Emission Inspections of Vehicles in Operation—Case Study for Slovakia

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Air pollution poses a serious threat to human health and the environment. Emissions from motor vehicles, especially in large cities, contribute significantly to this problem. This study analyzes the results of emission inspections in the Slovak Republic to identify factors influencing emissions and their impact on air quality. The research analyzed data from emission inspections and their relationship to vehicle age, fuel type, and type of failure. The results show that older vehicles, especially those aged 10 to 20 years, have a higher probability of failing to meet emission standards. Specifically, up to 42.75% of diesel vehicles aged 15 to 20 years were rated as unfit, compared to 33.07% of gasoline vehicles in the same age category. An increased proportion of unfit vehicles was recorded for diesel engines, which indicates their negative impact on air quality. The most common failures were related to direct emission measurements. These findings have implications for environmental policy and the regulation of vehicle imports to improve air quality and reduce pollution. Data on emission inspections were drawn from the national system and show knowledge about the observation of emission inspections carried out during one calendar year. The study recommends the introduction of stricter control mechanisms for older vehicles, supporting the renewal of the vehicle fleet, and the implementation of modern technologies to reduce emissions. Rigorous emission inspections are essential for the protection of public health. Regular inspections and modern technologies reduce emissions of harmful substances, thus contributing to the improvement of air quality and public health.