Vermont driving lesson · Your Vehicle: Equipment, Insurance & Ownership
Emissions & fuel-smart driving
A 3-minute lesson from the Vermont course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Cars are Vermont's biggest source of air pollution, so the yearly inspection checks the emission controls too. How you drive matters as well: smooth, moderate driving saves fuel and money and cuts pollution. One idling rule is the law.
Over 50%
Share of Vermont's air pollution that motor vehicles account for, collectively
In winter, remove snow and ice from the windows before starting the engine. Safety first: if defrosting isn't adequate, increase warm-up time as needed.
You run into a store for five minutes on a cold morning. You can't leave the engine running while you're away, because Vermont's unattended vehicle law says to shut it off when you leave. Idling longer than 10 seconds in town wastes more fuel than restarting anyway.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
What part of the annual inspection checks for air pollution problems?
The emission control system check
The tire pressure check
The windshield wiper check
The horn function check
Answer: The emission control system check
The annual inspection includes checking the emission control system, including the catalytic converter.