Diesel drivers who are caught “rolling coal,” or intentionally pumping large clouds of black smoke through their exhaust for show, can now be slapped with a $100 fine, according to a new law signed by Governor John Hickenlooper Monday.

Though Craig Police Department only receives occasional complaints about the practice, according to Cmdr. Bill Leonard, it doesn’t mean it isn’t happening in the area.

“We just don’t have a lot of people calling in to complain against the issue,” Leonard said, but “you do see it.”

The most recent example Leonard recalled was a couple months ago near Murdoch’s, when a woman complained someone spewed exhaust and then sped off in front of her.

In agricultural or industrial communities where diesel trucks are commonly used, the new law has stirred some controversy and discussion, including over how it will be enforced.

“Some of the ranchers and farmers that haul heavy loads and equipment will sometimes do that unintentionally,” Leonard said. “By pulling a heavy load, it just happens by accident, as opposed to someone not hauling a load and doing that on purpose.”

The bill was sponsored by Sen. Don Coram, a Republican rancher and miner from southwestern Colorado and Rep. Joann Ginal, a Democratic reproductive endocrinologist from Larimer County. The final bill excluded commercial vehicles and motor vehicles used for agricultural purposes.

Nonetheless, Leonard is not yet sure how and where law enforcement will draw the line.

“It’s not a clear-cut law… we’ll have to use some discretion in it,” he said.

The law goes into effect immediately, Ginal said.

For recent Craig transplant Ran MacDonald, who moved from Salt Lake City, the issue raises questions of government overreach.

“A lot of people think it’s a personal liberty issue,” MacDonald said. “It’s my car… Why is the government trying to regulate my car?”

Ginal, however, believes the case is clear.

“I do not think this is a form of free speech,” she said. “I think it’s a public safety hazard and a form of bullying and harassment for the amusement of the people who do this.”

Contact Lauren Blair at 970-875-1795 and follow her on Twitter @LaurenBNews.