Classic car not exempt in California

[gran coupe john]

Just saw Classic cars are not exempt on emissions in California. Is there special parts to buy to drive your Classic???

 

[pschlosser]

the "Classic" label is not the marker, but the year it was made. In california, any car made 1975 or older is exempt from even being smog checked. But Jay Leno's law, SB712 changes the wording to any vehicle older than 35 years... goes into effect 2027 or something like that.

 

[moparleo]

The law originally back in the 70's was any car 25 years old or older but they stopped it around 1975.
Here is some info from the B.A.R.

" Collector Cars "

 

[Challenger RTA]

Here in PA. To get a classic or antique plate. The title has to be sent in and it gets branded. They send you a new title branded as requested. The registered plate Classic Antique or other. Different rule for driving it apply then. Where as a car with a standard issued title and registration. It can be driven as any other no matter age. Again the rules apply as titled. Just a guess that's what it might be. Or that just has nothing to do with it.

 

[Katfish]

Thx RTA,

Your post prompted me to research FL law on this, I learned something.

 

[Challenger RTA]

Thx RTA,

Your post prompted me to research FL law on this, I learned something.

When I found out to get a classic plate in PA. You have surrender the original title and it get branded. Then you get a different title. Also for a vanity plate you only get 5 characters instead of 7. I'm fine with what I might get. BLUEBYU OR KISMYAS. Just saying!

 

[Katfish]

Here in FL you can have an original plate (I've had my >20yrs) and pay normal registration fee.
To pay the lower "antique" registration fees, you have to claim the car is only used for shows or parades.

Not a big savings, antique fee is $7.50/yr.
I pay $35 and can legally drive as much as I want.

 

[Challenger RTA]

Emissions is a scam and a joke. Someone's pockets where lined. Early to mid nineties I worked on a few of them. PA built 84 testing stations across the state at the cost a $1,000,000 ea. = 84 million. They were complete with equipment. And none of then where ever used.

There is still emissions but it's done when the annual safety inspection is due. Depending on the population of the county. Some don't do it.

The garages are required to buy the equipment and updates.

The cars run efferent enough today they don't need it. As long as there's visual inspection of emission components in place.

How about they check the emissions that come out of the politicians!

 

[gran coupe john]

In Ohio they issue a historical plate. Have to keep in car, or use on the back. I use an old 1971 Ohio plate. I happened to find one with my initials.

 

[Xcudame]

@Challenger RTA, I agree. Any vehicle that is a true daily driver is going to run decently enough to pass smog. It's just another tax on we the people! I won't even go down the "emission devices" road as once they started putting smog pumps on the cars, I knew it was a scam!
Mom had a 75 Valiant 318 with smog pump and heads. In 77 Dad took the smog pump off, cut out the catalytic converter, we slapped some 70 318 cylinder heads on it! No lie, it had more power and got about 5 miles to the gallon better gas mileage!!

 

[Ronbo73]

Here in MA, and probably other states as well, I changed my plate to a "year of manufacture" plate. There is a form that needs to be filled out by you and another from your insurance agent. I bought a plate from 1973 on E-bay and brought the plate and all of the paperwork to the RMV. No change to my title just a different plate and a new reg. When they gave me a new reg and sticker, I was informed they just need to be put in the glovebox and the 1973 reg sticker can stay on the plate. No restrictions on driving that I am aware of.

No emissions here in MA, only safety. I think it is after 25 years.