I dont envy your smog laws in US....but here in UK l think we have tougher general standards, pretty much like all of europe these days
checks for foot brake and park brake efficiency
checks on all lights fitted, operation, alignment etc
chassis and panel corrosion
wind screen conditon
wiper condition
screen wash operation
seat belt securement and operation
seat securement
tyres
brake pipes
bearings
bushes
battery securement
horn operation
door latches
mirrors
exhaust leaks
exhaust securement (if cat required after certain year of manufacture it must be present)
ad finally CO2
you can be pulled over and checked for any of these things and busted
the trick for US car owners in UK is to find a freindly test station.
from my trips to US l have seen some pretty rough cars on the road that might pass smog tests but are a threat to all other vehicles or pedestrians anywhere near them
where l am now in Ukraine.....its much worse...the older cars are death traps..and all the drivers really need is enough cash to bribe the cop that pulls them over...
point in question.....last week l had about 2 shots of cognac at 6-7pm in the evening......8am following morning l go fishing.....drive down road.....pulled over....cop 'says' he smells alcohol.....breath tested.....positive (really....after 13 hours....breath tubes have previously been found to have been dipped in vodka by the police....but on the other hand they do have a zero alcohol tolerance in Ukraine and there could have been a trace left).....so choices?
do the protocol...ukrainian paper work....car taken...3 months later go to court get $500 fine....get car returned etc etc
or
come to an agreement with the cop where he follows me to an ATM and takes $100......
no contest
there is something about corruption here in Ukraine that l like.....its manageable.