Plain English Breakdown
The official text does not specify an effective date, so readers should check when the law officially begins.
Smog Check Exemption for Older Vehicles
This law extends the exemption from biennial smog checks to any motor vehicle that is at least 30 model years old.
What This Bill Does
- Extends the existing exemption from biennial smog check inspections to vehicles that are 30 or more model years old.
- Replaces the previous rule that exempted only vehicles manufactured prior to the 1976 model year for this specific renewal inspection.
Who It Names or Affects
- Owners of motor vehicles that are at least 30 model years old renewing their registration every two years.
- The Department of Consumer Affairs, which administers the smog check program.
Terms To Know
- Smog Check
- An inspection required by law to ensure a vehicle meets air pollution standards.
- Model Year
- The year assigned to a vehicle's design, used here to determine if it is old enough for an exemption.
Limits and Unknowns
- This change applies only to biennial renewal inspections and does not affect initial registration or ownership transfers.
- Collector vehicles have separate rules requiring them to be at least 35 model years old for specific test exemptions, which this bill makes nonsubstantive changes to but does not alter the age requirement.