Words and top photo: Mike Aguilar

The California automotive hobby constituency’s attempt extend California smog test exemptions to certain vehicles has been successful to date. California Assembly Bill 1274 has made it through both houses of the California legislature and has now been sent to Governor Brown for signature.

Bill Extends Smog Exemption by Two Model Years

Under current law, on January 1, 2019, this 2013 Camaro ZL1 would be exempt from emissions testing requirements. Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

Current California law exempts some motor vehicles fewer than six model years old from the biennial smog test at registration renewal requirement. A.B. 1274 recognizes that automotive technology means there will be no significant reduction in air quality by extending this exemption to eight model years of age, an increase of two model years. If signed by Brown, this would mean that cars produced in the 2011 model year would be exempt from the biennial smog test requirement when the law takes effect on January, 1, 2019, instead of vehicles produced in model year 2013.

Bill Needs Gubernatorial Signature to Become Law

If Governor Brown signs A.B. 1274 into law, on January 1, 2019, this 2011 Camaro ZL1 would be exempt from emissions testing requirements. Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

As mentioned, the bill has passed both chambers of the California legislature and has been passed to the governor for review. If he signs it, it becomes law and that’s it. If he vetoes, it has to go back the legislature for a veto overturn vote, which requires an even larger majority to pass than the original passing vote required. You can help avert this by contacting the governor’s office and informing him of your support for A.B. 1274.