TOPEKA, Kan. (KCTV) - Mercedes-Benz will pay drivers $2,000 each for using illegal software to cheat emissions tests, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced. On Tuesday, Dec. 23, AG Kobach said the automaker reached a $149 million settlement with all 50 states after investigators found the company violated consumer protection laws. The suit alleged that the automaker sold vehicles that appeared cleaner during testing, but released harmful pollution on the road. What HappenedBetween 2008 and 2016, the suit claimed that Mercedes sold more than 211,000 diesel passenger cars and vans with so-called “defeat devices.” According to Kobach, the software optimized emissions controls during testing. But outside of testing conditions, those controls were reduced, allowing the vehicles to exceed the legal limits of nitrogen oxide emissions. The lawsuit noted that nitrogen oxides are pollutants that cause respiratory illness and contribute to smog formation. Nearly 540 affected vehicles were sold or registered in Kansas. FILE - (AP Photo/Michael Sohn, File)Settlement DetailsKobach indicated that the settlement required Mercedes-Benz to pay $120 million to the states immediately. An additional $26.7 million will be suspended and potentially waived once a consumer relief program is completed. Kansas would receive $250,000 from the settlement. The suit noted that around 40,000 vehicles nationwide have not yet been repaired or permanently removed from U.S. roadways as of Aug. 1, 2023. Owners of those vehicles may qualify for the relief program. What Drivers Will ReceiveThe settlement demands that eligible Mercedes diesel owners will get: $2,000 payment per vehicleFree installation of approved emissions modification softwareExtended warranty coverageKobach said Mercedes must also cover all costs associated with the software installation. FILEWhat’s Required of MercedesThe settlement also requires the manufacturer to: Stop any deceptive marketing or sales practices related to diesel vehiclesEnd misrepresentation about emissions and complianceComply with all state consumer protection laws going forwardIs Your Vehicle Affected? If you own a Mercedes diesel vehicle purchased between 2008 and 2016, you may be eligible for compensation.