Which year range of vehicles requires a tailpipe test?

The correct choice highlights that vehicles manufactured between 1975 and 1995 are subject to tailpipe testing. This is primarily due to the established emissions standards for these vehicles, which were introduced to limit the amount of pollutants they could emit.

During this period, advancements in emission control technology began to be integrated into vehicle designs, leading to variations in emissions across different model years. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state regulations necessitated that vehicles from this era undergo more stringent emissions testing, including tailpipe tests, to ensure compliance with those standards.

Tailpipe testing is crucial for assessing the actual emissions output of a vehicle when it is operating, rather than just relying on manufacturer claims or static tests. As a result, vehicles within this defined range were selected for these inspections to more effectively monitor and enforce emissions controls aimed at reducing air pollution and safeguarding environmental health. This requirement is rooted in legislation designed to address growing concerns about air quality during that time.