your car.
R002 RED LIGHT OF THE EXHAUST ANALYZER INDICATES THAT THIS CAR FAILED THE TEST AT THE AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION AT NORWOOD OHIO. A RED LIGHT WILL GLOW IF EITHER THE CARBON MONOXIDE OR HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS ARE ABOVE THE MAXIMUM LIMITS FOR A PARTICULAR MODEL YEAR. THE CAR OWNER WILL BE GIVEN A 30-DAY STICKER TO HAVE HIS AUTO REPAIRED AND BE RETURNED FOR RETESTING. IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT CERTIFIED WITHIN THAT TIME, IT CAN BE TICKETED BY THE POLICE
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15400). View the original.
Fail, and the police could ticket the car. Hamilton County, Ohio, started doing this on the first of January, nineteen seventy-five.
R003 VIEW OF AN EXHAUST ANALYZER AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN NORWOOD, OHIO. REGULATIONS SPECIFY THE MAXIMUM LIMITS OF CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS PERMISSIBLE FOR VARIOUS YEARS OF VEHICLES. TOP LIMITS OF CO FOR AUTOS ARE 6% FOR PRE-1968 MODELS, 5% FOR 1968-69, 4% FOR 1970-74 AND 1.5% FOR 1975 MODELS HC LIMITS FOR CARS ARE 1,000 PARTS PER MILLION FOR PRE-1968 MODELS, 600 PPM FOR 1968-69, 500 PPM FOR 1970-74 AND 250 PPM FOR 1975 MODELS
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15399). View the original.
The older the car, the more it was allowed. Six percent carbon monoxide before nineteen sixty-eight. A nineteen seventy-five model got one and a half.
R004 CLOSEUP OF EMISSION STANDARDS FOR LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES WHICH ARE TESTED ANNUALLY IN HAMILTON COUNTY, OHIO. THE NOTICE IS POSTED IN AN INSPECTION STATION THAT WAS FORMERLY AN AUTO DEALERSHIP IN THE VILLAGE OF NEWTOWN, OHIO VEHICLES ARE TESTED FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS. IF A VEHICLE FAILS THE TEST, ITS OWNER IS GIVEN 30 DAYS TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AND RETESTED. VEHICLES WITH INVALID STICKERS ARE TICKETED
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15378). View the original.
A thousand parts per million of hydrocarbons for the old ones. Two hundred and fifty for the new. The newer your car, the less it was allowed to give off.
Unfortunately
A report written for the Environmental Protection Agency explained why anyone was measuring at all.
Cars already on the road were not meeting the standards they had been designed to meet. The word the report uses for that is unfortunately.
Eight to twelve seconds
R005 CITY EMPLOYEE OF AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO, HOLDS A PROBE ATTACHED TO THE TAILPIPE OF A CAR. THE PROBE IS HELD IN THE CAR EXHAUST FOR 8 - 12 SECONDS WHILE GASES PASS TO THE ANALYZER WHICH READS THE AMOUNT OF CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS. ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES IN THE CITY MUST BE TESTED FOR EXHAUST EMISSIONS. ALL VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE CITY MUST UNDERGO ANNUAL SAFETY CHECKS
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15441). View the original.
The controls were fitted at the factory. Nobody was checking whether they still worked. So a man in a city uniform put a probe in your exhaust pipe.
R006 CITY EMPLOYEE OF AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO, HOLDS A PROBE ATTACHED TO THE TAILPIPE OF A CAR. THE PROBE IS HELD IN THE CAR EXHAUST FOR 8 TO 12 SECONDS WHILE GASES PASS TO THE ANALYZER WHICH READS THE AMOUNT OF CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS. ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES IN THE CITY MUST BE TESTED FOR EXHAUST EMISSIONS. ALL VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE CITY MUST UNDERGO ANNUAL SAFETY CHECKS
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15442). View the original.
He held it there eight to twelve seconds while the gas went up the hose.
R007 EXHAUST ANALYZER IS USED TO TEST FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBONS COMING FROM THIS CAR'S TAILPIPE AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN NORWOOD, OHIO. WHILE THAT TEST IS BEING CONDUCTED THE CITY EMPLOYEE SHOWN WILL MAKE SURE THAT AN INSPECTION IS CARRIED OUT CONCERNING THE HORN, WINDSHIELD WIPERS REARVIEW MIRROR, SAFETY GLASS, DRIVER VISIBILITY, BODY CONDITION TURN SIGNALS, LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS FRONT AND REAR, TIRES AND HEADLIGHTS
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15420). View the original.
While that ran, someone checked the horn, the wipers, the mirror, the tires, the lights.
The lane was already there
R008 SAFETY INSPECTION BUILDING IN AN EASILY ACCESSIBLE LOCATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO. SAFETY INSPECTIONS BEGAN IN 1940 AND WERE DONE ON A SEMI-ANNUAL BASIS UNTIL IT BECAME AN ANNUAL EVENT BEGINNING IN JANUARY, 1975. IN ADDITION TO THE SAFETY CHECK ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES ARE HOOKED UP TO AN EXHAUST ANALYZER AND MONITORED FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS. IN THE SEMI-ANNUAL INSPECTION, THE BUILDING HANDLED 800 TO 1,200 VEHICLES A DAY
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15423). View the original.
None of that part was new. Cincinnati had been inspecting cars in this building since nineteen forty.
R009 OLD SIGN IN THE INTERIOR OF AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO. UNTIL JANUARY, 1975, THE CITY HAD A SEMI-ANNUAL SAFETY CHECK FOR ALL MOTOR VEHICLES. SINCE THE FIRST OF THE YEAR THE PROGRAM WAS PLACED ON AN ANNUAL BASIS. IN ADDITION TO THE SAFETY CHECK ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES MUST PASS AN EMISSIONS CHECK ON AN EXHAUST ANALYZER FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBONS. SOME 115,000 VEHICLES WERE TO RECEIVE AN EMISSIONS TEST THE FIRST YEAR
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15429). View the original.
Twice a year, every year, for thirty-five years. The sign inside was old enough to ask people not to spit on the floor.
R010 CAR ENTERING A SAFETY INSPECTION BUILDING IN AN EASILY ACCESSIBLE LOCATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO. SAFETY INSPECTIONS BEGAN IN 1940 AND WERE DONE ON A SEMI-ANNUAL BASIS UNTIL IT BECAME AN ANNUAL EVENT IN JANUARY, 1975. IN ADDITION TO THE SAFETY CHECK ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES ARE HOOKED UP TO AN EXHAUST ANALYZER AND MONITORED FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS. UNDER THE OLD SYSTEM 800 TO 1,200 VEHICLES A DAY WERE CHECKED
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15424). View the original.
Under the old arrangement this one building handled eight hundred to twelve hundred cars a day.
R011 STOP SIGN WHERE MOTORISTS HALT THEIR VEHICLES AND TURN THEM OVER TO EMPLOYEES AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO. THIS ASPECT DIFFERS FROM NEARBY NORWOOD, OHIO, INSPECTIONS WHERE THE OWNERS STAY IN THEIR AUTOS. IN ADDITION TO THE USUAL SAFETY CHECK ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES ARE HOOKED UP TO AN EXHAUST ANALYZER TO CHECK FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15431). View the original.
In January the city cut the safety check to once a year and bolted the tailpipe test onto it. At this stop sign you got out and handed over the keys.
R012 CAR HAS JUST ENTERED THE SAFETY LANE AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15425). View the original.
The fee is painted on the brick on both sides of the door. Three dollars and seventy-five cents.
R013 EMPLOYEE AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO, FILLS OUT A MOTORIST'S SHEET. THE VEHICLE WILL RECEIVE THE USUAL SAFETY INSPECTION WHICH HAS BEEN IN EFFECT SINCE 1940. ALL CITY VEHICLES STILL MUST PASS THIS CHECK WHILE LIGHT DUTY SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES MUST BE TESTED FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS. THE EMISSIONS REGULATION WENT INTO EFFECT IN JANUARY, 1975
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15428). View the original.
A sheet was filled out on every vehicle.
R014 CITY EMPLOYEE INSIDE A MOTORIST'S CAR WITH A VEHICLE INFORMATION SHEET IN HIS HAND AS IT TRAVELS THROUGH AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO. ALL LIGHT DUTY SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES ARE TESTED ANNUALLY FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS, AND GIVEN A SAFETY CHECK. ALL OTHER VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE CITY RECEIVE AN ANNUAL SAFETY CHECK. OFFICIALS PREDICTED 115,000 VEHICLES WOULD RECEIVE EMISSIONS TESTING DURING 1975
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15447). View the original.
Officials expected a hundred and fifteen thousand cars through this building in the first year.
R015 INTERIOR OF AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO. EMPLOYEES ARE TESTING HEADLIGHT ALIGNMENT OF THE CAR IN THE SAFETY LANE. CITY MOTORISTS HAVE HAD SEMI-ANNUAL SAFETY CHECKS FOR MANY YEARS; NOW IT IS AN ANNUAL EVENT. ALL LIGHT DUTY SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES ALSO ARE HOOKED UP TO AN EXHAUST ANALYZER FOR A CHECK OF CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15435). View the original.
The headlights were aligned.
R016 CHILDREN WATCH AS THEIR CAR'S BRAKES ARE TESTED AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO. ALL VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE CITY MUST UNDERGO AN ANNUAL SAFETY CHECK. IN ADDITION, ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES MUST UNDERGO AN EMISSIONS TEST FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EXHAUST GASES. THE EMISSIONS TEST WENT INTO EFFECT IN JANUARY, 1975. THE SAFETY CHECK HAS BEEN IN EFFECT SINCE 1940
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15453). View the original.
The brakes were tested, with the children watching from the side of the lane.
Four places
In nineteen seventy-five there were only four places in the country where a government ran this testing itself. New Jersey. Portland, Oregon. Chicago. And Cincinnati.
Station number one
R017 HAMILTON COUNTY AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION SIGN IN THE VILLAGE OF NEWTOWN, OHIO. SINCE JANUARY 1, 1975, ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES MUST BE CERTIFIED ANNUALLY FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS IF REGISTERED WITHIN THE COUNTY. IF A VEHICLE FAILS THE TEST, ITS OWNER IS GIVEN A 30-DAY TEMPORARY STICKER TO ALLOW TIME FOR REPAIRS AND RETESTING
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15374). View the original.
The city lane could not take the whole county, so the county opened its own. Station number one is at Newtown. The board says it opens on the fourth of August, Monday to Friday, eleven to seven.
R018 HAMILTON COUNTY AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN THE VILLAGE OF NEWTOWN, OHIO, FORMERLY WAS OPERATED AS AN AUTO DEALERSHIP. THE SIGN AT THE LEFT INSTRUCTS THE MOTORISTS ON THE TESTING PROCEDURE. DURING THE WARM MONTHS CARS ARE TESTED OUTSIDE THE BUILDING. ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES IN HAMILTON COUNTY MUST BE INSPECTED ON AN ANNUAL BASIS FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15375). View the original.
It had been a car dealership. In warm weather the testing happened out in the lot.
R019 HAMILTON COUNTY AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN THE VILLAGE OF NEWTOWN, OHIO. FORMERLY WAS OPERATED AS AN AUTO DEALERSHIP. ARROWS EFFICIENTLY DIRECT TRAFFIC THROUGH THE TESTING LANE. ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN HAMILTON COUNTY MUST BE INSPECTED ON AN ANNUAL BASIS FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS. IF A VEHICLE FAILS THE TEST, ITS OWNER IS GIVEN A 30-DAY TEMPORARY STICKER TO ALLOW TIME FOR REPAIRS AND RETESTING
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15376). View the original.
Arrows were painted on the asphalt to move the traffic through.
R020 CLOSEUP OF AN EMPLOYEE PUNCHING AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION SHEET AT A HAMILTON COUNTY TEST STATION IN NEWTOWN, OHIO. IF A VEHICLE FAILS THE TEST FOR CARBON MONOXIDE OR HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS, THE OWNER HAS 30 DAYS TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. WHEN HE RETURNS, THE DRIVER MUST PRESENT THIS PUNCHED SHEET. ALL LIGHT DUTY SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES IN THE COUNTY MUST BE CERTIFIED ANNUALLY. OFFICIALS REPORT 510,000 VEHICLES ARE REGISTERED INCLUDING 250,000 IN THE CITIES OF NORWOOD AND CINCINNATI
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15379). View the original.
Five hundred and ten thousand vehicles were registered in Hamilton County. Two hundred and fifty thousand of them in Cincinnati and in Norwood.
R021 EMPLOYEE AT THE HAMILTON COUNTY AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION AT NEWTOWN, OHIO. SHE IS FILLING OUT THE EMISSIONS DATA SHEET AND TELLING THE DRIVER WHAT HE MUST DO. IF A VEHICLE FAILS THE TEST FOR CARBON MONOXIDE OR HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS, THE OWNER HAS 30 DAYS TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AND RETESTED. ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES IN THE COUNTY MUST BE CERTIFIED ANNUALLY
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15380). View the original.
All of them were supposed to come through a lane like this once a year.
R022 EMPLOYEE AT THE HAMILTON COUNTY AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION AT NEWTOWN, OHIO. CHECKS THE EXHAUST SYSTEM UNDER THE CAR FOR LEAKS. IF A VEHICLE FAILS THE TEST FOR CARBON MONOXIDE OR HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS, THE OWNER HAS 30 DAYS TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AND RETESTED. ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES IN THE COUNTY MUST BE CERTIFIED ANNUALLY. OFFICIALS REPORT 510,000 CARS ARE REGISTERED IN THE COUNTY, INCLUDING THE CITIES OF NORWOOD AND CINCINNATI
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15382). View the original.
The exhaust system got looked at from underneath first.
R023 TWO MOTORISTS WATCH AS CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSION READINGS ARE REGISTERED ON THE EXHAUST ANALYZER. THE CAR IS BEING TESTED BY AN EMPLOYEE AT THE HAMILTON COUNTY AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION AT NEWTOWN, OHIO. IF A VEHICLE FAILS THE TEST, ITS OWNER IS GIVEN 30 DAYS TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AND RETESTED. ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES IN THE COUNTY MUST BE CERTIFIED ANNUALLY. THOSE WITH INVALID STICKERS ARE TICKETED
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15384). View the original.
Then you watched the needles.
R024 A CAR OWNER REVIEWS THE RESULTS OF HIS CAR'S INSPECTION WITH AN EMPLOYEE OF THE HAMILTON COUNTY AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION AT NEWTOWN, OHIO. THE EXHAUST ANALYZER GIVES READINGS FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS. IF A VEHICLE FAILS THE TEST, THE OWNER IS GIVEN A 30-DAY TEMPORARY STICKER TO ALLOW TIME FOR REPAIRS AND RETESTING. ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES IN THE COUNTY MUST BE CERTIFIED ANNUALLY
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15385). View the original.
And then somebody told you what the needles meant.
R025 EMPLOYEE WAITING FOR BUSINESS AT THE HAMILTON COUNTY AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION AT NEWTOWN, OHIO. THE BUILDING FORMERLY HOUSED AN AUTO DEALERSHIP. ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE COUNTY MUST BE INSPECTED ON AN ANNUAL BASIS FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS. IF A VEHICLE FAILS THE TEST, ITS OWNER IS GIVEN A 30-DAY TEMPORARY STICKER TO ALLOW TIME FOR REPAIRS AND RETESTING
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15377). View the original.
For most of that August, the bays at Newtown looked like this. The caption calls it waiting for business.
Norwood
R026 NORWOOD, OHIO, AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION, PART OF A HAMILTON COUNTY SYSTEM IN WHICH ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES MUST BE CERTIFIED ANNUALLY. VEHICLES ARE ATTACHED TO AN EXHAUST ANALYZER THAT GIVES READINGS FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS. IF A VEHICLE FAILS THE TEST, THE OWNER IS GIVEN A 30-DAY TEMPORARY STICKER TO ALLOW TIME FOR REPAIRS AND RETESTING. OFFICIALS REPORT 250,000 VEHICLES REGISTERED IN NORWOOD AND CINCINNATI
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15386). View the original.
Norwood is a separate city, entirely surrounded by Cincinnati, and it ran a lane of its own.
R027 CAR ENTERS THE SAFETY LANE AT THE NORWOOD, OHIO, AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION. LOCATED IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA A BLOCK AWAY FROM MAIN STREET, THE BUILDING WAS AN OPEN AIR MARKET IN THE 1920'S. ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES IN NORWOOD MUST BE CERTIFIED ANNUALLY. IF A VEHICLE FAILS THE TEST FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS, THE OWNER IS GIVEN A 30-DAY TEMPORARY STICKER TO ALLOW TIME FOR REPAIRS AND RETESTING
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15389). View the original.
The building had been an open-air market in the nineteen twenties. It sat in a residential street, a block off Main.
R028 RESIDENT OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD IN NORWOOD, OHIO, WALKS IN FRONT OF THE SAFETY LANE AT THE AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION. THE BUILDING IS LOCATED IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA, BUT ONLY A BLOCK OFF MAIN STREET. ALL VEHICLES IN THE CITY THAT ARE CLASSIFIED AS LIGHT DUTY SPARK IGNITION POWERED MUST BE INSPECTED ANNUALLY. VEHICLES ARE ATTACHED TO AN EXHAUST ANALYZER THAT GIVES READINGS FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15387). View the original.
People walked past it to their own front doors.
R029 YOUNG GIRL SITS ON THE PORCH STEPS DAYDREAMING WHILE HER CAT SNIFFS FLOWERS. HER HOME IS ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN NORWOOD, OHIO. NORWOOD AND CINCINNATI BEGAN TESTING IN JANUARY, 1975, FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS. SOME 250,000 VEHICLES ARE REGISTERED IN THE TWO CITIES OFFICIALS ESTIMATE THAT 185,000 WILL BE TESTED BY THE END OF 1975 VEHICLES MUST BE CHECKED ANNUALLY BY AN EXHAUST ANALYZER
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15392). View the original.
A girl lived across the road from it.
R030 YOUNG GIRL ON A VISIT TO HER GRANDMOTHER IN NORWOOD, OHIO THE HOME IS NEAR AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION WHERE ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE CITY MUST BE CERTIFIED ANNUALLY FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS. IF A VEHICLE FAILS THE TEST, THE OWNER IS GIVEN A 30-DAY TEMPORARY STICKER TO ALLOW HIM TIME FOR REPAIRS AND RETESTING
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15393). View the original.
Another was visiting her grandmother nearby.
R031 CITY EMPLOYEE HIRED BY THE NORWOOD, OHIO, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, GREETS A MOTORIST READY TO ENTER THE SAFETY LANE AT THE AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15391). View the original.
A public works employee met each car at the door.
R032 VIEW OF THE SAFETY LANE IN THE AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION AT NORWOOD, OHIO. EACH EVENING IT IS SWEPT AND DUSTED, AND THE YELLOW MARKINGS ARE WASHED. ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES IN THE CITY ARE TESTED ANNUALLY BY AN EXHAUST ANALYZER FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS IF A VEHICLE FAILS, ITS OWNER HAS 30 DAYS TO MAKE REPAIRS AND HAVE IT RETESTED. OFFICIALS HOPE TO HAVE 74 PERCENT OF THE VEHICLES TESTED IN NORWOOD AND CINCINNATI BY THE END OF THE YEAR
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15395). View the original.
Every evening the lane was swept, and the yellow markings on the floor were washed.
R033 OVERALL VIEW OF THE SAFETY LANE AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN NORWOOD, OHIO. ONE EMPLOYEE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ASKS QUESTIONS AND GIVES DIRECTIONS TO THE DRIVER WHILE CHECKING THE HORN, WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND TURN SIGNALS. A SECOND EMPLOYEE OPERATES THE EXHAUST PROBE AND READS THE ANALYZER, AND A THIRD LOOKS AT THE TIRES AND REMOVES OUTDATED INSPECTION STICKERS. THE STATION HANDLED 800 VEHICLES OR MORE DAILY DURING THE PEAK PERIOD AFTER THE REGULATION WENT INTO EFFECT
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15402). View the original.
Three men worked it. One asked the questions. One ran the probe and read the analyzer. One looked at the tires and scraped last year's sticker off the glass.
R034 MOTORIST DRIVES THROUGH THE SAFETY LANE AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN NORWOOD, OHIO. IN ADDITION TO A SAFETY CHECK HER CAR WILL BE TESTED FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS. ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES IN HAMILTON COUNTY MUST BE TESTED ANNUALLY. OFFICIALS IN BOTH NORWOOD AND CINCINNATI HOPED TO HAVE 74 PERCENT OF THE REGISTERED VEHICLES INSPECTED BY THE END OF 1975. THE EMISSIONS CONTROL REGULATIONS WENT INTO EFFECT IN JANUARY
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15421). View the original.
The target was seventy-four percent of the cars in Cincinnati and Norwood through the lanes by the end of the year.
The red light
R035 CAR BEING CHECKED AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN NORWOOD, OHIO. THE TEST INCLUDES A CHECK OF THE EXHAUST PIPE AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO VISUALLY LOOK FOR SMOKE. THEN THE PROBE SHOWN IN THE PICTURE IS INSERTED INTO THE TAILPIPE. IT CARRIES EXHAUST GASES FROM THE ENGINE TO THE ANALYZER WHICH MEASURES CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS. ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES IN THE CITY MUST BE CERTIFIED ANNUALLY
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15398). View the original.
They looked for visible smoke first, at the pipe and under the hood. Then the probe went in.
R036 THREE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES CHECK THE READING FOR A CAR BEING TESTED ON AN EXHAUST ANALYZER AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN NORWOOD, OHIO. SINCE JANUARY, 1975, ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED VEHICLES IN HAMILTON COUNTY MUST BE TESTED ANNUALLY FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS OFFICIALS EXPECTED 74 PERCENT OF THE VEHICLES ON BOTH NORWOOD AND CINCINNATI WOULD BE TESTED BY THE END OF 1975
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15417). View the original.
Three of them read the result together.
R037 A MOTORIST WATCHES GAUGES ON AN EXHAUST ANALYZER AS HIS CAR IS BEING TESTED AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN NORWOOD OHIO. SINCE JANUARY, 1975, ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES IN HAMILTON COUNTY MUST BE TESTED ANNUALLY FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS. OFFICIALS PREDICTED 185,000 OF THE 250,000 REGISTERED VEHICLES IN NORWOOD AND CINCINNATI WOULD BE TESTED BY THE END OF 1975
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15419). View the original.
So did the man whose car it was.
R038 WOMAN SITS IN HER CAR WATCHING THE READINGS ON THE EXHAUST ANALYZER IN AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN NORWOOD, OHIO HER AUTO WAS BEING RETESTED AFTER FAILING THE FIRST TIME IT WAS INSPECTE
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15409). View the original.
This one had already failed once and come back.
R039 A MOTORIST, RIGHT, WATCHES AS BOTH BULBS GLOW ON THE EXHAUST ANALYZER WHICH INDICATE HIS VEHICLE HAS FAILED BOTH THE CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS TEST. IT TOOK PLACE AT A SAFETY LANE IN AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN NORWOOD, OHIO. IT WAS THE SECOND TIME HIS VEHICLE HAD FAILED THE TEST. ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES IN THE CITY AND THE REMAINDER OF HAMILTON COUNTY MUST BE TESTED ANNUALLY
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15407). View the original.
Both bulbs lit on this car. Carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons together. It was the second time it had failed.
R040 CLOSEUP OF A MOTORIST WHO HAS JUST GOTTEN OUT OF HIS STATION WAGON TO LOOK AT THE EXHAUST ANALYZER WHICH GIVES READINGS ON CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS FROM HIS VEHICLE. HE HAS DRIVEN INTO AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION AT NORWOOD OHIO, TO RECEIVE A YEARLY INSPECTION. THE GLOWING RED LIGHT INDICATES HIS VEHICLE HAS FAILED THE CARBON MONOXIDE PORTION OF THE TEST. A 30-DAY STICKER WILL ALLOW HIM TIME FOR REPAIRS AND RETESTING. (SEE PICTURES #15405 AND 06)
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15404). View the original.
This man got out of his station wagon to look at the reading himself.
R041 EMPLOYEE OF AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN NORWOOD OHIO, TALKING TO A CUSTOMER WHOSE STATION WAGON HAS JUST FAILED THE CARBON MONOXIDE EMISSION TEST. THE DRIVER WAS TOLD POSSIBLE CAUSES FOR FAILURE COULD INCLUDE: (1) DIRTY AIR FILTER, (2) CLOGGED CRANKCASE VENTILATION VALVE OR OTHER IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED EMISSION CONTROL DEVICE, (3) A PARTIALLY CLOSED OR STUCK CHOKE, OR (4) AN INCORRECT CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT. (SEE PICTURES #15404 AND 06)
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15405). View the original.
He was given four possible reasons. A dirty air filter. A clogged ventilation valve. A stuck choke. A carburetor set wrong.
R042 MOTORIST ENGAGES IN A LENGTHY CONFRONTATION WITH PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEES OF AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN NORWOOD OHIO. HE WAS UNCONVINCED THAT HIS STATION WAGON WAS NOT MAINTAINED WELL ENOUGH TO PASS THE EXHAUST ANALYZER TEST FOR CARBON MONOXIDE EMISSION. HIS VEHICLE DID PASS THE HYDROCARBONS PORTION OF THE TEST. THE MOTORIST WAS ISSUED A 30-DAY STICKER TO GIVE HIM TIME TO HAVE REPAIRS MADE AND ALLOW FOR RETESTING. (SEE PICTURES
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15406). View the original.
What happened next, the government's own caption calls a lengthy confrontation. He did not accept that his car was badly kept.
R043 DRIVER OF THIS 1975 VAN WATCHED AS HIS VEHICLE FAILED THE CARBON MONOXIDE PORTION OF THE TEST AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN NORWOOD, OHIO, SINCE JANUARY, 1975, ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED VEHICLES IN ALL OF HAMILTON COUNTY MUST BE TESTED ON AN ANNUAL BASIS. IF HIS VEHICLE HAD ALSO FAILED THE HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS TEST A SECOND LIGHT WOULD HAVE GLOWED ON THE EXHAUST ANALYZER. THE OWNER HAS 30 DAYS TO REPAIR HIS VEHICLE AND HAVE IT RETESTED
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15401). View the original.
This van was a nineteen seventy-five model, and it failed on carbon monoxide.
R044 MOTORIST RECEIVES THE BAD NEWS THAT HER CAR HAS FAILED THE TEST AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN NORWOOD, OHIO. SINCE JANUARY, 1975, ALL HAMILTON COUNTY LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES MUST BE INSPECTED ANNUALLY FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS. THIS OWNER WILL BE ISSUED A 30-DAY STICKER TO ALLOW TIME FOR REPAIRS AND RETESTING. IF A CAR DOES NOT HAVE A VALID STICKER IT WILL BE CITED, AND THE DRIVER WILL HAVE SEVEN DAYS TO HAVE THE CAR CERTIFIED
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15413). View the original.
A car caught without a valid sticker got a ticket. Then you had seven days.
R045 UNHAPPY MOTORIST LEARNS THAT HER CAR HAS FAILED THE TEST AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION AT NORWOOD, OHIO. ALL HAMILTON COUNTY LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES MUST BE TESTED ANNUALLY FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS VEHICLES THAT FAIL ARE ISSUED 30-DAY TEMPORARY STICKERS TO GIVE OWNERS TIME FOR REPAIRS AND RETESTING. PART OF THE JOB OF THESE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES IS PATIENCE AND PUBLIC RELATIONS WITH CUSTOMERS
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15415). View the original.
Patience and public relations, the captions say, were part of the job.
R046 UNHAPPY CAR OWNER, FOREGROUND, WATCHES AS PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES TRY TO LOCATE THE REASON HER VEHICLE FAILED ITS INSPECTION FOR THE SECOND TIME AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION AT NORWOOD, OHIO. SHE WAS ARMED WITH A RECEIPT FROM THE GARAGE WHERE SHE HAD TAKEN IT FOR REPAIRS AND WAS VERY ANGRY THE CAR HAD NOT PASSED. PATIENCE AND PUBLIC RELATIONS IS PART OF THE TESTING JOB FOR THE CITY EMPLOYEES. (SEE PICTURES #15409 THROUGH 12)
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15410). View the original.
This woman had already paid a garage. She brought the receipt into the lane with her, and the car failed anyway.
R047 UNHAPPY CAR OWNER, FOREGROUND, WATCHES AS PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES TRY TO LOCATE THE REASON HER VEHICLE FAILED ITS INSPECTION FOR THE SECOND TIME AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION AT NORWOOD, OHIO. SHE WAS ARMED WITH A RECEIPT FROM THE GARAGE WHERE SHE HAD TAKEN IT FOR REPAIRS AND WAS VERY ANGRY IT HAD NOT PASSED. THE EMPLOYEES DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A DIRTY AIR FILTER. (SEE PICTURES #15409 THROUGH 12)
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15411). View the original.
She was very angry. They found the problem eventually. A dirty air filter.
R048 UNHAPPY CAR OWNER DISCUSSES THE STATUS OF HER CAR WHICH HAD FAILED A SECOND INSPECTION AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN NORWOOD, OHIO
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15412). View the original.
It was her second inspection of the same car.
R049 BECAUSE THIS MOTORIST'S CAR HAD FAILED THE CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS TEST A SECOND TIME A PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE LOOKS UNDER THE HOOD TO SEE IF HE CAN LOCATE THE PROBLEM. THE OWNER AND ANOTHER EMPLOYEE LOOK AT THE READINGS ON THE EXHAUST ANALYZER IN THE BACKGROUND AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN NORWOOD, OHIO. ALL HAMILTON COUNTY LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES MUST BE CERTIFIED ANNUALLY. THE EMPLOYEE WAS UNABLE TO PINPOINT THE PROBLEM
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15408). View the original.
On another second failure, an employee went under the hood himself. He could not find it.
R050 PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEE AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN NORWOOD, OHIO, GIVES A DRIVER TIPS ON HOW HE CAN REPAIR HIS CAR WHICH FAILED THE TEST FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS. MANY OF THE CARS THAT FAIL NEED ONLY MINOR ADJUSTMENTS WHICH THE OWNERS CAN MAKE THEMSELVES. THE MAJORITY OF VEHICLES ARE TAKEN TO A GARAGE. HOWEVER, NOT ALL GARAGES HAVE EXHAUST ANALYZERS USED BY THE INSPECTION STATION, AND WHAT A MECHANIC THINKS IS A PROPERLY TUNED CAR STILL MAY NOT PASS THE TEST
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15414). View the original.
Most failures needed only a small adjustment. But not every garage owned an analyzer, and a car a mechanic believed was tuned could still fail.
R051 MOTORIST WITH GRIMY HANDS LEADS TO THE BELIEF HE HAS BEEN WORKING ON HIS CAR PRIOR TO BRINGING IT TO AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION AT NORWOOD, OHIO. LIKE ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES IN HAMILTON COUNTY, HIS CAR WILL BE TESTED FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS. IF A VEHICLE FAILS THE TEST, THE OWNER IS GIVEN 30 DAYS TO MAKE REPAIRS AND HAVE IT RETESTED. CARS WITHOUT STICKERS ARE CITED AND GIVEN SEVEN DAYS TO PASS THE EMISSIONS TEST
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15416). View the original.
Some people arrived with their hands already dirty.
Thirty days
R052 TEMPORARY STICKER AFFIXED TO THE WINDSHIELD OF A CAR THAT FAILED AN EXHAUST ANALYZER TEST FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN NORWOOD, OHIO. THE CAR'S OWNER HAS 30 DAYS TO MAKE REPAIRS AND HAVE IT RETESTED. IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT CERTIFIED IN THAT PERIOD, IT CAN BE TICKETED BY THE POLICE. ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES IN THE CITY MUST BE CERTIFIED ANNUALLY
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15397). View the original.
If you failed, you left with a temporary sticker.
R053 CITY EMPLOYEE AFFIXES A TEMPORARY 30-DAY STICKER TO THE WINDSHIELD OF A CAR AFTER IT HAD FAILED TESTING AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO. ALL LIGHT DUTY SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES MUST BE TESTED ANNUALLY FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS, AND BE GIVEN A SAFETY CHECK. ALL OTHER VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE CITY MUST UNDERGO ONLY A SAFETY TEST WHICH HAS BEEN IN EFFECT SINCE 1940
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15469). View the original.
It went on the windshield in front of you.
R054 TEMPORARY 30-DAY STICKER ATTACHED TO THE WINDSHIELD OF A YOUNG WOMAN'S CAR WHICH HAD FAILED TESTING AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO. ALL LIGHT DUTY SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES MUST PASS THE EMISSIONS TEST ANNUALLY FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBONS AS WELL AS RECEIVE A SAFETY CHECK WHICH HAS BEEN IN EFFECT SINCE 1940. ALL OTHER TYPE VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE CITY MUST UNDERGO ONLY THE SAFETY CHECK. (SEE PICTURES #15471 THROUGH 78)
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15472). View the original.
Temporary. City of Cincinnati, motor vehicle inspection. Expires, nineteen seventy-five, with the month and the day punched out in dots.
R055 AFTER HER CAR FAILED THE EMISSIONS TEST AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO, THIS YOUNG WOMAN HEADS FOR A SERVICE STATION AND ENGINE ADJUSTMENT. ALL LIGHT DUTY SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES MUST PASS CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS TESTS ANNUALLY AS WELL AS A SAFETY CHECK THAT HAS BEEN IN EFFECT SINCE 1940. ALL OTHER TYPE VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE CITY MUST UNDERGO ONLY THE SAFETY CHECK. (SEE PICTURES #15471 THROUGH 78)
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15473). View the original.
This young woman drove from the lane straight to a service station.
R056 YOUNG WOMAN HAS STOPPED AT A SERVICE STATION FOR ENGINE ADJUSTMENT AFTER HER CAR HAD FAILED THE EMISSIONS TEST AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO. ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES MUST PASS CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS TESTS ANNUALLY AS WELL AS A SAFETY CHECK THAT HAS BEEN IN EFFECT SINCE 1940. ALL OTHER TYPE VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE CITY MUST UNDERGO ONLY THE SAFETY CHECK (SEE PICTURES #15471 THROUGH 78)
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15474). View the original.
She stopped for an engine adjustment.
R057 SERVICE STATION MECHANIC ADJUSTS THE ENGINE FOR A YOUNG WOMAN WHOSE VEHICLE HAD FAILED THE EMISSIONS TEST AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO. ALTHOUGH THE STATION DOES NOT HAVE THE SAME TYPE OF EXHAUST ANALYZER THAT THE CITY USES, HE WILL BE ABLE TO ADJUST THE CARBURETOR TO PASS INSPECTION. EMISSIONS TESTING HAS BEEN IN EFFECT FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBONS SINCE JANUARY, 1975. (SEE PICTURES #15471 THROUGH 78)
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15475). View the original.
The station did not have the analyzer the city used. The mechanic adjusted the carburetor anyway.
R058 THIS DRIVER IS ADJUSTING THE CARBURETOR OF HIS VAN AT A SERVICE STATION AFTER HIS VEHICLE FAILED THE CARBON MONOXIDE TEST AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO. HE WAS DETERMINED TO PASS SO HE COULD LEAVE FOR SCHOOL OUT OF STATE CITY EMPLOYEES IN THE SAFETY LANE TOLD HIM WHAT WAS WRONG AND INSTRUCTED HIM HOW TO ADJUST IT. AFTER TWO TRIES THE VEHICLE PASSED AND RECEIVED AN INSPECTION STICKER. (SEE PICTURE #15463)
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15464). View the original.
This driver did his own. The men in the lane had told him what was wrong and how to set it. He was leaving for school out of state. On the second try it passed.
R059 ONE OF SEVERAL SERVICE STATION THAT ADVERTISE TUNEUPS TO PASS EMISSIONS AND SAFETY TESTS IS LOCATED NEAR AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO. ALL LIGHT DUTY SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES MUST BE INSPECTED FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS SINCE JANUARY, 1975, AND ALSO RECEIVE A SAFETY CHECK. ALL OTHER TYPE VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE CITY MUST UNDERGO ONLY THE SAFETY CHECK
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15479). View the original.
Around the corner from the downtown lane, the filling stations advertised for the trade.
R060 CLOSEUP OF A SIGN AT ONE OF SEVERAL SERVICE STATIONS THAT ADVERTISE TUNEUPS TO PASS EMISSION AND SAFETY TESTS. IT IS LOCATED NEAR AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI OHIO. ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES MUST BE INSPECTED FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS SINCE JANUARY, 1975, AND ALSO RECEIVE A SAFETY CHECK. ALL OTHER TYPE VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE CITY MUST UNDERGO ONLY THE SAFETY CHECK
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15480). View the original.
Exhaust emission performance test. Required in official inspection lanes. Along the top runs the name of the company that also built the analyzer in the city lane. Sun. Tuned engines save gas.
Ten dollars
R061 MOTORIST IN THE LEFT BACKGROUND WAITS AS AN EMPLOYEE OF AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI TRIES TO LOCATE WHY THE VEHICLE FAILED ITS INSPECTION. THE OWNER HAD SPENT $82 ON REPAIRS AFTER RECEIVING A $10 TICKET FOR AN INVALID STICKER, AND THE FINE WAS DUE TO DOUBLE. A NEW ROTOR WAS NEEDED FOR THE CAR TO PASS THE TEST ON AN EXHAUST ANALYZER WHICH READS CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS. (SEE PICTURE # 15462)
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15461). View the original.
One man had been ticketed ten dollars for an invalid sticker. He had spent eighty-two dollars on repairs, and the fine was about to double.
R062 RELIEVED MOTORIST SEES AN EMPLOYEE OF AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO, POINTING TO GAUGES ON AN EXHAUST ANALYZER WHICH SHOWS HIS CAR FINALLY PASSED INSPECTION. IT WAS FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND HE HAD SPENT $82 ON REPAIRS AFTER RECEIVING A $10 TICKET FOR AN INVALID STICKER. IF HIS 1975 AUTO HAD NOT PASSED, HIS FINE WOULD HAVE DOUBLED. ACTUALLY IT DID FAIL THE TEST 90 MINUTES EARLIER, BUT PASSED AFTER A NEW ROTOR WAS INSTALLED (SEE PICTURE #15461)
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15462). View the original.
It was Friday afternoon. The car had failed ninety minutes earlier. A new rotor went in, and it passed.
Waiting
R063 STUDENT NURSE STANDS DEEP IN THOUGHT WAITING FOR HER CAR TO COMPLETE TESTING AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO. ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES MUST UNDERGO AN EMISSIONS TEST FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EXHAUST GASES, AND BE GIVEN A SAFETY CHECK. ALL OTHER VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE CITY MUST RECEIVE AN ANNUAL SAFETY CHECK. THE EMISSIONS TEST WENT INTO EFFECT IN JANUARY 1975; THE SAFETY CHECK HAS BEEN IN EFFECT SINCE 1940
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15454). View the original.
A student nurse waited for her car. Deep in thought, the caption says.
R064 WOMAN WAITS FOR HER CAR TO COMPLETE TESTING AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO. SINCE JANUARY, 1975, ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES MUST BE TESTED ANNUALLY FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS, AND BE GIVEN A SAFETY CHECK. ALL OTHER VEHICLES IN THE CITY MUST UNDERGO ONLY THE SAFETY CHECK. THE CINCINNATI AIR AGENCY HAD ADDED FOUR NEW EMISSIONS OFFICERS TO THE STAFF TO LOOK FOR VEHICLES WITH VISIBLE EMISSIONS AND OUTDATED STICKERS
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15458). View the original.
The city air agency had put four new emissions officers on the street that year, looking for visible smoke and out-of-date stickers.
R065 YOUNGSTERS HOLD TIGHT TO MOTHER AS SHE AND A CITY EMPLOYEE WATCH HER VEHICLE BEING TESTED AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO. ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES ARE TESTED ANNUALLY FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS, AND GIVEN A SAFETY CHECK. ALL OTHER VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE CITY RECEIVE AN ANNUAL SAFETY CHECK OFFICIALS PREDICTED 115,000 VEHICLES WOULD RECEIVE EMISSIONS TESTING DURING 1975
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15448). View the original.
Children came with their mothers and held on.
R066 MOTHER WITH HER CHILDREN AT THE CASHIER'S WINDOW PAYING FOR HER ANNUAL STICKER AFTER HER CAR HAD SUCCESSFULLY PASSED TESTING AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES MUST BE TESTED ANNUALLY FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS AND BE GIVEN A SAFETY CHECK. ALL OTHER VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE CITY MUST UNDERGO ONLY A SAFETY TEST WHICH HAS BEEN IN EFFECT SINCE 1940
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15470). View the original.
At the end of the lane there was a window, and you paid.
R067 CITY EMPLOYEE AFFIXES A 1976 INSPECTION SEAL TO THE WINDSHIELD OF A CAR THAT HAS SUCCESSFULLY PASSED TESTING AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO. ALL LIGHT DUTY SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES MUST BE TESTED ANNUALLY FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS, AND BE GIVEN A SAFETY CHECK. ALL OTHER VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE CITY MUST UNDERGO ONLY THE SAFETY CHECK WHICH HAS BEEN IN EFFECT SINCE 1940
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15467). View the original.
If you passed, a nineteen seventy-six seal went on the glass.
R068 MOTORIST IS HAPPY AFTER A 1976 INSPECTION SEAL WAS PASTED TO THE WINDSHIELD AFTER HER CAR SUCCESSFULLY PASSED TESTING AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO. ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES MUST BE TESTED ANNUALLY FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS, AND BE GIVEN A SAFETY CHECK. ALL OTHER VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE CITY MUST UNDERGO ONLY THE SAFETY CHECK WHICH HAS BEEN IN EFFECT SINCE 1940
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15468). View the original.
People were visibly glad about it.
I'm clean
R069 "I'M CLEAN" BUMPER STICKERS ARE GIVEN TO ANY MOTORISTS WHO WISH TO PLACE THEM ON THEIR VEHICLES AFTER PASSING AN INSPECTION AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO SINCE THE BEGINNING OF 1975 ALL CITY MOTORISTS MUST PASS THE LONG STANDING SAFETY CHECK ONLY ONCE A YEAR. AN EMISSIONS TEST ON AN EXHAUST ANALYZER HAS BEEN ADDED FOR ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES TO MONITOR SAFE LEVELS OF CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBONS
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15430). View the original.
And there was a bumper sticker, free to anyone who wanted one.
D02 HAPPY YOUNG WOMAN WITH A BUMPER STICKER WHICH REPORTS SHE HAD SUCCESSFULLY PASSED TESTING AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO. HER FIRST TEST WAS UNSUCCESSFUL, AND SHE HAD TO RETURN AFTER HER AUTO'S CARBURETOR WAS ADJUSTED AT A SERVICE STATION. EMISSIONS TESTING FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBONS HAS BEEN IN EFFECT SINCE JANUARY, 1975 ALL VEHICLES IN THE CITY MUST PASS A SAFETY CHECK. (SEE PICTURES #15471 THROUGH 77)
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15478). View the original.
Two words, and a car whose front bumper is a smile. Exhaust emission inspection program, seventy-five.
R070 HAPPY YOUNG WOMAN WITH A BUMPER STICKER WHICH REPORTS SHE HAD SUCCESSFULLY PASSED TESTING AT AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO. HER FIRST TEST WAS UNSUCCESSFUL, AND SHE HAD TO RETURN AFTER HER AUTO'S CARBURETOR WAS ADJUSTED AT A SERVICE STATION. EMISSIONS TESTING FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBONS HAS BEEN IN EFFECT SINCE JANUARY, 1975 ALL VEHICLES IN THE CITY MUST PASS A SAFETY CHECK. (SEE PICTURES #15471 THROUGH 77)
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15478). View the original.
She had failed the first time. Her carburetor was adjusted at a service station, and she came back.
Half past eight
R071 EMPLOYEES OF AN AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO, WAIT FOR BUSINESS AT 8:30 ON A WEEKDAY MORNING. ALL LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES IN THE CITY MUST BE INSPECTED ANNUALLY FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS. ALL VEHICLES IN CINCINNATI ARE GIVEN A SAFETY INSPECTION. PRIOR TO JANUARY, 1975, IT WAS GIVEN SEMI-ANNUALLY, BUT THE TIME PERIOD WAS CHANGED WHEN THE EMISSIONS TESTING REGULATION WENT INTO EFFECT
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15432). View the original.
Half past eight, on a weekday morning, in the downtown lane.
R072 AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI OHIO, HAD AN OVERABUNDANCE OF EMPLOYEES IN THE SUMMER OF 1975 BECAUSE OF THE CHANGE OVER FROM SEMI-ANNUAL TO ANNUAL INSPECTIONS AND THE FACT THAT POLICE WERE NOT TICKETING VEHICLES. ALL VEHICLES IN THE CITY ARE SAFETY TESTED. LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES ALSO ARE HOOKED UP TO AN EXHAUST ANALYZER FOR A CHECK OF CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15433). View the original.
The caption gives two reasons for the staff standing about with nothing to do. The change from twice a year to once. And the fact that the police were not ticketing.
R073 CITY EMPLOYEES HIRED BY THE NORWOOD, OHIO, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TO MAN THE SAFETY LANE AT THE AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION. THE EVENING SHIFT IS SLOW AND THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES INSPECTED DAILY AVERAGED ONLY 80 TO 100 IN AUGUST. SHORTLY AFTER THE EMISSIONS INSPECTION REGULATION TOOK EFFECT IN JANUARY, 1975, 600 TO 800 VEHICLES WERE CHECKED DAILY. ALL VEHICLES ARE HOOKED TO AN EXHAUST ANALYZER WHICH GIVES READINGS FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15388). View the original.
Out in Norwood the evening shift was averaging eighty to a hundred cars a day that August. In January, when it started, they had been doing six hundred to eight hundred.
Two years later
Two years later, Congress made it compulsory. The Clean Air Act amendments of nineteen seventy-seven told the states to establish a specific schedule for a vehicle emission control inspection and maintenance program.
Ohio set up an advisory group early in nineteen seventy-eight to work out how to do it.
The group took trips to study the programs that already existed. Portland. Phoenix. And Cincinnati, which was an hour down the road, and which was quietly emptying out.
Ninety-eight thousand
R074 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES AT THE NORWOOD, OHIO AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION KEEP THE BUILDING CLEAN. EACH EVENING WINDOWS ARE WASHED, THE SAFETY LANE IS SWEPT AND DUSTED AND THE YELLOW PAVEMENT MARKINGS ARE WASHED. ALL LIGHT DUTY SPARK IGNITION POWERED MOTOR VEHICLES IN THE CITY MUST BE TESTED ANNUALLY FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS OFFICIALS HOPE TO HAVE 74 PERCENT OF THE VEHICLES TESTED IN NORWOOD AND CINCINNATI BY THE END OF THE YEAR
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Sept. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15396). View the original.
Two hundred and twenty thousand cars went through in the first year, and thirty percent of them failed. By nineteen eighty it was ninety-eight thousand. The county's own history of the department records that the program ended in February of nineteen eighty-one.
Testing came back to Cincinnati in nineteen ninety-six, run by the state this time. It stopped again on the first of January, two thousand and six. In October two thousand and eight the federal government struck it off the plan.
The notice recorded one more thing on its way past. The Cincinnati air district also takes in three counties in northern Kentucky. Boone. Campbell. Kenton.
Who could afford it
R075 EMPLOYEE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN NORWOOD, OHIO HE IS SEATED DURING HIS WORK BREAK, WATCHING FOR CARS PULLING INTO THE SAFETY LANE OF THE AUTO EMISSION INSPECTION STATION. ALL REGISTERED VEHICLES IN THE CITY THAT ARE LIGHT DUTY, SPARK IGNITION POWERED MUST BE CERTIFIED ANNUALLY, AND MUST HAVE ANNUAL CERTIFICATION THAT THEIR CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS ARE WITHIN PRESCRIBED LEVELS. THIS EMPLOYEE WORRIES ABOUT PEOPLE ON WELFARE BEING ABLE TO AFFORD VEHICLE REPAIRS
Lyntha Scott Eiler · Aug. 1975 · U.S. National Archives, DOCUMERICA (412-DA-15394). View the original.
This man is on his break, watching the door for cars. The archivist who typed his caption wrote down one more thing about him. He worries about whether people on welfare can afford to have their cars repaired.
Sources
- All 75 photographs are by Lyntha Scott Eiler for Project DOCUMERICA, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, August–September 1975. National Archives Record Group 412-DA (series NAID 542493), local identifiers 412-DA-15374 through 412-DA-15480. Federal records, unrestricted. Every frame is period Kodachrome — nothing in this episode has been colorized, and there is no AI imagery in it.
- Individual records: catalog.archives.gov, NAIDs 557824–557930.
- Every factual claim attributed to "the caption" in narration is the photographer's caption as transcribed by the National Archives on that frame's catalog record.
- Public Law 95-95, 91 Stat. 748 (Aug. 7, 1977) — Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977, new §172(b)(11)(B): a nonattainment-area plan must "establish a specific schedule for implementation of a vehicle emission control inspection and maintenance program." Read off the page scan (Internet Archive, `sim_united-states-united-states-statutes-at-large_1977_91`, leaf 779).
- EPA-905/2-78-006, *Evaluation of Motor Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs in Ohio — Phase II*, GCA Corporation for U.S. EPA Region V, August 1978, p. 2 — the "unfortunately" finding on in-use vehicles, and the list of the four government-run I/M programs then operating: "New Jersey; Cincinnati, Ohio; Portland, Oregon; and Chicago, Illinois." NEPIS dockey 2000C5XO.
- EPA-905/2-78-007, *… Phase 3*, November 1978, p. 162 — the Ohio Inspection/Maintenance Advisory Group established early in 1978 "in order to meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977", and its "executive workshop trips to study existing I/M programs in Cincinnati, Ohio; Portland, Oregon; and Phoenix, Arizona." NEPIS dockey 2000CAYS.
- 73 FR 57246 (Oct. 2, 2008) — final rule, "Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Ohio; Removal of Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Programs for Cincinnati and Dayton", effective Nov. 3, 2008. The same page records that discontinuation "occurred starting January 1, 2006", that a vehicle I/M program operated in the Cincinnati-Hamilton area before Jan. 1, 1996 "and prior to November 15, 1990", and that the Cincinnati ozone nonattainment area "also includes three counties (Boone, Campbell, and Kenton Counties) in northern Kentucky."
- *The History of Air Pollution Control in Cincinnati, Ohio*, Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency (Hamilton County), pp. 20–21 and 23 — the two tailpipe instruments bought in 1974 and made part of the Safety Inspection Lane test on January 1, 1975; the claim that Hamilton County was "the first area in the country to require residents to pass a tailpipe test in order to receive a Safety Lane sticker which was required to park within the City of Cincinnati"; 220,000 automobiles tested in the first year with a 30 percent failure rate, 18 percent the following year; the Uniformed Air Pollution Motor Patrol authorised by a 1974 city ordinance (four inspectors in bright green police cars), disbanded in 1979; the fall to 98,000 vehicles by 1980; and "the program officially ended in February 1981." The transfer of the Division of Air Pollution Control from the city to Hamilton County on January 1, 1980, is on p. 21.
- The numbers spoken over photographs — 510,000 vehicles registered in the county, 250,000 in Cincinnati and Norwood, 115,000 expected downtown in the first year, the 74 percent target, 800–1,200 cars a day under the old semi-annual system, 600–800 a day in January falling to 80–100 in August, the $10 ticket and the $82 of repairs, the emission limits by model year — are all the captions' own figures, and narration presents them as such.
- "The police were not ticketing" is the caption of NAID 557883, verbatim in substance. The county's published history separately records that the air pollution motor patrol issued a little over 2,000 citations for expired stickers in 1975; both are in the record and neither is presented as contradicting the other, because the patrol was four men and the captions describe the ordinary police.
- Norwood as an enclave: Norwood is a separate municipality bordered on all sides by Cincinnati. Narration says only that it is a separate city and ran its own lane.
- Living people. The subjects were photographed in 1975 and many will be living. No individual is named in narration, no home address is given, and no one is accused of anything. The captions name no private motorist.
- Signs read off the image, not the OCR: the Newtown marquee ("HAMILTON COUNTY INSPECTION STATION NO. 1 / OPENS AUG 4 / MON FRI 11 7"), the inspection fee ("INSPECTION FEE $3.75"), the temporary sticker ("TEMPORARY / CITY OF CINCINNATI / MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION / EXPIRES 1975", month and day punched out), the service-station board ("Sun — Tuned Engines SAVE GAS / EXHAUST EMISSION PERFORMANCE TEST / REQUIRED IN OFFICIAL / INSPECTION LANES") and the bumper sticker ("I'm Clean … EMISSION INSPECTION PROGRAM '75").