Rhode Island will now only check car computers for emissions, not tailpipes

Rhode Island changed its rules for checking car emissions. The state will now only test a car's onboard computer system, not its exhaust pipe directly. This means older, more complex tests are gone, and the process is simpler for car owners.

For years, states had to run complex tests to prove cars were not polluting the air. This often involved specialized equipment and longer inspection times. By shifting to computer checks, Rhode Island is betting that the car's own systems are good enough to ensure compliance, making inspections faster and cheaper for everyone involved.