Further Californication

Doesn't California use a fixed emissions exemption law currently? Meaning, if the car is newer than year X, it has to pass? Most other states use a rolling number, meaning if it is older than 25 years, it is exempt.
 
You can find '76 2002's all the time because they have to be smogged.... besides those GIANT bumpers! ;-)

The Porsche guys were asking which cars would be considered "classics" or enthusiast cars from '76-80. What comes to mind for you guys?

'76 BMW 2002
...
 
Exception to the Rules

Many people in California don't know that outside the major metropolitan areas smog checks are not required. There is an arbitrary line about 5 miles S. of Healdsburg that, once N. of that, rids us of the smogging requirement. The exception is that when you sell your post 1976 vehicle it does need to be checked.

I have lived in Healdsburg for the past 7+ years and with my 5 vehicles I saved a bunch of money even though on occasion the DMV sends me a request to get my car smogged which I politely decline and remind them of the rules.

Another good reason to live here.

Regards, Jon
 
CA Smog

Also it should be noted that the CA smog requirement is based on the zip code on your registration. I moved to the east coast for a couple of years (04 thru 06) and just changed the address on my CA registration (on an e36) to a Pennsylvania address. Never had an issue renewing my registration annually and didn't get a request to re-smog until I moved back to a CA zip code that has a smog requirement.

Dave L
 
Although I'm in favor of this since I agree that the number of pre-81 cars that are daily or commuter use (which is where pollution really starts to be significant) is small, folks should be aware that there has been talk of hitting all exempt cars with a higher annual registration fee as an environmental penalty.

I'd actually be in favor of this if on balance it means that we get a rolling exemption like most states here in CA, but of course the state will just take that money into the general fund and squander it like normal. I guess there's no free lunch.
 
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