Does anyone know anything about the California DMV passing a law changing the smog laws?
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Does anyone know anything about the California DMV passing a law changing the smog laws?
www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/spcns.htm
This is all I know.....if you want to sign up do it quick....I think those five hundred slots are filling up FAST.
J-P
This is all I know.....if you want to sign up do it quick....I think those five hundred slots are filling up FAST.
J-P
Guys, I just registered my Speedster today. Had an appointment at 9 am and was SPCN certificate number 39. I was there with a lot of Cobra owners. So if you need one of these smog exemption certificates, get one as soon as possible.
I knew more about registering my IM then the DMV employees. Took about an hour, but I got out of there with my exemption certificate and paper work. I am headed to the CHP tomorrow morning to get my VIN number inspection/assigned. Then the BAR to get my smog check (for a 1958 vehicle), then a brake and light inspection from a qualified mechanic. Then back to the DMV to turn all the paper work back in, get my personal plate (3506A)and wait for the Sacramento office to send me my title and pink slip in 6 months.
Actually, it is easier then I thought it was going to be, you just need to hang in there, the DMV personnel have no idea what you are trying to do, so be polite and help them through it.
Regards,
Oz
I knew more about registering my IM then the DMV employees. Took about an hour, but I got out of there with my exemption certificate and paper work. I am headed to the CHP tomorrow morning to get my VIN number inspection/assigned. Then the BAR to get my smog check (for a 1958 vehicle), then a brake and light inspection from a qualified mechanic. Then back to the DMV to turn all the paper work back in, get my personal plate (3506A)and wait for the Sacramento office to send me my title and pink slip in 6 months.
Actually, it is easier then I thought it was going to be, you just need to hang in there, the DMV personnel have no idea what you are trying to do, so be polite and help them through it.
Regards,
Oz
Steve,
The basics are that the rolling 30 year rule is now gone. All cars 1976 and older are exempt. Cars after 1976 must meet the smog requirements of the year they are registered as, unless of course they are alloted in the first 500 special construction vehicles each year.
-=theron
The basics are that the rolling 30 year rule is now gone. All cars 1976 and older are exempt. Cars after 1976 must meet the smog requirements of the year they are registered as, unless of course they are alloted in the first 500 special construction vehicles each year.
-=theron
Theron,
How does the smog law work for a say car that has a SPCNS registration without the certificate of Sequence. Can the car be re-registered with a certificate.
Thanks,
patrick
How does the smog law work for a say car that has a SPCNS registration without the certificate of Sequence. Can the car be re-registered with a certificate.
Thanks,
patrick
Patrick, Register the car based on the year of the engine. See the bottom of this page www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/spcns.htm
Oz...how are you going to register it, by the engine (how the engine is supposed to replicate the original) or by the body style? I guess if they can't determine a year for the engine it'll be designated as 1960. Either way...no smog.
I got one of those spots in the five hundred also...my # is 161 and that was
Monday afternoon....those registration placemarkers are going fast.
Keep us in touch with the process as I'll be going down that road shortly in
reregistering the car. Your right about the DMV not knowing how the proceedure works.
J-P
I got one of those spots in the five hundred also...my # is 161 and that was
Monday afternoon....those registration placemarkers are going fast.
Keep us in touch with the process as I'll be going down that road shortly in
reregistering the car. Your right about the DMV not knowing how the proceedure works.
J-P
Jean:
I went to the CHP today and they wanted to give me a 27 digit VIN, and then finally decided that the seven digit VIN Henry already put all over the car would do. Go Figure?
Anyway, my understanding when I go to get it smog checked, with the Seq. Certificate it will be based on body type (1958 speedster). They will give you the choice of body type or engine year. I am going to go with body type. Either way, I know I will not pass the smog check, but with the Seq. Certificate its mute, but you have to go get it checked anyway. So, I have two steps out of four done. Still have to get the smog checked and then brake and light inspection. After that, I am back to the DMV to turn all the paper work in. It is not helping that it is raining like cats and dogs in So. Cal., and I am driving this speedster all around town leaking like you would not believe. After I get this registration stuff all done, I think I will let it sit in the garage until the sun comes back out.
Try to stay dry,
Oz
I went to the CHP today and they wanted to give me a 27 digit VIN, and then finally decided that the seven digit VIN Henry already put all over the car would do. Go Figure?
Anyway, my understanding when I go to get it smog checked, with the Seq. Certificate it will be based on body type (1958 speedster). They will give you the choice of body type or engine year. I am going to go with body type. Either way, I know I will not pass the smog check, but with the Seq. Certificate its mute, but you have to go get it checked anyway. So, I have two steps out of four done. Still have to get the smog checked and then brake and light inspection. After that, I am back to the DMV to turn all the paper work in. It is not helping that it is raining like cats and dogs in So. Cal., and I am driving this speedster all around town leaking like you would not believe. After I get this registration stuff all done, I think I will let it sit in the garage until the sun comes back out.
Try to stay dry,
Oz
Everyone,
I just logged onto the DMV website and SPCN smog exemption certificates, all 500 have been issued as of 1/4/2005. Wow, that was fast! Last year they issued them all the way up to Feb. 20, 2004. The site says no new certificates until 2006. Could there have been that many Cobra owners?
Oz
I just logged onto the DMV website and SPCN smog exemption certificates, all 500 have been issued as of 1/4/2005. Wow, that was fast! Last year they issued them all the way up to Feb. 20, 2004. The site says no new certificates until 2006. Could there have been that many Cobra owners?
Oz
Went to DMV first thing this morning. I was first in line at 7am. Doors opened at 8am.
I was there for one hour and walked out with paperwork and was more confused than when I went in.
The clerk that helped me know absolutly nothing about the Cert program for kit cars, NOTHING. she spent about 20 minutes on the phone just trying to get through to Sacramento.
When we were done, I got my paperwork back with notes about a smog check, referred to the CHP for inspection, and then have to have the car vin verified.
I was given seq#2005168 to give to BAR.
What the hell is that.
I asked the clerk before I left if we were successful, and she said that they would have told her if the 500 were already used up.
If this sounds like your experience let me know. As of last night there were only 90 left. I thought for sure that I made the cut doing it first thing this morning, but I am not sure.
I now have to call Sacramento in about 10 days, per the clerk, to check on my paperwork progress, at least that is what I think I am supposed to do.
Any help is appreciated. If this doesn't work, I may try again next year.
HELP!
P-
I was there for one hour and walked out with paperwork and was more confused than when I went in.
The clerk that helped me know absolutly nothing about the Cert program for kit cars, NOTHING. she spent about 20 minutes on the phone just trying to get through to Sacramento.
When we were done, I got my paperwork back with notes about a smog check, referred to the CHP for inspection, and then have to have the car vin verified.
I was given seq#2005168 to give to BAR.
What the hell is that.
I asked the clerk before I left if we were successful, and she said that they would have told her if the 500 were already used up.
If this sounds like your experience let me know. As of last night there were only 90 left. I thought for sure that I made the cut doing it first thing this morning, but I am not sure.
I now have to call Sacramento in about 10 days, per the clerk, to check on my paperwork progress, at least that is what I think I am supposed to do.
Any help is appreciated. If this doesn't work, I may try again next year.
HELP!
P-
Patrick,
Way to go. you have SPCN 168 for year 2005 (2005168) now you just need to go through the process that Oz is describing. If you have other questions, give me a call or email me at home. What do you need a number for? You sold the sweetest "vintage" IM.
Way to go. you have SPCN 168 for year 2005 (2005168) now you just need to go through the process that Oz is describing. If you have other questions, give me a call or email me at home. What do you need a number for? You sold the sweetest "vintage" IM.
Patrick:
You do not need to call the DMV in 10 days. Within 7 to 10 days you will receive your actual certificate in the mail and will need to take that to your local BAR smog check location. In the mean time you can go get your Vin inspection at the CHP and the brake and light inspection. When you have completed all of the above, you head back to the DMV to return all the paper work, pick up a plate and you wait at home, until the Sac. Office reviews your paper work and send you title in the mail. Most say this takes them 6 months. But in the mean time you have your plates and are cruising around town looking cool.
Let me know if you have any other questions. I actually talked my DMV employee through the process, you are right they are clueless.
Oz
You do not need to call the DMV in 10 days. Within 7 to 10 days you will receive your actual certificate in the mail and will need to take that to your local BAR smog check location. In the mean time you can go get your Vin inspection at the CHP and the brake and light inspection. When you have completed all of the above, you head back to the DMV to return all the paper work, pick up a plate and you wait at home, until the Sac. Office reviews your paper work and send you title in the mail. Most say this takes them 6 months. But in the mean time you have your plates and are cruising around town looking cool.
Let me know if you have any other questions. I actually talked my DMV employee through the process, you are right they are clueless.
Oz
Wow!
Sounds like it would have been easier to pack up and move to a neighboring state.
You Cal Guys and Gals have the best speedster driving weather, so i'm sure it's worth tolerating the time at the DMV.
Much Luck 2 All - Mel
Sounds like it would have been easier to pack up and move to a neighboring state.
You Cal Guys and Gals have the best speedster driving weather, so i'm sure it's worth tolerating the time at the DMV.
Much Luck 2 All - Mel
Thanks Oz....
This is all such a big help. I'm waiting for my paperwork in the mail to come, can't wait. As for the brake light ect. tests I didn't get informed about those, perhaps I don't need to get those as the car had been previously registered in CA, (nearly four years ago). We will see.
As for going through a smog test anyway...should I throw on a
cat (not the meow type) on the muffler just to make sure all is well, fines about driving around without a cat are pretty severe.
I know in theory there shouldn't be any concern as cars back in 58 didn't have them but it's still a little concerning.
J-P
Oh by the way OZ...I'm in Long Beach....perhaps we'll see each other on the road.
This is all such a big help. I'm waiting for my paperwork in the mail to come, can't wait. As for the brake light ect. tests I didn't get informed about those, perhaps I don't need to get those as the car had been previously registered in CA, (nearly four years ago). We will see.
As for going through a smog test anyway...should I throw on a
cat (not the meow type) on the muffler just to make sure all is well, fines about driving around without a cat are pretty severe.
I know in theory there shouldn't be any concern as cars back in 58 didn't have them but it's still a little concerning.
J-P
Oh by the way OZ...I'm in Long Beach....perhaps we'll see each other on the road.
Mel,
You may not have the California weather, but Purchase has some beautiful land to look at while you're driving! Those roads and lanes down there are sensational! I'll be the parkway is fun as well on a clear Summer night when the NYC commute is over. In a Speedster at full chat it would be like being in beginning chute of a pinball game.
TC
You may not have the California weather, but Purchase has some beautiful land to look at while you're driving! Those roads and lanes down there are sensational! I'll be the parkway is fun as well on a clear Summer night when the NYC commute is over. In a Speedster at full chat it would be like being in beginning chute of a pinball game.
TC
Jean:
You don't need the cat, because you got one of the seq. certificates, you will be exempt from all future smog checks. You just have to go through this first one, present your certificate and then you will be good to go.
Long Beach is not far, and I am up there visiting friends who live near second street. Could meet for coffee when the weather gets a little drier. Always nice to check out others speedsters.
Have a great day,
Oz
You don't need the cat, because you got one of the seq. certificates, you will be exempt from all future smog checks. You just have to go through this first one, present your certificate and then you will be good to go.
Long Beach is not far, and I am up there visiting friends who live near second street. Could meet for coffee when the weather gets a little drier. Always nice to check out others speedsters.
Have a great day,
Oz
That would be nice, meet for coffee or something. Thanks for the info....keep us informed with your progress.
J-P
J-P
I ve got a question
If my car won't be complete until this summer and all the SPCN are all gone for the year is it possible to register my car????
James
If my car won't be complete until this summer and all the SPCN are all gone for the year is it possible to register my car????
James
TC
Now you have me day-dreaming about getting the Speedzta out!
Yes, Purchase and the surrounding area's have some scenic back roads. Especially around the Kensico Reservior. Nice slow winding curves...15 North thru CT.is amazing during peak fall.
Excuse me so I can wipe the drool off my keyboard! - Mel
Now you have me day-dreaming about getting the Speedzta out!
Yes, Purchase and the surrounding area's have some scenic back roads. Especially around the Kensico Reservior. Nice slow winding curves...15 North thru CT.is amazing during peak fall.
Excuse me so I can wipe the drool off my keyboard! - Mel
Mel,
I understand the drive south through Carlisle is especially nice in May too :>)
I understand the drive south through Carlisle is especially nice in May too :>)
James, if you are built on a built on a VW pan, use your birth certificate. If your car is built on a VW pan then use the pan's previous registration. All special construction vehicles can be registered by the year of engine if it passes the other inspections. The special 500 numbers that are being talked about are used to register the vehicle as the year of engine or by the year the body represents. For a cobra this is the best way. Cobra guys can put a new, modern engine in their car, and with the SPCN "number" (1 of the 500) they can register their car as a "body" (representation) like 1965 and avoid the smog/emission equip of the new engine. If they dont use the SPCN "number" they would need to register as the year of the engine and face smog. If you have a pre 67 or 66? VW engine in your speedster and dont have the pan registration you can register as the engine and not have to have smog devices on the car. You will probably still be required to go thru smog inspection every 2 years but, as of now, will not need much smog equipment (if any)
Hate to say this....but...it's against the law to register a Speedster
using the original pan (swing axle bug) as the chassis has been modified (shortened) thus making it a different car. A Bill was passed not too long ago on this calling such a registration as fraud....HOWEVER...many people are still doing this and not everyone has knowledge of the law (including the authorities). There is a chance of big fines. I read this in a VW magazine somewhere. I doubt any of us will run into a problem. I guess the only chance of being caught is if one gets pulled over and the reg. shows a 60's bug or insurance claims. Even then there may be no problem.
J-P
using the original pan (swing axle bug) as the chassis has been modified (shortened) thus making it a different car. A Bill was passed not too long ago on this calling such a registration as fraud....HOWEVER...many people are still doing this and not everyone has knowledge of the law (including the authorities). There is a chance of big fines. I read this in a VW magazine somewhere. I doubt any of us will run into a problem. I guess the only chance of being caught is if one gets pulled over and the reg. shows a 60's bug or insurance claims. Even then there may be no problem.
J-P
I think Dale means that you will be registered as an SPCNS but you will use the vin# that was associated with the car pan. You may not have the certificate of sequence so you will have to get smogged every other year based on the pan vin number,...I think. Or is it automatically a 1960,
not too sure,
still learning,
brain hurts too much
thinking is ,....
not too sure,
still learning,
brain hurts too much
thinking is ,....
J-P,
Thanks, I was not aware of this. Another example of someone "knowing something", passing it on, and the knowledge is mis-information! My apologies to all.
I guess the CA suck just got a lot bigger. Do you know if current cars were grandfathered? Does that mean that all of the "pan" speedsters in CA should be registering as a SPCN based on engine year? If the law you are refering to is on the books then a whole new can of CA worms has been opened for the hobbie. It would be interesting and informative if someone could find that reference and pass it on. Thanks again J-P.
dale
Thanks, I was not aware of this. Another example of someone "knowing something", passing it on, and the knowledge is mis-information! My apologies to all.
I guess the CA suck just got a lot bigger. Do you know if current cars were grandfathered? Does that mean that all of the "pan" speedsters in CA should be registering as a SPCN based on engine year? If the law you are refering to is on the books then a whole new can of CA worms has been opened for the hobbie. It would be interesting and informative if someone could find that reference and pass it on. Thanks again J-P.
dale
Dale,
I think the can is open and the worms are roaming. I understand that if the body is modified well beyond the look of a standard beetle (not a baja bug) then the car is considered a Special construction or home built and would fall into needing the SPCNNSNCRCRAP registration.
I think the can is open and the worms are roaming. I understand that if the body is modified well beyond the look of a standard beetle (not a baja bug) then the car is considered a Special construction or home built and would fall into needing the SPCNNSNCRCRAP registration.
I just hope the worms stay put and not wander east to other states!
Dale: Not to sure about grandfathering as according to the other post, they confiscated plates from cars at Coddingtons that were "decades old".
www.speedsterowners.com/forum/readmsg.asp?t=5766
BD
Dale: Not to sure about grandfathering as according to the other post, they confiscated plates from cars at Coddingtons that were "decades old".
www.speedsterowners.com/forum/readmsg.asp?t=5766
BD