Which States require an "OBD II" smog check?
03-09-2010, 10:17 AM
#1
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Which States require an "OBD II" smog check?
This has been proposed in California...
Proposed California OBD II smog check
The article says that 22 states including Nevada have this already in place. I was just wondering if I could get some feedback on what enthusiasts do for mods and how they handle them in these states?
Thanks.
Proposed California OBD II smog check
The article says that 22 states including Nevada have this already in place. I was just wondering if I could get some feedback on what enthusiasts do for mods and how they handle them in these states?
Thanks.
03-09-2010, 12:14 PM
#5
Just go to EPA's website and check for "non-attainment" areas. All areas in non-attainment will require "smog" checks.
Test type is determined by model year. I forget the cut-off years, but I believe OBDI (i.e., dyno/sniffer test) is for cars up to 1995 when they switched to OBDII. OBDII is merely a plug-in test into your car's main cpu. Your computer spills its guts unless it's been tuned
Test type is determined by model year. I forget the cut-off years, but I believe OBDI (i.e., dyno/sniffer test) is for cars up to 1995 when they switched to OBDII. OBDII is merely a plug-in test into your car's main cpu. Your computer spills its guts unless it's been tuned
03-09-2010, 12:34 PM
#6
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Georgia (counties around Atlanta only) is OBD I & II.
I took a twin turbo '02 Firehawk with an aggressive cam, no cats, 600+ rwhp and because there were no codes it passed.
The pre '96 cars (OBDI) still gets the roller/sniffer test.
I took a twin turbo '02 Firehawk with an aggressive cam, no cats, 600+ rwhp and because there were no codes it passed.
The pre '96 cars (OBDI) still gets the roller/sniffer test.
03-09-2010, 01:19 PM
#7
Melting Slicks
This has been proposed in California...
Proposed California OBD II smog check
The article says that 22 states including Nevada have this already in place. I was just wondering if I could get some feedback on what enthusiasts do for mods and how they handle them in these states?
Thanks.
Proposed California OBD II smog check
The article says that 22 states including Nevada have this already in place. I was just wondering if I could get some feedback on what enthusiasts do for mods and how they handle them in these states?
Thanks.
03-09-2010, 01:30 PM
#8
Team Owner
NY has ODBII and it is easy for cars to pass the computer. All you need is a competent tuner. They still do a visual check, but most places are not very thorough so even if you have long tubes, just keep your cats.
03-09-2010, 03:24 PM
#10
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
03-09-2010, 03:39 PM
#11
Team Owner
It is a good thing. I love that they have the ODBII stuff here. I can do pretty much whatever I want to my car and it will pass smog.
03-09-2010, 04:49 PM
#13
Team Owner
Pretty much. It goes by county here with the larger cities (and all surrounding contiguous counties) being required also. 
03-09-2010, 08:12 PM
#14
Tech Contributor
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This has been proposed in California...
Proposed California OBD II smog check
The article says that 22 states including Nevada have this already in place. I was just wondering if I could get some feedback on what enthusiasts do for mods and how they handle them in these states?
Thanks.
Proposed California OBD II smog check
The article says that 22 states including Nevada have this already in place. I was just wondering if I could get some feedback on what enthusiasts do for mods and how they handle them in these states?
Thanks.
Bill
03-10-2010, 11:50 AM
#16
Melting Slicks
ITs always pissed me off about CA.. If the car is meeting the state standards for emissions who cares whats between the intake and the exhaust...
The last time I smogged I went three rounds with the testing shop and the state over my Vararam intake... a frickin INTAKE.. air comes in.. then leaves....done.
What I discovered is that the person doing the testing has the discretion on whether or not a part is actually exempt.. Somethings are obvious.. headers blowers etc.... but things like a catch can valve cover breathers and CAI's are "unclear" ... Believe it or not....I got conflicting opinions from two state agencies and a state referee on my Vararam..... so frustrating
The last time I smogged I went three rounds with the testing shop and the state over my Vararam intake... a frickin INTAKE.. air comes in.. then leaves....done.
What I discovered is that the person doing the testing has the discretion on whether or not a part is actually exempt.. Somethings are obvious.. headers blowers etc.... but things like a catch can valve cover breathers and CAI's are "unclear" ... Believe it or not....I got conflicting opinions from two state agencies and a state referee on my Vararam..... so frustrating
Last edited by BitViper; 03-10-2010 at 11:55 AM.
03-10-2010, 12:09 PM
#17
Again, the type of test is dictated by the year of the vehicle. You can't run an OBDII test on a OBDI vehicle.
OBDI (pre-1996) = still requires sniffer/dyno test
OBDII (for most states) = Diagnostic plug-in into your cars computer
Only states, and their respective areas/cities that are in non-attainment for air quality standards per the Clean Air Act will require the testing.
OBDI (pre-1996) = still requires sniffer/dyno test
OBDII (for most states) = Diagnostic plug-in into your cars computer
Only states, and their respective areas/cities that are in non-attainment for air quality standards per the Clean Air Act will require the testing.
