CA Smog exemption

[Tonimus]

That's a good thing. I have my 77 Scottsdale insured on a collector car policy. Unlimited miles, $25,000 agreed value. $319 a year.

What company is this?! I didn't find one that would let me tow ever with it!

 

[mlsceo]

What company is this?! I didn't find one that would let me tow ever with it!

Hagerty

 

[DoubleDingo]

My policy says I must keep separate insurance in force for my "regular use" vehicle. Every 3 years they will check mileage and adjust policy premium according to their pricing formula. Premium will go up the more I drive it, that's fair, but no actual mileage limitation. I can add coverage that allows towing with the truck if I desire, didn't need that.

So really no savings unless you own a trailer queen. Most of us use our old trucks as intended even it's just a few times a year. I'll steer clear of Hagerty.

Hagerty is great for some, not for all.

 

[DoubleDingo]

.......Respectfully, bit of a stretch to blame "the libs" for that........

My point about the politicians shenanigans is if there is language in their fabulous bill to rid all of us owners of old vehicles of emissions testing, and then they require collector car insurance, that, is in fact, shenanigans.



shenanigan/shə-năn′ĭ-gən/

noun​

1. A playful or mischievous act; a prank.
   "We're tired of your shenanigans!"
2. An underhanded act or deceitful remark.
   "Financial shenanigans brought down the brokerage."
3. Trickery, games; skulduggery. To "call", "claim" or "declare" shenanigans is to rhetorically label something as officially deceitful, improper, or otherwise incorrect.

 

[mlsceo]

My point about the politicians shenanigans is if there is language in their fabulous bill to rid all of us owners of old vehicles of emissions testing, and then they require collector car insurance, that, is in fact, shenanigans.



shenanigan/shə-năn′ĭ-gən/

noun​

1. A playful or mischievous act; a prank.
   "We're tired of your shenanigans!"
2. An underhanded act or deceitful remark.
   "Financial shenanigans brought down the brokerage."
3. Trickery, games; skulduggery. To "call", "claim" or "declare" shenanigans is to rhetorically label something as officially deceitful, improper, or otherwise incorrect.

Point taken. I was referring to your saying that you didn't have a garage. Sounded like you were blaming someone else for that situation, my mistake.

 

[mlsceo]

So really no savings unless you own a trailer queen. Most of us use our old trucks as intended even it's just a few times a year. I'll steer clear of Hagerty.

Hagerty is great for some, not for all.

It's the agreed value stipulation that I like. I use my truck as intended all the time, but yes, no company is great for one and all.

 

[crab74]

For those of you fellow Californians out there, does anyone know anything about the status of Senate Bill 712? Looks like it was introduced this month (again?) and would repeal the previous pre-1976 exemption

I don't think SB-12 will repeal the pre-1976 exemption. It looks to me that they're leaving the pre-1976 exemption intact. I assume because no catalytic converters.


Here's the relevant
SECTION 1. Section 44011 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:

44011. (a) All motor vehicles powered by internal combustion engines that are registered within an area designated for program coverage shall be required biennially to obtain a certificate of compliance or noncompliance, except for the following:

(3) All motor vehicles manufactured prior to the 1976 model year.

 

[legend57]

For those interested in emailing their Senators, here is what I just sent to mine. Feel free to use/modify at your discretion.

Dear Senator [Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to request your support for SB 712 during the 2025-2026 legislative session. As a passionate classic car enthusiast, I believe this bill represents a sensible step forward to both support the hobby and reduce unnecessary state overhead. Below are several key reasons why I believe approving this bill is essential:

1. Classic Cars Aren't the Gross Polluters They Are Often Perceived to Be:
   Most classic car owners strive to keep their vehicles in optimal running condition, which means they are not the typical polluters emitting excessive smoke. Classic car owners aim for the highest engine efficiency possible for the vehicle's age and technology.
2. Classic Cars Are Not Daily Drivers:
   Vehicles from 1976-1990, which are becoming increasingly collectible, are rarely used as daily drivers. They are typically driven only on special occasions such as car shows, parades, or charity events. As a result, these cars accumulate very few miles annually in comparison to modern vehicles.
3. Challenges with Smog Compliance for Older Cars:
   Keeping a classic vehicle from 1976-1990 smog-legal, especially in terms of the visual inspection, has become increasingly difficult. Many of the required service parts are no longer available, forcing owners to rely on expensive, hard-to-find used or original parts. These parts can cost thousands of dollars, creating a financial burden for collectors.
4. Lack of Knowledge at Smog Facilities:
   Finding a smog facility that is knowledgeable about older vehicles is increasingly challenging. Many smog technicians are unfamiliar with the unique smog equipment variations required for older cars and tend to focus only on modern systems, such as the OBD2 ports. This lack of expertise further complicates the inspection process.
5. Restrictions on Engine Upgrades:
   Another issue is that many classic car owners wish to install newer, more efficient engines, but California's smog laws currently prevent this. While owners aim to make their cars run cleaner, the bureaucratic hurdles and associated costs to modify vehicles are prohibitive. Streamlining the process would allow classic cars to run more efficiently and cleanly.

In conclusion, I ask for your support in helping to pass SB 712, which would ease some of the burdens on classic car owners and ensure that this hobby continues to thrive without unnecessary regulation.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]

 

[DoubleDingo]

For those interested in emailing their Senators, here is what I just sent to mine. Feel free to use/modify at your discretion.

Dear Senator [Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to request your support for SB 712 during the 2025-2026 legislative session. As a passionate classic car enthusiast, I believe this bill represents a sensible step forward to both support the hobby and reduce unnecessary state overhead. Below are several key reasons why I believe approving this bill is essential:

1. Classic Cars Aren't the Gross Polluters They Are Often Perceived to Be:
   Most classic car owners strive to keep their vehicles in optimal running condition, which means they are not the typical polluters emitting excessive smoke. Classic car owners aim for the highest engine efficiency possible for the vehicle's age and technology.
2. Classic Cars Are Not Daily Drivers:
   Vehicles from 1976-1990, which are becoming increasingly collectible, are rarely used as daily drivers. They are typically driven only on special occasions such as car shows, parades, or charity events. As a result, these cars accumulate very few miles annually in comparison to modern vehicles.
3. Challenges with Smog Compliance for Older Cars:
   Keeping a classic vehicle from 1976-1990 smog-legal, especially in terms of the visual inspection, has become increasingly difficult. Many of the required service parts are no longer available, forcing owners to rely on expensive, hard-to-find used or original parts. These parts can cost thousands of dollars, creating a financial burden for collectors.
4. Lack of Knowledge at Smog Facilities:
   Finding a smog facility that is knowledgeable about older vehicles is increasingly challenging. Many smog technicians are unfamiliar with the unique smog equipment variations required for older cars and tend to focus only on modern systems, such as the OBD2 ports. This lack of expertise further complicates the inspection process.
5. Restrictions on Engine Upgrades:
   Another issue is that many classic car owners wish to install newer, more efficient engines, but California's smog laws currently prevent this. While owners aim to make their cars run cleaner, the bureaucratic hurdles and associated costs to modify vehicles are prohibitive. Streamlining the process would allow classic cars to run more efficiently and cleanly.

In conclusion, I ask for your support in helping to pass SB 712, which would ease some of the burdens on classic car owners and ensure that this hobby continues to thrive without unnecessary regulation.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]

Well written....

 

[Sad Sack]

Hello- Just took these off my running '85 GMC C15 305 ci VIN H. More than happy to part with all of it to any of you Cali types. Had 65000 or 165000 miles but truck was in really good shape so 65000 may be possible. Parts are in good shape and pump is not seized. Shipping cost will not be pleasant I imagine. Coming from Nebraska. Make an offer if interested

 

[DoubleDingo]

Hello- Just took these off my running '85 GMC C15 305 ci VIN H. More than happy to part with all of it to any of you Cali types. Had 65000 or 165000 miles but truck was in really good shape so 65000 may be possible. Parts are in good shape and pump is not seized. Shipping cost will not be pleasant I imagine. Coming from Nebraska. Make an offer if interested

Thanks for offering up these parts. Someone here can probably use them. I bought a supplemental pump a couple of years ago, so I'm good.

 

[Grit dog]

So really no savings unless you own a trailer queen. Most of us use our old trucks as intended even it's just a few times a year. I'll steer clear of Hagerty.

Hagerty is great for some, not for all.

Moreso I think it’s that classic/collector car insurance is just not the best application for you and your vehicles.
Same with me. I get a good ACV for the 86 and very reasonable $amount for the premium… as a pleasure use vehicle. (Not a commuter).

 

[mlsceo]

I don't think SB-12 will repeal the pre-1976 exemption. It looks to me that they're leaving the pre-1976 exemption intact. I assume because no catalytic converters.


Here's the relevant
SECTION 1. Section 44011 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:

44011. (a) All motor vehicles powered by internal combustion engines that are registered within an area designated for program coverage shall be required biennially to obtain a certificate of compliance or noncompliance, except for the following:

(3) All motor vehicles manufactured prior to the 1976 model year.

The bill in question is SB712 not SB12. Google SB712, it reads that collector cars 35 years or older are currently only partially exempt from smog checks. The bill removes the requirement that collector vehicles comply with exhaust emission standards for their specific model year and pass fuel cap and liquid leak inspections. This bill would make collector cars completely exempt as long as they are at least 35 years old and are insured as collector vehicles. So just the two requirements, 35 years or older, and insured as collector vehicles.

 

[mlsceo]

So all in all, I'd say the real question if this bill passes (and I'm not getting my hopes up) becomes what vehicles the collector car insurance companies will accept. I've no doubt my 1978 Fiat X1/9 would qualify as a collector car, but the mere fact that a car or truck is over 35 years old doesn't make it collectable. It's a fairly small number of vehicles overall so maybe SB712 will pass.

 

[Ricko1966]

The reason for the collector insurance is so people don't use this as loophole to drive daily driven vehicles without required smog equipment.If all the cars with smog exemption are limited to milage it's not as big a deal as just saying okay your car is old pollute all you want everyday as many miles as you want,then more people would buy old cars,just for the smog exemption and pollute even more. Just like people abuse the service dog BS everywhere.