Smog Test: There should be an exception for classics...

[Emission]

It's been two years, and I (once again) received the notice that I need to go visit a "Smog Test Only" center for testing.

My car is used both on- and off-road (track), so my CAT is off except during testing. This means I need to un-bolt the aftermarket exhaust and put the CAT back on with the OEM muffler. It is a real PITA. Now, the thing that has me miffed is that I have only put 1,954 miles on the car since it was last smogged in 8/2006 -- that is about 8 tanks of gas! I barely drive it, and nothing mechanically has changed.

I understand the whole smog-test thing, but I really feel owners of "classics" (let's say "well-kept" cars that are older than... um... fifteen?) should not have to "automatically" smog every 24 months. There has to be some way to write a rule for older cars that keeps the enthusiasts happy, and the tree-huggers at bay. How about a smog test for us folks every 15,000 miles/4 years, whichever comes sooner?

- Mike

[cl8ton]

I'll vote for that!!! Drive mine < 2k miles a year.
My 930 is due next month for a smog test Off with the Zork and on with the stock!

[Tinker]

Welcome to my nightmare.

I'm in the same boat with 2 cars.

Tinker

[the]

There is an exception in Cal for "classics!"

Your 930 just isn't quite "classic" enough yet to qualify.

[stlrj]

Mike, I would be happy to know that there aren't enough smog police out there to fine you for tampering with your smog equipment so you could get away with it.

[cl8ton]

I was told Police (maybe another branch) can pull you over in CA for a road side smog test?
Anyone here of this?

[euro911sc]

You all know the solution to this... get your act together and vote in the direction you want it to go.... if there are enough of you great ... if not .. plan B=leave for somewhere that is more in line with your politicin'

'tis why I will never live in CA... too much moral legislation.

-m

[cl8ton]

Originally Posted by euro911sc

You all know the solution to this... get your act together and vote in the direction you want it to go....

We do, but these pussies we vote in turn into lap dogs afterwards!

[ChkbookMechanic]

Do the smart thing: leave California.

[x98boardwell]

I cannot stand this rule as well.

I think the CA exemtion for Classics must mean if it's a 1912 Buick, because I don't think we will ever see the day that we do not have to SMOG.

Bryan
87-930

[Emission]

Originally Posted by stlrj

Mike, I would be happy to know that there aren't enough smog police out there to fine you for tampering with your smog equipment so you could get away with it.

"Tampering" insinuates that I am tinkering in a harmful manner.

I put 80 miles on my Porsche per month. My other car, a 2007 model, runs so clean (ULEV rated) it is probably scrubbing the air during the 1200 miles I drive it each month.

Hell, I am helping the environment.

- Mike

[Danny_Ocean]

Smog test? Whatzat?

[Doug Steinel]

You CA guys should move to Maryland. My '77 911 has never had a smog test, inspection or anything else. Can do whatever I want to it.

[cab83_750]

Well, if it makes you feel better:

1. My '83 is due for smog in 2 weeks. I just spent all day yesterday reinstalling smog stuff. Next week will be valve adjustment, tuneup, oil change, etc.
2. Arnold did away the 30-year exemption rule: I was forced to sell 3 P-cars because of this.
3. Don't leave California. You and I both know the 'Conejo Valley' bubble-life and there is no place like it.

[Danny_Ocean]

Originally Posted by cab83_750

3. Don't leave California. You and I both know the 'Conejo Valley' bubble-life and there is no place like it.

And the fiefdom needs subjects...

[Joe Bob]

You can thank Arnold for signingg the law repealing the rolling 30 year exemption. I've emailed his PR flacks at least five times to explain his reasoning. Never got a response.

Him and his buddy Leno must be registering their cars in Oregon.....what an asshat.

[Danny_Ocean]

Originally Posted by cl8ton

I was told Police (maybe another branch) can pull you over in CA for a road side smog test?
Anyone here of this?

True (sorta). If they pull you over for a moving violation, they can inspect for smog equipment. They usually target street-racers (read: HondaTards), however.

There are also roadside "sniffers" which they place next to metered on-ramps. It sniffs (sorta) your emissions and, if in violation, will snap a pic of your license plate. You will get a notice to appear at a referee station for further inspection...

California, Uber Alles...

[Emission]

Originally Posted by cab83_750

3. Don't leave California. You and I both know the 'Conejo Valley' bubble-life and there is no place like it.

This place rocks. I'm not going anywhere...

- Mike

[RWebb]

It is like other laws - one size fits all.

just like a stop sign - no need for it at 3 am, but it is still there

[Hester]

Originally Posted by ChkbookMechanic

Do the smart thing: leave California.

Hey, California: love it or leave it....