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Political and scientific concern over the impact of emissions from light-duty vehicles remains high: both for concerns over harmful exhaust emissions which affect air quality and human health and emissions which have a climate forcing effect – although these two groups can overlap. The range of pollutants which are the focus of this concern has expanded greatly and now includes specific organic molecules and solid pollutants (particulate matter). Legislation has been introduced over the past four decades to limit these emissions, with huge decreases in emissions limits. The range of pollutants which are limited has also expanded; energy efficiency is also regulated for 3 out of every 4 cars sold. These pieces of legislation and the test methods they stipulates have grown much more complex over the years. The response to these increasingly strict emissions limits has been to develop and implement aftertreatment system devices to eliminate regulated pollutants and to make alterations to powertrain design, hardware and software to make the powertrain function in a manner which reduces emissions of regulated pollutants over the applicable test cycle. This paper presents a technical review of the current situation regarding emissions legislation, testing and emissions limits for light duty vehicles. Aftertreatment systems and engine technology are commented upon. Test procedures and driving cycles are considered and particulate control is briefly examined. Since most vehicles on the road are a few years old, the last few years are also examined in the context of fleet average emissions. Finally, conclusions are drawn and some comments are offered regarding what the future holds for this field.