Cops ticketing for not having SMOG equipment

**SuperNovaSS** · #1 08-24-2008, 08:22 AM

I just got off the phone with a friend of mine who lives in Southern California. He was driving home from work in his 68 Mustang convertible. He got pulled over on a back road for going 8 miles over the limit. The officer told him the car sounded louder than normal and asked if the exhaust was aftermarket. He then made my friend pop the hood. The officer ticketed my friend for lack of SMOG equipment, including headers, open breather, open element air filter, and more. In CA, cars 75 and earlier are not supposed to have to pass SMOG. Apparantly, all factory SMOG equipment still has to be installed.

Now, in addition to what he thinks will be a $1500 fine, he will also have to install all factory equipment back on the car to pass the visual SMOG check so he can drive the car again. It seems rediculous to me. The car has a 347 with AFR heads. I don't think it will behave well with a cast intake and 2 barrel.

It is Saturday night and he lives in an area where they are trying to cut back on street racing. I think that is the reason for the ticket. He was not racing or even thinking about it. Anyway, So Cal boys be careful. They may hit up the car shows next if they need the money!

Jason

**mssl72** · #2 08-27-2008, 09:18 AM

Thanks for the heads up Jason. Yes, even though 1975 and earlier cars are smog exempt, they are supposed to have all smog equipment in place and hooked up. Luckily my Caprice came from the factory with only a PCV valve. I shouldn't have to worry when I drive it around. What town was your buddy cruising??

**SuperNovaSS** · #3 08-27-2008, 10:23 AM

Camarillo, near Ventura/Oxnard area.

Jason

**SuperNovaSS** · #4 08-27-2008, 10:26 AM

His car should only have a PCV also if it was from out of state. He has to take the car to the state SMOG board before he allowed to drive it again. He called today and got a message that they are closed due to the "budget crisis". Talk about being up a creek without a paddle.

Jason

47Hammer · #5 08-27-2008, 07:31 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Camarillo, near Ventura/Oxnard area.

Jason

[/ QUOTE ]

Jason, Was that the California Highway Patrol or local Police? Personally I think that's a low blow, cheap shot, chicken sh*t citation for just cruising on a back road.

**SuperNovaSS** · #6 08-27-2008, 09:20 PM

CHP. I guess it is their new way to keep street racing at bay. Here is an article about it on google:

http://answers.google.com/answers/th...id/159549.html

**Fast67VelleN2O** · #7 08-27-2008, 10:12 PM

They should stop closing the drag strips down in California in an effort to curb street racing instead of ticketing.

**John Brown** · #8 08-28-2008, 12:47 AM

No wonder "smog exempt" cars are at a premium in California.

Z28DL · #9 08-28-2008, 01:54 AM

Jason,
Thanks for the heads up. I got into the original/stock cars and the "Numbers Game" back in the middle 90's when you had to have any pre-66 car smog-tested. Till then I never cared for or wanted a numbers matching car. I just wanted a hot rod the way I wanted it. I had a 1967 Camaro RS SS with a 383 strocker and 4:56 gears. Thats what I grow up with. But after I got my first original numbers matching car I was hooked. I still love a hot rod that can go fast. Beware because the government will try to destroy our hobby somehow.
Dave L.
SoCal

JQ · #10 08-28-2008, 08:29 AM

[ QUOTE ]
They should stop closing the drag strips down in California in an effort to curb street racing instead of ticketing.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well said. I live about 30min. from Sacramento Raceway and went to an event about a year ago and couldn't believe all of the homes that have gone up near buy. I'm sure the wrighting is on the wall

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