Specifically Affecting Ca Residents, Please Read

[rcb280z]

Here we go again. Just because we own an older vehicle California wants to make it even more difficult on us. Please read.

 

California Introduces Legislation to Allow Certain Vehicles to Pay Fee Instead of Passing Smog Test

Legislation (A.B. 550) to allow an owner of a motor vehicle that is subject to the smog check program to pay a $200 smog abatement fee in lieu of passing a smog test was introduced in the California Assembly.  The vehicle would have to meet specified criteria in order to qualify. The bill would require the fee to be deposited in the Air Quality Improvement Fund.  The measure will be considered by the Assembly Transportation Committee.

We Urge You to Contact All Members of the Assembly Transportation Committee (Contact Info Below) Immediately To Voice Your Opinion of A.B. 550

• Under current law, the smog check program requires inspection of motor vehicles upon initial registration, biennially upon renewal of registration, upon transfer of ownership, and in certain other circumstances. Existing law exempts specified vehicles from inspection, including motor vehicles manufactured prior to the 1976 model-year.

• A.B. 550 allows the owner of a motor vehicle that is required to take a smog test to pay a smog abatement fee of $200 if the motor vehicle meets all of the following criteria: Is 30 or more model-years old; was manufactured during or after the 1976 model-year; fails a smog test; and fails a subsequent smog test after necessary repairs were made.

[LeonV]

I don't see what the big deal is?

[rcb280z]

The big deal is, they want to charge an extra $200 to register your car. That's an added expense to register. You guys that have Z cars that fall into the age criteria don't have to worry about it because you are already exempt. But for the rest of us the state wants more money. That's the big deal.

[EuroDat]

Last year they changed the rules here. Before I only needed an inspection every 2 years and I could drive the whole year round tax free. Now I have to pay an extra €120 per year and I can't drive it during December to March. If I want to use it in those months it will cost me €572 per year. Above all that I still need to paas emmisions no matter what.

.

It feels like your getting shafted, so to speak, but $200 doesn't sound all that bad. If its going to cost heaps to get it under the CA limit this could be your "cheap" way out. A lot cheaper than mega squirt, a lot less hassel and less cost than selling the 280Z and trying to find a pre 1976 in as good a condition.

Chas

[LeonV]

The big deal is, they want to charge an extra $200 to register your car. That's an added expense to register. You guys that have Z cars that fall into the age criteria don't have to worry about it because you are already exempt. But for the rest of us the state wants more money. That's the big deal.

 

Yes, but only if you can't pass smog. Does your car pass smog? If so, then I fail to see how this affects you. Why would you have to pay an extra $200 to register your car?

 

This is essentially an exemption for those whose car has trouble passing smog. Is this a bad thing?

[siteunseen]

85 and below pay $200 for their toys to pass? Cha ching!

[rcb280z]

It feels like your getting shafted

Chas, yes that is how I feel. My car fails the first smog test. I have to adjust it to get it to pass the second one. There are NO Datsun mechanics around here or any mechanics that know how to work on these cars. The last time I had a smog test done the tech said CA needs to change the rules for testing older vehicles. He felt the rules were "ridiculous". Said my Z was running cleaner than some of the newer vehicles on the road. 

[Zed Head]

 

• A.B. 550 allows the owner of a motor vehicle that is required to take a smog test to pay a smog abatement fee of $200

 

If it's not mandatory then people can just carry on as before, right?  As Leon says.  Seems like it's offering a choice, unless there's a separate bill that says otherwise.

[rcb280z]

"quote" If it's not mandatory then people can just carry on as before, right? 

ZedHead, yeah I guess so. Guess I was anticipating them making it mandatory. I saw it as an opportunity for CA to "screw" us classic vehicle owners once more. 

Edited April 5, 2015 by rcb280z

[FastWoman]

Right.  Being given another option (that you don't have to exercise) would seem like a good thing.  Otherwise, if you can't pass emissions, your only choice is to admire your car as it sits in the garage.

 

Eh....  We overlapped! 

 

Either way, I don't envy Z owners in emissions states!

Edited April 5, 2015 by FastWoman

[rcb280z]

Right.  Being given another option (that you don't have to exercise) would seem like a good thing.  Otherwise, if you can't pass emissions, your only choice is to admire your car as it sits in the garage.

 

Eh....  We overlapped! 

 

Either way, I don't envy Z owners in emissions states!

Yeah its tough. I spend a lot of time keeping my Z in good shape. Specifically the FI. So when I saw what seemed like an extra $200 bill to register my Z I got angry.

[Patcon]

What I don't understand about some states, especially California. Why can't the FI be modified. You could probably get lower emissions with a more modern system than what is stock. They aught to exempt old cars that have cleaner emissions than stock. A good FI and a decent cat and many old 280's would burn nice and clean comparatively speaking...

C