10/8/04--AB2683 Has Been Signed Into Law
Here is what it means to you:
- Section 1 has the following language: It is the intent of the Legislature, in enacting the act adding this section, to ensure that vehicles, of the 1975 model-year and older are permanently exempted from the biennial compliance requirement of the motor vehicle inspection and maintenance (smog check) program.
- 1976 and newer model vehicles are to remain in the smog check program forever
- Amendments added a link to vehicle code 5051 and placed additional requirements on 1976 and newer model vehicles as follows:
- A 1976 or newer model vehicle will always require a smog check
- When a 1976 or newer model vehicle reaches 35 model years old or older the owner of the vehicle can get a less stringent test as defined below.
- To qualify for the less stringent test a 1976 or newer vehicle must meet the following requirements:
- The owner presents proof that the vehicle is insured as a collector vehicle
- No parameters are specified in the bill for the collector insurance(example -- mileage)
- The vehicle must be at least 35 model years old or older
- The vehice must pass a tailpipe emissions test for that model year
- The vehicle must pass a Gas Cap Check
- The vehicle must pass a Fuel Leak Check
The Good News: For now all 1966-1975 vehicle owners can keep all of their highly modified vehicles exactly as is.
The Bad News:
- Vehicle Code 27156 still says the vehicle must retain its original emissions equipment in place. We are all vulnerable.
- I get regular email from South Coast Air Quality District of 1971-1980 vehicles being bought and crushed. As a result parts for 1971 to 1980 vehicles will rapidly become harder to find. This is State Funded Scrappage.
- Remote Sensing is in full operation (study mode) taking emissions readings on any vehicle that goes through it (including street rods, hotrods, rat rods, 50s vehicles and 60s classic vehicles). No vehicle is exempt from Remote Sensing. And Yes they are pulling in vehicles for smog check verification .We must still fight that battle.
Which Hobby Vehicles Are Most Likely Affected By AB2683?: Late 70s Bronco's, Late 70s 4x4 off road pickups, Late 70s Transams, Porsches and possibly Lo Rider Customized Vehicles. I have seen a lot of nice vehicles in each of these categories.
Who will be affected? In addition to owners of the above hobby cars, many low-income people who cannot afford to repair their vehicle will be affected.
This bill is sponsored by Bay Area Air Quality Management District ..and California Council For Economic and Environmental Balance.
SEMA Editorial
Read this editorial by Frank Bohanan from SEMA. It is right on target. It appears in the SEMA Driving Force Newsletter.