As the title suggests, I'm trying to get to the bottom of this new law. Here's the short and skinny:
(c) For purposes of subdivision (a), a collector motor vehicle, as defined in Section 259 of the Vehicle Code , is exempt from those portions of the test required by subdivision (f) of Section 44012 if the collector motor vehicle meets all of the following criteria:
(1) Submission of proof that the motor vehicle is insured as a collector motor vehicle, as shall be required by regulation of the bureau.
(2) The motor vehicle is at least 35 model-years old.
(3) The motor vehicle complies with the exhaust emissions standards for that motor vehicle's class and model-year as prescribed by the department, and the motor vehicle passes a functional inspection of the fuel cap and a visual inspection for liquid fuel leaks.
My issue is that the BAR, referrees, as well as quite a few smog shops, tell me I have it all wrong. I swapped a 2jz into my wife's Celica based on this law and now they're basically all saying I'm S.O.L. The car is a 1980, insured as a collector and will definitely pass the sniffer and fuel cap test. So what gives? I know the law technically doesn't go into effect until 2019, but any info I can get on this would be greatly appreciated.
I believe if you do an engine swap in CA on a post 1975 car it needs to be from a US model and all emissions equipment relative to that engine you swapped in must be present. You'd then have to take it and get it certified and they issue a new VIN for the car.. or something like that.
AFAIK you need to meet smog for the engine if it’s newer. A new engine in an old car means you lose the exemption.
I agree with both comments. In your case engine swap rules have trumped the collector car clauses. Furthermore, the donor car has to have been originally built for sale in California, not just USA. Motor, exhaust and fuel evap equipment. Then pass smog test for the year of the newer, donor vehicle. Truck motor cannot go into a car.
Very difficult to comply but it can be done.
I knew about the previous laws and I've BARed cars in the past, it's not that big of a deal. This is a NEW law, so the old stuff doesn't apply anymore. At least that's what the NEW law, which I posted above, says. If anyone has any info on the new law, that's what I'd like to hear about. Again, not the old law, the NEW law.
It just passed late 2017 and it also exempts new cars up to 8 years old. Any info from a credible source who knows what's going on with the NEW laws would be greatly appreciated. Again, not interested in the old laws. There's no such thing as collector car registration in CA, only antique, special interest and kit car. Nothing on the books says anything about collector car, except for this new law which says that it just has to be INSURED as a collector, meaning Hagerty or American Collector.
I guess you’ll have to work it out and educate the rest of us on the NEW law. It would be pretty useful if it works as you describe. Open season on swaps as long as the chassis is 25.
Ok, now we're getting somewhere. As per the BAR Blast from back in 2013:
COLLECTOR CAR SMOG CHECK INSPECTION Message:
California Vehicle Code section 4000.1 and Health and Safety Code section 40011.1c provide a collector motor vehicle with an exemption from the visual and functional portions of a Smog Check inspection.
Vehicle Code section 259 defines a collector car as a motor vehicle that is used primarily in shows, parades, charitable functions, and other similar events and is at least 35 model years old.
The procedures for qualifying as a collector car and all Smog Check inspections for the vehicle must be performed at the Referee.
Consumers requesting a Referee appointment for a collector car should call 800 622 7733.
Reference:
https://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/PubWebQuery/EtBlast/PrintMsg.aspx?QryMessageKey=33422
This is good stuff for all of us "collectors" in CA. The only downside to this is that the smog has to be performed by a referee and that usually means, depending on how he/she is feeling that day, you might get different results. So, bake them some cookies, tell them they're beautiful and cross your fingers. I'll report back once I actually get through.
