PennDot needs to send a memo out to mechanics & notaries

[82 GT]

There seems to be mass confusion in Pa. regarding the new emission laws and which vehicles are affected by them.
I have been told by both notaries and mechanics that ALL vehicles must conform to the new visual emissions check regardless of what brand of title their car has.
I decided to get to the bottom of this issue and finally settle it once and for all!!!
I emailed PennDot and asked them straight out which cars are exempt from emission testing and checks and they told me if your car is registered as a COLLECTABLE or CLASSIC that it's exempt from the emission checks/testings.
Notaries and mechanics in my area are telling people it doesn't matter how their car is registered....it must be equipt with factory emission controls and pass the visual emission checks('76-up)
Something needs to be done about this!! PennDot needs to make sure everyone is crystal clear about these laws if they intend to enforce them.
Below is the email I sent them and the reply I received back.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Can someone please clear up this question that has
everyone confused lately?

If someone has a "souped up" vehicle(1976-2004) and no
longer has the factory emissions hooked up and applies
for a MODIFIED or COLLECTABLE title, does that make
the vehicle exempt from either the visual
anti-tampering inspection or emission testing?

I live in Montour county, which at the present time,
only has the visual anti-tempering check. I was told
that the 5000 mile/year exemption rule only applies to
areas that include the emission testing.

In other words, is there anyway my '82 car can be
exempt from having smog equipment if I drive the car
less than 5K miles/year?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for your question.

There is no 5000 mile exemption from the visual presence check as part
of the safety inspection in Montour (or any other non-emissions testing
county). If your vehicle is registered as a collectable or classic with
PennDOT, though, it will be exempt from this new portion of the safety
inspection.

Sincerely,

Brian Trowbridge
PA Dept. of Environmental Protection
Mobile Sources Section

[Stang_Crazy]

I'm glad to hear you finally got to the bottom of it. Who knows when the mechanics will learn the new laws and what cars they apply to...

What's this 5000 mile exemption? We have emissions testing in Allegheny County but I only drive my car ~2000 miles a year, if that. Would I qualify for an exemption from emissions? I remember talking with a guy who had a late 80's LX that was exempt from emissions because he didn't drive it much.

Could you elaborate a little more on the 5k miles a year exemption? If I could qualify for it, that would be my way around these new laws.




Everytime you post about these new inspection/emission laws, I want to move far far far away from PA.

[82 GT]

The 5K exemption rule only applies to areas that include smog testing(sniffer test) in addition to the visual anti-tampering test.
If your county only has the visual part then the 5K rule doesn't apply.
Take my advise, don't rely solely on the word of the mechanics and notaries. They don't know their ass from a hole in the ground!
You would think they would but they don't.

Here is the email address I sent my questions to: drivecleanpa@state.pa.us

I'm printing a copy of the email I sent them and the reply I got and taking it to show the notary and the machanic that told me that there was nothing I could do except install the factory smog stuff or make it strictly a drag car.

[Fox Body]

GOOD.

One thing, I know you probably mentioned already, but I forgot: what does it take to get your car registered as a "collectable" or "classic", is there any distinction between the 2 terms, and if so, which one would you qualify for or which one would benefit you most?

[82 GT]

Foxbody , the difference between the two classifications is if the car has any mods or not. A COLLECTABLE title allows for mods and a CLASSIC does not.

Obviously, I would go for the COLLECTABLE. Both involve jumping through hoops to get one. Just off the top of my head, I know you must:

1) Supply 4 photos(front,back,sides)
2) No tinted glass or decals on them
3) Car can not be driven more than 5K miles/year
4) Submit all bill of sales for parts installed and list all mods done to all major mechanical components of the vehicle(engine,trans,rear)

5) Car must be inspected my mechanic and he must check off the requirements on the form as proof

6) Mechanic must sign the back of provided photos.
7) Vehicle must appear in show or near show condition

That's for a collectable tag. The classic tags are similiar but you must also proof everything is original.
I probably missed a few things but that gives you an idea of the circus stunts you must do in order to get one of these tags.
Also, all applications are subject to PennDot approval!!
Just because you apply doesn't guarantee you'll get one.

Do you guys have smog testing down there in Georgia?

[Capri306]

Man, thank God I live in Michigan. Life would absolutely suck for everyone around here if they ever made testing a law; hardly anyone has a car that would pass.

Have to go burn some tires now...

[Fox Body]

Sheesh, man..... , what a bunch of crap. Circus stunts, yeah. I'm surprised saying your ABC's backwards while spinning around in your underwear isn't included in the list . What's the freaking point? Only 5k per year? Ugghhh.

There is some emissions testing in some scarce parts of GA, still nothing nearly that stupid (that I know of). None at all in where I am, thankfully.

Are there any other stang guys or muscle car clubs (or at drag strip) locally where you are that you can talk to them and see how they deal with the emissions testing?

Man, there needs to be more car enthusiasts infiltrating the government....

[82 GT]

Originally posted by Fox Body
Are there any other stang guys or muscle car clubs (or at drag strip) locally where you are that you can talk to them and see how they deal with the emissions testing?

I don't belong to any clubs and the strip here hasn't opened yet.
I'm sure if I really wanted to, I could cruise by the local "hang outs" and ask some of the kids there what they do but most teens around here drive ricers.