California Smog

[jim34671]

Just had my wife's car (a Ford) smogged today and in conversation with the technician he informed me that California has just bumped up the no-smog to include 1974...In case you guys car hunting out there want to rid yourselves of some headaches!
Also,the sniffer/analyzer days are over in July 2003 and it will be a dynamic DYNO
machine in use......in California.
Happy to have my '70!
Happy New Year

[Duke W.]

Re: California Smog

About three years ago a bill was introduced in the California Legislature to exempt from emission testing all cars 25 years old or more. At the last minute the bill was changed to exempt all cars through 1973; with 1974 and subsequent model year cars becoming exempt when they reach thirty years old. This final version was passed by the Legislature, signed by the Governor, and as far as I know, remains in effect today, although there have been attempts to rescind it, and there will likely be attempts to rescind or modify it in the future.

About four years ago CA adopted an acceleration simulation mode (ASM) emission test that tests the car under load on a dynomometer. This new procdure was implemented in certain "non-attainment" areas that include most of Southern CA and the Central Valley. Other areas subject to emission tests continue with the older two speed no load test at idle and 2500 RPM. I believe there are still a few remote areas in CA that don't require emission testing in the northern part of the state.

A new feature of the ASM test is NOx is sampling, which is subject to limits in addition to HC and CO. About the time the ASM test was implemented new cars also received an exemption from emission testing until they are at least four model years old. Based on the odd/even VIN/year algorithm, some new car owners may not have to be tested until their new cars are five years old.

As far as I know the ASM test has not been implemented in areas other than those that were part of the original plan and are using it now.

Duke

[Mike Yager]

Re: California Smog

They have been using the dyno tests here in Virginia for the counties surrounding Washington, DC for the last few years. I am not sure what impact it has had on pollution levels or the pass/fail rate of cars but the test is supposed to be far more accurate. The emissions/dyno test is required every other year.

One thing it has done is dramatically slow the inspection lines since doing the dyno test takes much longer. You cannot register your car until the test is completed, the results of which are transmitted immediately by computer to the Virginia DMV.

[Roger Coen #30751]

Re: California Smog

from the CA DMV website:

How old does a vehicle have to be to qualify for a smog exemption?

Vehicles with a year model 30 years old or older are exempt from the smog certification requirements.

Example: The calendar year is 2003- 29 = 1974 exempt year model

The current calendar year minus 29 equals the year model exempt from smog certification.

for more CA smog info: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/smog.htm