Historic Car CA Smog exempt?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,071
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
Historic Car CA Smog exempt?
Would I have to get my vette smogged every other year if it's registered as a historic car? Next year it'll be 25 and I can register it as such. Which would mean I'd be able to run side pipes. Anyone got further knowledge of this?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 0
From: Manalapan FL
Your car is an '81?
In a nutshell, no. Unless the laws change, you are subject to CA smog inspections forever. The California Air Resources Board (C.A.R.B.) website (or CA DMV website) has thorough info on this matter.
D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
In a nutshell, no. Unless the laws change, you are subject to CA smog inspections forever. The California Air Resources Board (C.A.R.B.) website (or CA DMV website) has thorough info on this matter.
D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
The exemption from bi-annual was after 30 years, but I believe they just changed the law to drop that. It doesn't mean your exempt from meeting the smog requirements for your year model, however. California now uses roadside sniffers in the larger urban areas and you can still get called in for an inspection that way. Allegedly, they can also randomly call in vehicles, but I've never seen it. The historical registration aspect I'm not sure about, and you raise an interesting point.
With an '81, your stuck for now. Sorry.
Hans
With an '81, your stuck for now. Sorry.
Hans
Last edited by Wrencher; Jan 24, 2005 at 02:10 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,179
Likes: 3
From: SF East Bay CA
The new law is NO MORE ROLLING EXEMPTION. All cars from '75 and older are exempt from testing. (Technically, until 4/1/05, '76's are also exempt, but not after 4/1)
This does not mean you are legally able to go out and change everything out. Technically you have to have all of the original equipement. Therefore a 75 would need to keep the cats, etc.. 74 and earlier, no cats. Federal cars would be required to have all federal equipment.
That being said, I have never seen or heard of any car being nailed for anything that is exempt from biannual inspections. Not to mean they can't, I just have not seen it.
The Historic designation I believe states at least 35 years old. AND THEN... you are only supposed to be able to drive the car to shows, club events, etc... really limiting.
Kind of stinks for those of us waiting for the 30 year exemption, but the governator signed the bill at the end of last year.
What does this mean: get a 75 (74 preferrably) or earlier car to avoid the bi annual inspection. (That is un til they change the laws again) I doubt an 81 would ever be exempt.. In fact if CA had their way, Model T's would not be exempt! (In fact a previous bill from '03 would have made the rule extend back to 1958!! It did not pass)
This does not mean you are legally able to go out and change everything out. Technically you have to have all of the original equipement. Therefore a 75 would need to keep the cats, etc.. 74 and earlier, no cats. Federal cars would be required to have all federal equipment.
That being said, I have never seen or heard of any car being nailed for anything that is exempt from biannual inspections. Not to mean they can't, I just have not seen it.
The Historic designation I believe states at least 35 years old. AND THEN... you are only supposed to be able to drive the car to shows, club events, etc... really limiting.
Kind of stinks for those of us waiting for the 30 year exemption, but the governator signed the bill at the end of last year.
What does this mean: get a 75 (74 preferrably) or earlier car to avoid the bi annual inspection. (That is un til they change the laws again) I doubt an 81 would ever be exempt.. In fact if CA had their way, Model T's would not be exempt! (In fact a previous bill from '03 would have made the rule extend back to 1958!! It did not pass)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 1
From: "Too Low, Too Fast, Too Loud" TX
You guys can keep that "crap" emissions laws, in Cali for all I car. Just was told by other forum members my 81' needed to pass this years inspection which it just did..and it would then be exempt from sniffer test forever..woot..next year will be going with antique plates.! Joe!
