Quote:
Originally Posted by RedBarchetta
Curious as to why you wouldn't consider year of body style as an alternative, which would align it with existing SB100 law? We're talking about a very limited number of vehicles (0.00xx% of the total registered population) that do not even get driven daily. 
-Dean |
The goal is to have one set of rules that applies equally. Any SPCN can either get a SB100 exemption or pass emissions based on the year of the build. If approved by ARB there will be a third “green rod” option. That is if you are using an “approved green rod” emission system for your engine you can also register your car. So the goal is to have three options; SB100, emission based on year of the build, or green rod that will apply to a SPCN regardless of where it comes from (in state or out of state).
Full faith on out of state registrations on SPCN circumvents all of the above systems. Let’s do a “thought experiment.” Imagine that California let’s this loop hole remain. What will happen? If you build cars, will you build them in California knowing that if they are registered out of state they can come into California free of emission testing? (Builders will leave California) What about legally registering these cars out of state? We will create new business in SPCN friendly states whose sole purpose is to register and then transfer SPCN to California. (Think I am kidding; take a look at RV registration).
Bottom line is that the current trickle of out-of-state registrations will turn into a flood of emission exempt vehicles. This is not good for California “hot rod” industry nor for California in general.
As for changing emission testing policies in California to allow all SPCN to be registered as the year of the body style . . . talk to the legislature. As it stands 500 cars per year can do that (SB100), all other have to need emission standards based on the year of the build. I do not see a change. However, if the “green rod” concept is approved by ARB this will create a third viable option for registering SPCNs.