Bad news for those who live in CA - according to this mornings paper, the
state is about ready to implement new, tougher smog checks. Most of
the laws pertain to 'non-attainment' areas (bad smog) but some of the
rules seem farther reaching and, if anything like the previous laws,
all of the rules will affect the entire state sooner or later. Among the
details - certain independent stations (state run?) to check some
percentage of the cars; roadside monitoring, complete with photo capabilities
to catch the offenders; and the killer - a new, higher limit on needed
repairs (up to $450) before you can get an exemption - and you're only
allowed 1 exemption for 2 years, after that you either spend whatever it
takes to get the car to pass smog or you take it off the road (the state will
give you something like $800 towards a new car if you chose to scrap the
old one).
This is getting to be a real pain.....
Anyone have any more details?
Rich Hill
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