New CA Smog Check Law effective 1/1/2013
 

AB 2289 - New Smog Check Law

Set to begin January 01, 2013; Model year 2000 and newer vehicles will no longer require the tailpipe emissions test portion of the smog check process. AB 2289 will require late model vehicles be administered the smog check's visual and functional tests only.

The implementation of AB 2289 is expected to reduce the time and cost of the smog check. The program will now take better advantage of a vehicle's OBD II technology by eliminating tailpipe testing and instead using the vehicle's own OBD II emissions monitoring system.

This new smog test system is already in place in 22 other states. "This new and improved program will have the same result as taking 800,000 old cars off the road, also resulting in a more cost effective program for California motorists." said ARB Chairman, Mary D. Nichols.

Currently California's smog check procedure requires all vehicles undergo a tailpipe emissions inspection to measure harmful pollutant output from the tailpipe, a visual inspection for present and properly installed emissions components, a functional test to insure the proper operation of various emission components; and as part of the functional test, an OBD II computer diagnostic check.

Under AB 2289, the tailpipe emissions portion of the smog inspection will be eliminated for 2000 model and newer cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs.

Background on the OBD II system - All vehicles imported into the United States as of 1996 have had to be equipped with an On Board Diagnostics system referred to as OBD II. The OBD II diagnostic system is designed to monitor all aspects of your engine's emission conditions and report this information to a central database within it's computer. This information is processed and checked against the computers pre-determined values for various input levels and performance patterns.

If any problems are found, the computer will determine whether to alert the driver or not. If a decision has been made to alert the driver of an emissions problem, the "Check Engine" or "Engine Malfunction" light will illuminate on the vehicle's dashboard. In more serious emission conditions the computer may even begin to rapidly flash the "Check Engine/Malfunction" light indicating to the driver, that the vehicle needs immediate diagnosis/repair attention.

AB 2289 now requires the smog test inspection to rely on data from a vehicle's own on board emissions computer to determine the vehicle's harmful emissions production as opposed to using a smog machine to sample the vehicle's emissions output from the tailpipe. This design is expected to reduce the cost of equipment at the smog station, reduce the amount of time it takes to smog check a vehicle, and reduce the cost of the smog inspection to the consumer.

AB 2289 - Makes changes to the following smog inspection procedures and guidelines:

A. Authorize the use of On Board Diagnostic II testing to expedite the process.
B. Vehicles known to release large amounts of pollution must test at stations with the highest performance ratings.
C. Stricter fines structure for improper inspections.
D. Permit the state to contract with the private sector to manage franchise-like networks of independently owned Smog Check stations.
E. Encourage community colleges and other training institutions to develop technician-training programs.


So with visual inspections still in place it seems like bolt-ons like HFCs will still be hard to have pass a smog test but at least California seems to be getting a little more lenient. Thoughts?

Awesome

Does this mean we can actually use hi-flow cats without any legal issues?

legally no? I believe u can't touch any stock cat "legally" ... but anyone cares ? not really.... as long as the hi flow cats don't throw a code ur ok.... but I know someone that does even with hi flow cats now and then, so need to reset the cel.

Hmmm...and the wheels begin to turn

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one thing I could see though, more tickets from cops, more revenue, more fines due to "smog" violations...

So those of us with stock-looking CBE's are good... Martin you're screwed! :icon18:

lol^ I don't have test pipes yet.......might not do them..

As long as it looks stock, and as long as your not throwing codes, and yep thats it pretty much....

really anything behind or below the engine wont be noticed, unless your an @ss around town.

also, you have to think of creative ways to cover stuff on top and infront of your motor, via thermal coatings/"OEM" looking pieces.

Basically it will be the same as it is now but instead of having to pull crap off to get smogged you have to disguise it.

Thats my take away, I have not dont much research on this yet.

SUPPORT AND OPPOSITION:

Support:

Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Automotive Repair
(Sponsor)
Air Resources Board (Sponsor) CARB - how interesting...
American Lung Association in California
Bay Area Air Quality Management District
Breathe California
California Air Pollution Control Officers
California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance
Clean Power Campaign
Consumer Federation of California
Environmental Defense Fund
National Parks Conservation Association
Natural Resources Defense Council
Planning and Conservation League
Sierra Club California
South Coast Air Quality Management District
Union of Concerned Scientists


Opposition:

Automotive Service Councils of California
California Automotive Business Coalition
California Emissions Testing Industries
Clean Air Performance Professionals

I don't think they are getting more lenient. B. looks like they are trying to stamp out modified cars from being able to go to any shop that won't do visuals and instead for owners to go to places that will be more likely to fail them. Failure = potential fines = more revenue.

Then again, lenient shops would still be lenient on the visual but it's hard for them to be lenient when the computer is monitoring emissions levels from OBD2.

So can a tune help or screw you??

I have the hks intakes and tp with hks cbe and will be getting an uprev tune soon??

Tune won't make a difference, the OBD 2 computer will still perform the testing procedures when you get your emissions test. They can't tell if it's an aftermarket tune or not, the emissions check is only looking for the emissions readings that are read by the car's onboard diagnostics.

You are very likely not to pass with test pipes, just FYI.

Yay this should make life a little easier for me next smog check

I hate the rolling dyno test!