Repeal of old car emissions exemption by California legislature

["ernie stepney" <estepney@xxxxxxxxx>]

What are the requirements for the test? Do you have to recertify
annually?
In British Columbia, Canada we require all vehicles running a collector
plate to have a one time test when applying for collector status and
recertification whenever ownership changes. All older cars running
regular plates are required to be certified annually for emission
standards applicable to their model year. Most cars over 30 years old
have very high specifications, so if properly maintained they will pass.
The collector plate status makes driving a vehicle occasionally, (read
not a daily driver) less inconvenient from a bureaucracy point of view.
In my opinion, any vehicle that is being driven as daily transportation
should be able to meet a reasonable requirement for exhaust emissions
just as a newer vehicle must meet emission standards for its model year.
My 38 Chrysler, 58 Imperial and 75 MGB all meet their respective
specifications with room to spare.

Ernie Stepney
-----Original Message-----
From: mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Wm. R. Ulman
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2004 12:45 PM
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: IML: Repeal of old car emissions exemption by California
legislature

I know most people don't live in California, but please check out the
following link: http://www.enjoythedrive.com/content/?id=31171
Currently California exempts autos built in 1974 or before (30 years
old, or older).  The new legislation would only exempt autos that are 45
years old, or older.  This type of legislation could have far reaching
effects in other states that look to California to set precedents.  I am
full aware that the vast majority of us keep our cars well tuned, and in
better shape than many new car owners, and that there is no way states
could possibly hold older cars to meet the emissions requirements of any
newer vehicles.  Still, how would you feel if your car failed some test,
and was ordered off the road, or that you had to spend $$$ to have it
professionally tuned, or fixed and obtain a certificate that you had
done so before you could legally drive it again?  I am by no means an
alarmist, but feel we should each take responsibility for our hobby, and
our fine motorcars by getting involved in any legislation that would
directly affect each one of us.

Arizona has current legislation that would exempt autos 25 years and
older from emissions requirements, and currently only autos manufactured
in 1966 or before are exempt.  You can visit the site with this
information at:
http://www.shadetreemechanic.com/arizona%20old%20car%20emissions.htm  

Please take the time to look at each of these sites, and follow the
links to contact your state representatives, and let them know how you
feel...either way.  If you don't speak up, and you are aware of laws
that could be passed that adversely affect us as classic auto
enthusiasts, then we really don't have the room to complain about our
woes after the fact.  You can always contact the representatives in a
state other than your own to let them know how you feel.

The U.S. is by no means the only place older vehicles are coming under
attack, or scrutiny.  Canada, the U.K., as well as even Russia have
current legislation that affects the older car hobby.  Just type in "old
car legislation" in your web browser and have a look at what comes up!

Have a nice day!!!

Bill Ulman
Seattle, WA
1966 Crown Convertible Coupe - Midnight blue w/white leather and wide
whites, known as Doris Day