California safety inspections

[Andy Antipas]

To follow up on my emission testing question, does California have safety inspections?

Thanks!

[ossiblue]

If you mean annual or bi-annual inspections of overall operational/safety features as a requirement for operating the vehicle in the state, the answer is no. At least not yet. If you are registering a car that has been "non-op" status or a salvage/rebuild or a kit car, then you need to have all systems checked out before initial registering and licensing but no regular follow-ups. Currently, California only requires the bi-annual smog checks on all post 1975 cars.

[Andy Antipas]

Yep. That was what I was asking. Thank you!

[Noah930]

No. No safety check.

Ridiculous, isn't it? The state prohibits aftermarket mufflers (unless the manufacturer has gone to the expense and effort of CARB approval) despite the fact that they have no real effect on emissions, but it doesn't care whether or not your headlights/taillights/windshield wipers work.

[tseybold]

Well that's not 100 % true. I have just completed my 80 SC restoration here in California. The car was titled (JUNKED) not salvaged , car had a dash fire but very minimal damage, still unsure the difference. After seven years I finally got to the were I needed to register it. Went on line to the DMV site and found that
1. CHP needs to inspect (False) I called them they did not want to see it as it was not on the hot sheet list.

2. Had to get a State certified brake and light inspection. (Costs $100.00) Joke they turned on the lights and checked the brake rotor calibration.

3. Of course SMOG (Passed easy) after sitting 7,8 years.

4. DMV inspection, This was the best one yet, I show up the girl comes out to inspect had no idea were to look for the vin numbers I could have showed her anything I wanted and said yeap there they are. No seat belt inspection or anything else.

Well that was it for me!! Fun stuff
Now I am on the road and well worth it!!