Amended California Bill to Exempt Pre-1981 Vehicles from Emissions Inspections Approved by Committee; Moves to Full Senate

 

DON’T DELAY!  Please voice your Support for S.B. 1239 immediately from the California Senate by emailing now:

You may use the following points in your message:
 

  • S.B. 1239 recognizes the minimal impact of pre-1981 vehicles on emissions and air quality.  
     
  • S.B. 1239 acknowledges that pre-1981 vehicles still constitute a minuscule portion of the overall vehicle population and are a poor source from which to look for emissions reduction.
     
  • S.B. 1239 endorses the fact that pre-1981 vehicles are overwhelmingly well-maintained and infrequently driven (a fraction of the miles each year as a new vehicle).
     
  • For years, legislators, regulators and stationary source polluters have felt the heat from failed efforts to meet air quality goals and have looked to older cars as a convenient scapegoat, using false data and inflated annual mileage assumptions to further their case.  S.B. 1239 helps validate the truth.  The old car hobby should not continue to carry the burden of past mistakes!

Overview: Amended legislation (S.B. 1239) to exempt motor vehicles prior to the 1981 model year from emissions inspection requirement was unanimously approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee.  Having already been approved by the Transportation Committee, the bill will now be sent to the full Senate for a vote by all members.  Under the amended bill, vehicles manufactured after the 1976 model year but prior to the 1981 model year would be exempted if the owner submits proof that the vehicle is insured as a collector motor vehicle.  This exemption would be a 2-year trial that would need to be renewed by separate legislation in order to continue.  Current law requires the lifetime testing of all 1976 and newer model-year vehicles.