Clarification on California emission standards

[Morgester]

I received further clarification on California emission standards as it relates to Specially Constructed Vehicles (SPCN) that does not have a SB100 exemption (500 vehicles a year).

BAR’s will be shortly begin to comply to with existing law which requires SPCN to meet the emission requirements of the year that they are first registered in. If you do not have a SB100 exemption and your vehicle is first registered in 2007, you will be required to meet 2007 emission standards.

BAR’s previous policy of testing to the year the engine replicates was at odds with Vehicle Code § 4750.1 (effective Jan. 1, 2003). This section states in part:

“the vehicle shall be assigned the same model-year as the calendar year in which the application is submitted, for purposes of determining emissions control equipment and inspection requirements for the vehicle.”

An unanswered question is what does “inspection requirements for the vehicle.” This appears to relate to emission testing for the vehicle. However it may be interpreted to require appropriate safety equipment for that year vehicle (bumpers, airbags . . .)

With reference to those vehicles that were passed by BAR under the old standard, it appears that BAR will “grandfather” those vehicles in. So the standard that you had to pass to get your vehicle registered will continue to apply to that vehicle.

BAR will begin to implement that standards outlined in Vehicle Code § 4750.1 once DMV begins assigning a “model-year” to SPCN.

It is important to note that I do not work for BAR or DMV. Both BAR and DMV will have the final word on how Vehicle Code § 4750.1 will be implemented.

Final comment, emission standards for SPCN will probably be the subject of future legislation. There are other issues that may play into this that I will address in a separate thread.