California Blah!

speciosusnex

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MazdaSpeed 3
What to do...What to do...

I want to do so much to the MS3 but have to pass smog every year. I am thinking about just moving...

Anyone else here from Cali with the same probs?
 
In the state of California I have to get my car smoged to get my registration tags. When I had my GTI there was a span of 2 years where I didnt need to get it smoged for some reason. But still dont want to have to take parts on and off when I do need to get it smoged...
 
This is what I have found...But still...Blah!

Vehicles registered in areas subject to the biennial smog certification program are required to submit evidence of a smog certification every other renewal period. Starting January 1, 2005, owners of vehicles six or less model years old will pay an annual smog abatement fee for the first six registration years instead of being required to provide a biennial smog certification. The registration renewal notice mailed to you by the department will indicate if a smog certification is required. If a smog certification is required and you have not had a smog inspection, you may still pay your registration fees to avoid any late fees. However, you will not receive your new registration or year sticker until the smog information has been received by DMV.

NOTE: Upon initial registration, nonresident, diesel powered vehicles manufactured in 1998 or after with a Gross Vehicle Weight rating (GVWR) of no more than 14,000 lbs, and specially constructed vehicles 1976 and newer require smog certification. The six or less model years old rule does not apply to these vehicles

Counties that require biennial smog inspections are listed above.
 
Same problem.

I'm dealing with the same problem down here in San Diego. I've bought a Turbo Inlet Pipe, but I'm waiting to get an intake and have it all installed at once. I was leaning towards the Cobb SRI, but it doesn't say anything about C.A.R.B. Exempt. So far I've only found AEM and Mazdaspeed CAI to be completely C.A.R.B. Exempt. The Injen CAI is "Pending" which I'm sure will give the smog guys just enough reason to F*&# with you.

"Starting January 1, 2005, owners of vehicles six or less model years old will pay an annual smog abatement fee for the first six registration years instead of being required to provide a biennial smog certification."

I have an 07 Speed3, and had to get a Smog check for Base stickers. But when I went to the shop the mechanic there insisted my vehicle didn't need one. I had to explain the whole military base thing before he did the inspection.

I'm hoping having a C.A.R.B. Exempt sticker will keep them from snooping around in my engine bay when I have to renew my base stickers next January.
 
So far I've only found AEM and Mazdaspeed CAI to be completely C.A.R.B. Exempt. The Injen CAI is "Pending" which I'm sure will give the smog guys just enough reason to F*&# with you.

Just found out AEM makes the Mazdaspeed CAI. So that explains that.
 
What to do...What to do...

I want to do so much but have to pass smog every year. I am thinking about just moving...

Anyone else here from Cali with the same probs?

yup. If it wasn't for the fact that my wife and kids have set up roots in this state, i'd have left long ago. too much big brother looking over your shoulder when it comes to firearms and car mods. do yourself a favor and get an old-school ride made prior to 1975 and you can mod to your heart's content. a savanna rx3 or even an older rx2 would be golden!
 
What about the northern end of the state? I never had to have anything smogged up in Humboldt..... There were other things they checked for, nothing I was worried about though.
It sure isn't like the warm end of the state, but...........
Zapp
 
What about the northern end of the state? I never had to have anything smogged up in Humboldt..... There were other things they checked for, nothing I was worried about though.
It sure isn't like the warm end of the state, but...........
Zapp

Ive heard about this in the more northern parts of the state like u mentioned. I didnt know if there was any truth to it though. When I had my GTI, I just gave this certain smog place some cash and they smog another GTI of the same year and gave me the forms. So I passed. But if I didn't do that I wouldn't have passed at all.
 
I think smog is every two years. All u got to do is save ur stock parts. When smog comes around slap the stock parts on. Doesnt bother me much.
 
Thats what Im going to have to do since I dont want to move from my babies mother and all. So ill bite the bull crap for now and deal with it.

Badbandar where you from in the bay area?
 
I live near the Berkeley area. Join Moccforums.com. Thats where most of the cali members are.
 
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Im already a member of that forum. I dont like it cause there's no section strictly for the '10 MS3...Ill start posting there as well I guess.
 
Mention something. Start a thread. And they'll make one. Theres more and more 2010 3s showing up now a days.
 
Well im down for getting together for all us Cali guys. I will back in the states here soon. Another month and here I come...
 
if it's a new car, you don't have to get smogged for 6 years and then after that it's every 2. that is, if you don't get pulled over for something and then have your hood popped by the police.
 
I've never had that happen. The only thing that I had happen as far as the police checking my car was; The police officer went and got a ruler to see if the headlight was at a certain length from the ground. I guess there's a law stating that the headlight has to be so far from the ground.
 
I've never had that happen. The only thing that I had happen as far as the police checking my car was; The police officer went and got a ruler to see if the headlight was at a certain length from the ground. I guess there's a law stating that the headlight has to be so far from the ground.

yeah. 22 inches.
 

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