Analysis of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of remote sensing devices. Technical report

Estimates have been developed for the cost and effectiveness of using remote sensing devices (RSDs) to facilitate the identification and repair of vehicles with high emissions. These estimates have been compared to cost and effectiveness projections for conventional vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs requiring inspections on a scheduled basis at fixed locations. Estimates of decentralized I/M program effectiveness and all cost estimates are based on data and methodologies previously collected by the California I/M Review Committee. As a supplement to a conventional I/M program, limited use of RSDs in conjunction with roadside pullovers of high-emission vehicles is projected to provide additional emission reductions at a favorable ratio of cost to effectiveness. However, widespread use of RDSs to screen vehicles for more comprehensive testing or to replace a conventional I/M program decreases the emission reductions that would otherwise be achieved.