CA smog law - affected years

The "exempts" haven't moved anytime recently that I've heard about. As far as I'm able to figure out, it's still "if it's newer than 1972, it gets smogged". Sounds like you've probably done the "just got lucky" thing, and simply haven't been "drafted". Not sure on the exact numbers involved, but there does seem to be a "It's come up clean for X years, so it doesn't need to test again for Y years" thing going on.

A '74 should be exempt if the rolling 30 year exemption is still in force but they're trying to change it (again):

As explained to me by a freind in the business, if your vehicle is newer than 1966, it doesn't have to be smogged every two years, just when changing owners. At least this is the case with my 1970 pick-up.

The 30 year thing is a good cut-off, but leave it to the bureaucrats . . . . they have too much time on their hands.

This 1974/30 year law was a parting gift from Quentin Kopp when he had to leave the legislature because of the new term limit thing. He was always described in the media as a "maverick" and a bit "out there". I think he was right on, and it's the media which is "out there".

Pete

It's 30 model years or older. Your '74 Chevy is now exempt.

Note that it's model year, not year of manufacture or year of first sale. A '75 made in '74 is still covered. A '74 sold in '75 is not.

"Pete" wrote in news:dyNtG3SnKjcq-pn2-3TmKdmQ1XdKb@localhost:

Not all vehicles must get a Smog Check. Additionally, some vehicles only need a Smog Check when they are being sold or being registered in California after previously being registered in another state. Whether or not a vehicle needs a Smog Check depends on the type of vehicle, the model-year, and the area in which the vehicle is registered.

Some vehicles are exempt from the Smog Check program All 30 and older model-year vehicles are exempt from all aspects of the Smog Check program, but owners of these vehicles are required by law to keep their emissions systems intact. Vehicles built in 1975 for the 1976 model-year are 1976 vehicles and must be tested accordingly.

Additionally, vehicles with diesel engines, vehicles with two-cycle engines, vehicles with engines smaller than 50 cubic inches of displacement, electric vehicles, and motorcycles are exempt from the Smog Check program.

New vehicles exempt until their fifth year Vehicles four model-years old and newer (model-years 2001-2004, for registrations due after 1/1/2004) are not required to have a biennial (every other year) Smog Check performed until their fifth year. However, these vehicles must have a Smog Check performed if the vehicle is sold, or being registered in California for the first time. Some additional vehicles might not be required to have a biennial Smog Check performed if the specifications in the following document are met.

Change of Ownership Areas vs. Basic and Enhanced Areas Most areas of the state require vehicles to have a Smog Check performed every two years, when being sold, and when being initially registered in California. These areas are referred to as the state's Basic and Enhanced Areas. However, Change of Ownership Areas only require a Smog Check when the vehicle is being sold or initially registered in California. You can determine the Smog Check area you are in by calling the Department of Consumer Affairs/Bureau of Automotive Repair toll-free at 1-800-952-5210 or by checking the ZIP Code Locator on this website.

How bout 1979