Maryland and many other states have banned the practice of “rolling coal” in which drivers of diesel pickup trucks intentionally spew black exhaust at pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists.
Yes, it’s a thing. The Internet abounds with videos.
Tampering with a vehicle emissions-control system is also illegal under federal law.
Motorists who intentionally blow visible exhaust at a person or vehicle can be fined up to $500. Rolling coal is done to attack protesters, show disdain for “foreign” or hybrid vehicles, or, apparently, as a dirty prank, according to the videos.
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