California Gives Emissions Break
On the subject of one state, California, here is a brief overview of the current (albeit) temporary conditions set forth until a permanent ruling can be made. We gathered this information from SEMA.
BAR has published its policy for smog check certification of specially constructed vehicles. Under this policy, the emission controls of specially constructed vehicles are determined by one of two separate processes: (1) based on what the vehicle body or engine most resembles, or (2) model year or configuration of the engine installed.
In the first case, under the provisions of the Specially Constructed Vehicle Emission Control Program (commonly known as CA Senate Bill 100), a smog test referee compares the vehicle to those of the era that the vehicle most closely resembles to determine its model year. The vehicle's owner can then choose whether the inspector will certify the vehicle per the year of the body or the engine. If there is no close resemblance, the vehicle is classified as a 1960 model year. The Senate Bill 100 registration program is limited to the first 500 applications for registrations of specially constructed vehicles submitted to the DMV per year that meet the criteria. (In 2006, the 500 requests were filed by January 5.)
In the second case, for specially constructed vehicles without a Senate Bill 100 sequence number, which is in reality what we street rodders in California will find ourselves dealing with, the only emission controls required are those used when the engine was originally manufactured. If a configuration precedes 1966, no exhaust emission controls would be required. If the configuration precedes 1961, no PCV system would be required. If a range of model years applies to any particular engine configuration, vehicle owners will have the option to select the model year of emission controls to be used. Crate motors provide the most interesting classification. According to BAR, new and rebuilt crate motors fall into this "range of model years" category. Let's say you are going to build yourself a full-fendered 'glass or steel Deuce roadster (or coupe, sedan, etc.) and want to use a Chevrolet 350 ZZ4 V-8; this motor would require emissions equipment used on the first 350s used in '67.
Currently, the DMV registers specially constructed vehicles, which are by definition built for private use, from a kit or some combination of new and used parts. The DMV does not assign a model year to these cars. Rather, the vehicle is assigned the year in which the application for registration is submitted to the DMV. A specially constructed vehicle application submitted to the DMV today would not have a model year, but would have 2005 assigned as an asterisk year (i.e. "*YR 2005"). However, this designation does not relate to the emission control requirements for the vehicle. The DMV's Web site www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/spcnsreg.htm) has a detailed explanation of the process for registering specially constructed vehicles. The Web site also provides general emission control information and also outlines the previously mentioned Specially Constructed Vehicle Emission Control Program (Senate Bill 100 program).
Success Story
We received the following information from Gary Tefft of Wisconsin, who knows full well what it takes to have a street rod registered as a street rod! According to Gary, "This year marks the 30th anniversary of the passage of the legislation creating Wisconsin's Hobbyist Plate--the first special plate issued exclusively for modified or homemade vehicles." In addition to having been the first, Wisconsin's regulations concerning hobby vehicle registration, titling, equipment, and operation are currently the most hobbyist-friendly in the nation.
What About My State?
While every state is different, there are similarities. By contacting your individual DMV or by going online and locating your DMV, you can gather specific information and download forms. However, it can be said that much of the information mentioned earlier in the article is required for all states. Next month, tune in as we jump through the hoops trying to register the Road Tour '34 Chevy. This should prove to be very interesting.
We have taken the liberty of reproducing the SEMA Model Street Rod/Custom Vehicle Bill to give each of you a heads up on just what is going on and, hopefully, you can instruct and inform your legislators.
Vehicle Laws--Street Rods and Custom Vehicles
STREET RODS
(a) A "street rod" means a motor vehicle that:
(1) Is a 1948 or older vehicle; or the vehicle was manufactured after 1948 to resemble a vehicle manufactured before 1949; and
(2) Has been altered from the manufacturer's original design; or has a body constructed from non-original materials.
(b) The model year and the year of manufacture that are listed on the certificate of title of a street rod vehicle shall be the model year and year of manufacture that the body of such vehicle resembles.
(c) For each street rod, there shall be a one-time registration fee of $ ______.
(d)(1) In applying for registration of a street rod under this section, the owner of the street rod shall submit with the application a certification that the vehicle for which the application is made:(I) Will be maintained for occasional transportation, exhibitions, club activities, parades, tours, and similar uses; and
(II) Will not be used for general daily transportation.
(2) In addition to the certification required under paragraph (1) of this subsection, when applying for registration of a street rod, the new owner of the street rod shall provide proof acceptable to the administration that the street rod passed a safety inspection that has been approved by the administration in consultation with the street rod community in this state.
(e) On registration of a vehicle under this section, the administration shall issue a special street rod vehicle registration plate of the size and design that the administration determines in consultation with the street rod community in this state.
(f) Unless the presence of the equipment was specifically required by a statute of this state as a condition of sale in the year listed as the year of manufacture on the certificate of title, the presence of any specific equipment is not required for the operation of a vehicle registered under this section.
(g) A vehicle registered under this section is exempt from any statute that requires periodic vehicle inspections and from any statute that requires the use and inspection of emission controls.
CUSTOM VEHICLES
(a) A custom vehicle means any motor vehicle that:
(1) Is at least 25 years old and of a model year after 1948, or was manufactured to resemble a vehicle 25-or-more years old and of a model year after 1948; and
(2) Has been altered from the manufacturer's original design, or has a body constructed from non-original materials.
(b) The model year and the year of manufacture that are listed on the certificate of title of a custom vehicle shall be the model year and year of manufacture that the body of such vehicle resembles.
(c) For each custom vehicle, there shall be a one-time registration fee of $_____.
(d) (1) In applying for registration of a custom vehicle under this section, the owner of the custom vehicle shall submit with the application a certification that the vehicle for which the application is made:
(I) Will be maintained for occasional transportation, exhibitions, club activities, parades, tours, and similar uses; and
(II) Will not be used for general daily transportation.
(2) In addition to the certification required under paragraph (1) of this subsection, when applying for registration of a custom vehicle, the new owner of the custom vehicle shall provide proof acceptable to the administration that the custom vehicle passed a safety inspection that has been approved by the administration in consultation with the custom vehicle community in this state.
(e) On registration of a vehicle under this section, the administration shall issue a special custom vehicle registration plate of the size and design that the administration determines in consultation with the custom vehicle community in this state.
(f) Unless the presence of the equipment was specifically required by a statute of this state as a condition of sale in the year listed as the year of manufacture on the certificate of title, the presence of any specific equipment is not required for the operation of a vehicle registered under this section.
(g) A vehicle registered under this section is exempt from any statute that requires periodic vehicle inspections and from any statute that requires the use and inspection of emission controls.
SIGNAL LAMPS AND DEVICES--STREET RODS AND CUSTOM VEHICLES
(1) "Blue dot taillight" means a red lamp installed in the rear of a motor vehicle containing a blue or purple insert that is not more than 1 inch in diameter.
(2) A street rod or custom vehicle may use blue dot taillights for stop lamps, rear turning indicator lamps, rear hazard lamps, and rear reflectors.