Seattle Emissions Testing
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,078
Likes: 19
From: Cumming, GA
Seattle Emissions Testing
Possibly moving to Seattle and trying to understand the process. I read online that testing is done every other year and from what I can tell by OBD II port for newer vehicles, but didn't see any other testing information. Is there a visual inspection for cats, etc? Anyone with a cammed car have any issues with Emissions in this area?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 740
Likes: 149
From: Eastside WA
Testing is every other year for most parts of King (Seattle area), Pierce (Tacoma) and Snohomish (Everett) counties. Cars are exempt the first five years of age and after 25(?), cost is $15. It may also be required to license a car coming in from out of state. The test is quick since just an OBDII plug in if your car has one. No visual, though not sure what your readings would be with a cam and without cat. Good luck and welcome to the Northwest.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
FWIW, The state's Department Of Ecology has crated a timetable for doing away with emissions testing. I think it will be about 10 years away, but the idea is that there will be so many newer cars on the road that generate much less emissions, that there will no longer be a need for testing.
There areas in the counties where emissions testing is not required. There should be information on the DOE or DOL websites that show where testing is not required by Zip Code. Testing is only done in areas where there is lots of traffic. Down here in the Olympia area, we don't have to go thru any emissions tests at all.
There areas in the counties where emissions testing is not required. There should be information on the DOE or DOL websites that show where testing is not required by Zip Code. Testing is only done in areas where there is lots of traffic. Down here in the Olympia area, we don't have to go thru any emissions tests at all.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,078
Likes: 19
From: Cumming, GA
Thanks for the info guys. Work is pushing us that way but we've visited and love the Seattle area. We're currently looking in the Belltown/Central Financial Districts for a point of reference in discussion. Will be a whole new way of life but it's what we make if it for sure.
I pass OBD testing no worries every year here in GA; it's the "visual" and audible I'd be concerned about.
From what I read if it's 2009 or newer there are NEVER emissions testing so that might be to the point c4 made above. One of our vehicles is a 2010 so good to know.
Wonder if the Belltown folks will approve of my 402 stroker on the way to work.
I pass OBD testing no worries every year here in GA; it's the "visual" and audible I'd be concerned about.
From what I read if it's 2009 or newer there are NEVER emissions testing so that might be to the point c4 made above. One of our vehicles is a 2010 so good to know.
Wonder if the Belltown folks will approve of my 402 stroker on the way to work.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,078
Likes: 19
From: Cumming, GA
What about exhaust sound and window tint? We have tint laws here in GA but for the most part it's not really enforced. I have 20% tint in my car and understand it wouldnt really be necessary out there like it is here in GA, but it looks good.
My Corsa's are LOUD at idle but cruising speeds are very subtle. Any worries there ya think?
My Corsa's are LOUD at idle but cruising speeds are very subtle. Any worries there ya think?
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
WA state law on window tint limits is no more than 35% on side and rear windows and no reflective tint.
I have Indy Pace Car Corsa's on my 02 and they can be loud especially if you climb on when they are cold. Mine seem to quiet down once they get hot and at freeway speeds they are fairly quiet. There is no specific law regarding noise in terms of decibels, but loud pipes will get the attention of the local cops, including the Washington State Patrol. The can use loud pipes as an excuse to stop you so they can look for anything else.
There are numerous places around the Greater Seattle area where there are red-light cameras, and there are also speed cameras. These tickets are the same as a parking ticket so they don't go on your record, but the fines are the same as if you got pulled over by an LEO.
From what gets reported on the local TV stations, You may want to think about alternate areas for housing. There are three major TV stations in Seattle and they do a decent job on reporting local news. Here's their websites:
KOMO Channel 4 ABC
KING Channel 5 NBC
KIRO Channel 7 CBS
I have Indy Pace Car Corsa's on my 02 and they can be loud especially if you climb on when they are cold. Mine seem to quiet down once they get hot and at freeway speeds they are fairly quiet. There is no specific law regarding noise in terms of decibels, but loud pipes will get the attention of the local cops, including the Washington State Patrol. The can use loud pipes as an excuse to stop you so they can look for anything else.
There are numerous places around the Greater Seattle area where there are red-light cameras, and there are also speed cameras. These tickets are the same as a parking ticket so they don't go on your record, but the fines are the same as if you got pulled over by an LEO.
From what gets reported on the local TV stations, You may want to think about alternate areas for housing. There are three major TV stations in Seattle and they do a decent job on reporting local news. Here's their websites:
KOMO Channel 4 ABC
KING Channel 5 NBC
KIRO Channel 7 CBS
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,078
Likes: 19
From: Cumming, GA
From what gets reported on the local TV stations, You may want to think about alternate areas for housing. There are three major TV stations in Seattle and they do a decent job on reporting local news. Here's their websites:
KOMO Channel 4 ABC
KING Channel 5 NBC
KIRO Channel 7 CBS
KOMO Channel 4 ABC
KING Channel 5 NBC
KIRO Channel 7 CBS
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11,367
Likes: 211
From: Edgewood Washington
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Living downtown/Belltown can be a bit risky unless you can afford to live in one of the more secure/expensive buildings.
It's not Corvette related, just a bit more street crime than other parts of town.
It's not Corvette related, just a bit more street crime than other parts of town.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 740
Likes: 149
From: Eastside WA
No one will mind the noise of your 'Vette, since you will have to drive some distance to get to any place you can open it up. Regardless, your car is still quieter than a Harley.
Not trying to talk you out of your preferred location, just suggesting you spend some time there before committing.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,295
Likes: 8
From: Issaquah WA
Belltown is a good area if you are really into the late night clubs, trendy restaurants, drug deals, street crimes, and quick bus access to downtown. Residences are primarily highrise condos and apartments, many with impressive views of the water and Olymic mountains (and priced accordingly). Parking will be semi-secure and expensive.
No one will mind the noise of your 'Vette, since you will have to drive some distance to get to any place you can open it up. Regardless, your car is still quieter than a Harley.
Not trying to talk you out of your preferred location, just suggesting you spend some time there before committing.
No one will mind the noise of your 'Vette, since you will have to drive some distance to get to any place you can open it up. Regardless, your car is still quieter than a Harley.
Not trying to talk you out of your preferred location, just suggesting you spend some time there before committing.
It's gotten much better, but for a while a couple of years ago, it seemed like there were reports every 3-4 weeks about shootings or attempted shootings in the Belltown area. Several town hall meetings were held, and there were constant news reports about the ongoing issues.
It's an anomaly in this area as crime tends to be very, very low in most parts of the PNW.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,078
Likes: 19
From: Cumming, GA
This is GREAT information so please keep this coming. I've been to the Belltown area couple of times for work and never got the above impressions. My work is in Bellevue but we enjoy the access to walking around and the various restaurants. We never noticed any sort of "club scene" but keep in mind that's not OUR thing so we weren't looking either.
As for crime that's interesting too. We got such a low key vibe and feel while there. We stayed at the Westin(twin round towers) and loved the access and mobility by foot to everything.
Where else do you suggest we consider based on what I've spoken too so far? Renting is preferred as this is a coast-to-coast move and we don't want to over commit off the bat.
Thanks again!
As for crime that's interesting too. We got such a low key vibe and feel while there. We stayed at the Westin(twin round towers) and loved the access and mobility by foot to everything.
Where else do you suggest we consider based on what I've spoken too so far? Renting is preferred as this is a coast-to-coast move and we don't want to over commit off the bat.
Thanks again!
Last edited by LEAVINU; Jun 17, 2013 at 08:28 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
One thing to think about with working in Bellevue is that living in (or near) downtown Seattle will pretty much force you to pay bridge tolls. Right now the SR520 floating bridge is being replaced and tolls have been set up based on time of day you travel; this can be from a buck to close to $4.00 each way on every day you cross using the electronic toll pass. Stop at the booth and pay cash and the rate can be over five bucks depending on the time.
The I-90 Bridge does not currently have a toll, but knowing how Seattle (and WA State government) works, it's entirely possible that there could be tolls over that bridge within a year or two. In fact, studies are being done now. Here's some good information about the WSDOT toll system.
Living on the East Side isn't bad and there are a number of nice locations from Everett to the north and as far south as Renton or Kent. Issaquah and out I-90 to Snoqualmie and North Bend is not bad either for location
The I-90 Bridge does not currently have a toll, but knowing how Seattle (and WA State government) works, it's entirely possible that there could be tolls over that bridge within a year or two. In fact, studies are being done now. Here's some good information about the WSDOT toll system.
Living on the East Side isn't bad and there are a number of nice locations from Everett to the north and as far south as Renton or Kent. Issaquah and out I-90 to Snoqualmie and North Bend is not bad either for location
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,078
Likes: 19
From: Cumming, GA
One thing to think about with working in Bellevue is that living in (or near) downtown Seattle will pretty much force you to pay bridge tolls. Right now the SR520 floating bridge is being replaced and tolls have been set up based on time of day you travel; this can be from a buck to close to $4.00 each way on every day you cross using the electronic toll pass. Stop at the booth and pay cash and the rate can be over five bucks depending on the time.
The I-90 Bridge does not currently have a toll, but knowing how Seattle (and WA State government) works, it's entirely possible that there could be tolls over that bridge within a year or two. In fact, studies are being done now. Here's some good information about the WSDOT toll system.
Living on the East Side isn't bad and there are a number of nice locations from Everett to the north and as far south as Renton or Kent. Issaquah and out I-90 to Snoqualmie and North Bend is not bad either for location
The I-90 Bridge does not currently have a toll, but knowing how Seattle (and WA State government) works, it's entirely possible that there could be tolls over that bridge within a year or two. In fact, studies are being done now. Here's some good information about the WSDOT toll system.
Living on the East Side isn't bad and there are a number of nice locations from Everett to the north and as far south as Renton or Kent. Issaquah and out I-90 to Snoqualmie and North Bend is not bad either for location
We made an appt with the folks at Harbor Steps but after reviewing a view comments people are speaking to the points above; numerous car break-ins even when paying $220/mo for "secure" parking. Wow!
We're online now doing more research thanks to you guys; thanks a lot!
j/k 
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 740
Likes: 149
From: Eastside WA
If your office will be in Bellevue, best to look for a place in Kirkland, Bellevue or Issaquah. Morning (7-9:30) traffic into Bellevue, and evening (3:30 - 6:30) traffic out of there, is a slow mood killer. Here is a link to the DOT's live traffic cameras http://www.wsdot.com/traffic/seattle...affic/seattle/, that would be a good start figuring where to live. Then, when you want to go into Seattle, iits only a 10-15 minute drive if you wait for the off bours or a weekend.
Bellevue and Kirkland have a tremendous amount of places to eat, from national award winners (Cafe Juanita, SeaStar) to local chains (Anthony's Homeport, Pagliacci), neighborhood spots (too many to mention) and all the usual national brands. That little software company based in Redmond has brought a lot of people and cash to the area and it is reflected everywhere.
Feel free to PM me if you would like some more info.
Bellevue and Kirkland have a tremendous amount of places to eat, from national award winners (Cafe Juanita, SeaStar) to local chains (Anthony's Homeport, Pagliacci), neighborhood spots (too many to mention) and all the usual national brands. That little software company based in Redmond has brought a lot of people and cash to the area and it is reflected everywhere.
Feel free to PM me if you would like some more info.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,855
Likes: 78
From: Sammamish WA
WA Events Coordinator
Depending on what you can pay for a home, here in Sammamish we have a very nice 3400+ sqft home in a very nice neighborhood, and its very quiet and safe. Bellvue is only 15 minutes away down the toll free 90......If you like Mtn biking we have Duthie Hill Mtn Bike park close by and next to us is Soaring Eagle Park, 600 Acres of natural forest and trails.
I work in Tukwila (South of Seattle) and its only a 30 min drive from here (29 miles).
I work in Tukwila (South of Seattle) and its only a 30 min drive from here (29 miles).
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,745
Likes: 5
From: Lakewood WA
If you move here before September, check out the 5th Annual Leavenworth Beer Run. Lots of fun and you'll get to meet lots of great Corvette owners.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/paci...-beer-run.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/paci...-beer-run.html
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,078
Likes: 19
From: Cumming, GA
If you move here before September, check out the 5th Annual Leavenworth Beer Run. Lots of fun and you'll get to meet lots of great Corvette owners.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/paci...-beer-run.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/paci...-beer-run.html
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,078
Likes: 19
From: Cumming, GA
Depending on what you can pay for a home, here in Sammamish we have a very nice 3400+ sqft home in a very nice neighborhood, and its very quiet and safe. Bellvue is only 15 minutes away down the toll free 90......If you like Mtn biking we have Duthie Hill Mtn Bike park close by and next to us is Soaring Eagle Park, 600 Acres of natural forest and trails.
I work in Tukwila (South of Seattle) and its only a 30 min drive from here (29 miles).
I work in Tukwila (South of Seattle) and its only a 30 min drive from here (29 miles).
We're booked to come out there the week of the 4th and will be targeting the Queen Anne/South Lake Union areas at this point. What kindof festivities take place for the 4th around there? Lake Union barge maybe?