California Historical Vehicle License plate emssion test "exemption" eliminated

[Duke W.]

Most California vintage car owners are aware that the state's former "rolling 30-year" emission test exemption was eliminated by new legislation in 2004 that exempted vehicles through 1975, but required bienniel emission tests for all 1976-up model years.

However, there was an interesting "loophole". If a '76-up vehicle was equipped with Historical Vehicle license plates, which are available to owners of cars that are 25 years old or older, subsequent registrations never required an emission test to complete the registration process.

Since I never found any statutory authority for this, I always wondered if it was some sort of "oversight" in the way the DMV computers were programmed, and, unfortunately, this appears to be the case.

The attached pdf from a high level DMV official states that HV plates on 1976-up vehicles are not exempt from emission tests, and I imagine the computers will be reprogrammed to reflect this edict.

You can download this document from the Web

http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/vehindustry/vin_memos/vin2012/12vin12.pdf

or open the attachment.

Although there is no date on this document, it appears to have been published in April 2012.

Duke

[Bill W.]

Re: California Historical Vehicle License plate emssion test "exemption" eliminated

Duke,
Just one more reason why my decision to leave Calif. at age three was a good one! Back to the garage! Bill

[Michael F.]

Re: California Historical Vehicle License plate emssion test "exemption" eliminated

another reason to move from the land of the liberal, socialist ,commie, greenies etc. or maybe sink it into the deep waters. been there and lived twice (military) and never will again for any amount of money. my 2cents, for those who like it there enjoy while you can.

[Stephen B.]

Re: California Historical Vehicle License plate emssion test "exemption" eliminated

i know california is different - but maybe they are like colorado - when i bought my 1976 vette it had to pass emissions and i purchased the antique plates - i was told as long as i keep the antique plates and emission test is not required until i sell it or let the antique plates expire - steve benson ncrs rmc

[Michael J.]

Re: California Historical Vehicle License plate emssion test "exemption" eliminated

California is unfriendly to most everybody and everything significant that contributes to society

[Duke W.]

Re: California Historical Vehicle License plate emssion test "exemption" eliminated

i know california is different - but maybe they are like colorado - when i bought my 1976 vette it had to pass emissions and i purchased the antique plates - i was told as long as i keep the antique plates and emission test is not required until i sell it or let the antique plates expire - steve benson ncrs rmc

California is not the same as Colorado. States administer their own emission inspection programs, so there can be considerable difference from state to state. It's up to each state to determine whether they want to exempt vinatage vehicles from emission testing or establish restricted use special plates for vintage vehicles that don't require testing if the plates are installed.

Duke