CA smog exemption question

concentric · 11-05-2003, 02:33 PM

So, apparently we have reverted (as of Jan. 1, 2003) to the rolling 30 year smog exemption here in California (as far as I can gather) instead of the pre-1974 rules as before. I'm trying to figure out if this 30 year exemption is calculated from the date of manufacture, or by specific model year. This will make a big difference to me, as I need to get a 1974 911 registered.

Anyone know?

Thanks,

JCM

juanbenae · juanbenae's Garage

the 74 should be smog exempt right now as I understand it. you can go to the dmv web site and it will link you to the bureau of consumer affairs web site. it has a bunch of info there.

or i guess you could go directly to the consumer affairs web site. duh? i dumb and its late.....

MichiganMat · MichiganMat's Garage

My '74 is smog exempt, DMV passed it when I bought it in May of this year.

yelcab1 · 11-05-2003, 03:02 PM

And 1975 is exempted starting in january of 2004. This means it is based on the date of Manufacturing, not model year.

concentric · 11-05-2003, 03:08 PM

Called the DMV to obtain confirmation, and you all right.

Thanks for the info. I was concerned that because it hasn't been registered since 1998 that I would have to bring it up to the smog specs required as of that date, but a call the DMV confirms that it's exempt with no issues. I just have to pay the back registration.

Thank you!

JCM

pbs911 · pbs911's Garage

One more smog check for me with the rolling exemption. Of course this one will be the most challenging. Passing with SSI's, and no cat was childs play considering I now have to get 2 distributors, B&B headers and and extra .6 liters of motor past them.

concentric · 11-05-2003, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pbs911
One more smog check for me with the rolling exemption. Of course this one will be the most challenging. Passing with SSI's, and no cat was childs play considering I now have to get 2 distributors, B&B headers and and extra .6 liters of motor past them.

With this new registration fee increase (repeal that bastard, Governator), I am going to all pre-1974 cars. I already have a 1969 VW Westfalia and had a 1970 VW Squareback. Wife wants a 1972 BMW 2002 and I want to put a 3.2 in the 911

Just need to dump the Jetta VR6.

I can probably do the work on cars like these too...

JCM

CHILI · CHILI's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by pbs911
One more smog check for me with the rolling exemption. Of course this one will be the most challenging. Passing with SSI's, and no cat was childs play considering I now have to get 2 distributors, B&B headers and and extra .6 liters of motor past them.

Hmm, I'd like to have that problem.

concentric · 11-05-2003, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pbs911
One more smog check for me with the rolling exemption. Of course this one will be the most challenging. Passing with SSI's, and no cat was childs play considering I now have to get 2 distributors, B&B headers and and extra .6 liters of motor past them.

Can you go to any smog station?
I might know someone that can help you.

JCM

Joejitsu · Joejitsu's Garage

concentric - do you only have to pay back registration because you did not have the car in non-op status? The reason I asked is because I just purchased a 74 targa and got a non-op from the DMV. I specifically asked if when I decided to get it registered if I was going to have to pay any back fees and the lady said no.

Joe

pbs911 · pbs911's Garage

Quote:

Can you go to any smog station?

My car has been "randomly" selected to go to test only stations the past 2 times. Ya, random.

Quote:

I might know someone that can help you.

JCM, thanks, but not necessary in the immediate future. I did my last smog check right after getting the 3.0 smogged. I have one more year before I have to have the car inspected. I figure one more inspection next September that will be good for a couple more tyears then I can coast a couple of months until the 30 year exemption applies to 78's.

yelcab1 · 11-06-2003, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Joejitsu
concentric - do you only have to pay back registration because you did not have the car in non-op status? The reason I asked is because I just purchased a 74 targa and got a non-op from the DMV. I specifically asked if when I decided to get it registered if I was going to have to pay any back fees and the lady said no.

Joe

You do not have to pay "back" fees for previous years.
You do have to pay the entire fee for the current year. So, even if you want to put your car on the street for the last month of your registration life, you pay for all 12 months.

Did you expect any less?