From RockAuto.com:

Emissions testing of passenger vehicles will end on December 31, 2019 in Washington state. It ends on April 1st in Ontario. Emissions testing was no longer required in 26 North Carolina counties starting December 1, 2018. British Columbia, Canada's "AirCare" passenger vehicle testing ended in 2014. Alaska ended emissions testing in 2012.

There are multiple uplifting stories here. Air quality has improved! Fewer vehicles fail emissions testing! Government programs that have outlived their usefulness are eliminated! Car manufacturers design and build great vehicles! Use the money you no longer have to spend on testing fees to buy your own OBD II scan tool and check for emissions and other trouble codes whenever you want, from the comfort of your own garage!

Since 1996, cars have been required to have OBD II computers with standardized access ports. That probably marked the beginning of the end for government mandated emissions testing. The number of jurisdictions that still require emissions tests will probably continue to drop over the coming years.

Many emissions testing stations gradually stopped using dynamometers and exhaust probes and simply began plugging scan tools into OBD II ports. Why buy and maintain a bunch of expensive tools to test declining numbers of pre-1996 cars? The potential impact of a relatively small number of old cars on air pollution was statistically insignificant. Many states gradually stopped testing pre-OBD II cars.

If there were OBD II trouble codes, the check engine light on the dash should have already informed the driver long before he/she rolled into an emissions testing station. Most drivers learned ignoring a check engine light for too long can increase repair costs or the risk of being stranded. Florida, Kentucky, Michigan and Minnesota actually ended their emissions testing programs in the late '90s, a few years after OBD II was required on new cars.

Some emission control systems of the '70s look a lot like parts clumsily tacked onto engines designed in the '60s. Those days are long gone. Over the years, it has become increasingly hard for parts manufacturers and RockAuto to classify Emissions parts separately from Fuel & Air parts, Ignition parts, Engine parts, Electrical parts or even performance parts. "Emissions" parts like Knock Sensors and Mass Air Flow Sensors help control emissions, but they also help optimize engine performance, fuel economy and durability. The Variable Valve Timing Sprocket (cam phaser) is definitely an engine part because the valve train will not work without it, but isn't it also an emissions part because it helps eliminate the need for an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve? Catalytic Converters are one of the few remaining distinct emissions parts, but they are also part of the exhaust system. ("Exhaust & Emission" is where to find them at RockAuto.com.)

Emission systems on vehicles built this century frequently are blended with other critical systems that have to work properly or the engine will not run at all. There is less need for emissions testing if a broken "emissions system" means the engine cannot even propel the car to a testing station. It is great news that better engine performance, fuel economy and emissions have frequently become complementary rather than competing vehicle design goals.

Tom Taylor,
RockAuto.com

Yeah, they killed that testing here in Metro Detroit a long time ago.

This is good news, not because I like dirty air ( I don't), but because I think emission testing nowadays is unnecesary, and I hate big government...

New Jersey doesn't do any inspection on 1995 and older passenger vehicles anymore. Don't even need a sticker. THis was a big reason I picked up my thirdgen a few months back.

I think the southern states will have it around for a while longer. Cars in southern states have a much longer lifespan because there is no rust to deal with. I see the inexpensive Honda's and Nissan's from twenty years ago all the time. Tons of trucks from the 90's still driving down here too. Most cars in junkyards down here are 20 years old and you can usually find half a dozen Thirdgen in yards still. California will never get rid of their emissions program as long as there are internal combustion engines in the state.

FYI - Florida did away with it long ago.....

You underestimate the CA govt's greed. They'll create a "recycling fee" or something for the batteries in the electric cars.

Been gone from IL for over 10 years now I think. The GTA is happier for it.

When I moved from the Chicago Suburbs they still did the emissions testing on cars that were OBD2. Pre OBD2 cars were exempt, are you referring only to that portion of the law? I had to have my Mazda tested there in 2014 a month or two before I moved and my wife's car was tested in 2013.

Yes, Pre-OBD2 cars are no longer tested because they won't perform the IL-240 tests.

California, Georgia, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Arizona; as a whole or in part (the metropolitan portions) still require testing.
Florida, Alabama and Mississippi do not.

Connecticut will never do away with emissions testing, they would never pass up a single opportunity to tax us or get our money. Any Connecticut member on here knows how insane things are getting with the new highway tolls and raising taxes.

In Nevada, testing is required only in Clark County(the Vegas area) and Washoe County(the Reno area). The rest of the state is "remote territory" and requires no testing of any kind. But NV exempts 25+ year old "classics" statewide, so any 3rdgen can be exempt anywhere in NV, if registered as a classic.

California will never stop. It started all of this over 40 years ago, and its legislative criminals will fight to their deaths to preserve their useless jobs--talk about fat that needs to be cut! But it's big business in CA, so none of is likely to ever go away. And CA will continue to search for new ways to make life difficult for car owners, including owners of electric vehicles, as already suggested, purely driven by its need to try to justify the continued, pathetic existence of the antiquated CARB. CA... finds a way...

Yep, Connecticut sucks, but is there any place you can move to that won't end up being another Connecticut in a few years?
I'm not sure I will be staying.

The problem is that people flee dumpster fire states like Connecticut for Texas or Florida, and then start voting for the same dumb policies in Texas/Florida that they were voting for in Connecticut. Essentially ruining what made the state great and turning it into what they fled.

There was a great article on it that I was gonna link but can't find it again.

How true,

I live in Connecticut and am disgusted with the government. They built a billion dollar bus way to no where. Any chance they have, they are in your wallet.

Louis

Don't know if you saw Gov Ned Lamont's new tax proposals but its absolutely insane. soda tax, hair cut tax, boating tax, raising the lodging/ hotel occupancy tax, camp ground tax, veterinary tax, legal services tax, raising the already insanely high income tax, and many more. and this is all on top of him bringing tolls back to Connecticut.

Everyone's so brainwashed into seeing every republican candidate as the devil that they vote for these tax hungry democrats just so they can justify the "Not my president" or "Love trumps hate" bumper sticker on the back of their Prius.

I'll end my political rant now, I know thirdgen.org isn't the place for it

I totally agree.
1 more to add to the list - SANCTUARY STATE.

I see Oregon following suit with WA at some point. It's so ridiculously easy to circumvent the testing anyway (it's not required outside of the Portland metro and a couple other pockets), and they pulled the dynos out years ago.

The fee is like $21 (and only $10 in one of the other pockets) and I doubt this program is especially profitable. The testing stations are owned and operated by the state so that's a pretty significant cost.

GD

Speaking of gov't imposing their will on this matter here in FL when they 1st started the testing they went back to 1978 cars. No computers, just the smog stuff talked about in the article. Now this was mid 90's and FL decided that if you did not make a certain amount of $ per year you were exempt from the smog test?. The majority of the polluters at the time were driving these older non computer cars (POS'S) and not making money to be able to afford the newer cars, which BTW almost always never failed. It really just seemed like one more way to make the vast majority pay! What a Sham!

CT is emissions testing exempt for 25 model years or older.

I know what you mean about the current political climate here in CT, but let's stay on topic.

I would love it if CA would adopt that standard. There is a currently proposed bill that would move the exemption from 1975 or 76 (can't recall) to the 1983 model year. Doesn't benefit most of us on TGO, but at least its an improvement.

What????? Ok I'm jealous. We have the largest junkyard in the country here in PA, and the number of third gens in it fluctuates between zero and one.

Last year when I had to replace the entire front half of my interior I went to Junkyards in Las Vegas and Phoenix. The bigger yards usually had around 6 and the smaller ones usually had 3. There might have been two that I called that had 0 or 1. Even some of the smaller rural area yards usually had one thirdgen. My local yard before they closed almost always had three and they were usually rust free.

Also, Arizona has Emissions testing in the Phoenix and Tucson areas and it is for any vehicle manufactured after 1973 I believe. The only way around it is to purchase collector auto insurance, which is mileage limited. My limit is 1500 miles a year but I could go up to 3000.

Sure, build a nice car like yours Tibo, and only be able to drive it for 1 oil change.

In Ontario, Canada, our "Driveclean" emissions testing program is being abolished on April 1/ 2019 which is great news for us thirdgen owners of 1988 model years and forward. Currently only 1987 model years and previous were exempt, which sucked for my 1988 GTA and I. Now I'm free to choose a larger cam for my LS1, and not have to worry about passing emissions anymore . Passing the two speed idle test was a pain with unheated cats, and a free flowing exhaust.

Here in NH,while most if not all 3rd gens are exempt from emissions testing they hold you hostage to the check engine light on any newer car,Light on for fuel gauge or any non emissions issue? too bad,no sticker for you.
One size fits all inspection program.

El Paso, Houston, Dallas/Ft Worth, and Austin all have emissions testing in Texas. San Antonio is the only large metro area to not have it (7th largest city in the country no less!). We've been borderline a few times with our air quality but have managed to avoid it so far. Exemption starts at 25 yrs old, and per Texas motor vehicle code any vehicle "model 1984 or older the catalytic converter is considered part of the exhaust system and not inspected for". I have EGR on my IROC-Z for driveability and mileage, but AIR is removed and the previous owner did away with the cat at some point.

I have no problem with equipment that helps the engine run more efficiently or actually does it's job, but I despise most of the government mandated worthless things they've made us have on our cars over the years. I won't put first gen airbags back in my Mustang, I won't put an AIR pump on my IROC, I may put a modern cat on it but not a factory replacement unit, and I'ld rip off the EGR if it didn't affect the computer. I'm all about clean emissions from proper maintenance and improved efficiency.

Thankfully with the car being more than 25yrs old, I no longer have to get it tested. I would always cringe and hope that someone who knew how to drive a stick would be the tester. In the early 90's a "kid" who had no experience struggled for a minute or so, and I fumed as he ground gears trying to shift--finally he gave up (couldn't maintain 25mph). An older "tech" came over and performed the test. After that experience, I would ask if anyone at the test center could drive a stick. If not, I told them, then I would just come back later.

You would think it would be a required prerequisite to be able to drive a stick in order to work there. I bet he didn't work there much longer.

Millennial anti-theft device

A 3rd gen has been smog exempt here since 2015. Texas only tests 2-23 years. In fact they I beliebe they don't even have dyno testing any longer.

At one of my dyno emissions tests, the kid didn't chock the front wheels. I tried to tell him, but you have to move to a glass room for testing.
Turbo 700R4 with a firm shift kit. He starts the rollers rolling in first gear. Then WHAM, firm shift into second and the car climbs up and nearly off of the rollers.
You shoulda seen the "OH S**T" look on his face! Still going and the car settles back into the rollers. Again WHAM, firm shift into DRIVE not as violent, but the kid is still crapping his pants. Well, he does manage to hold it at 25 mph for the test and I PASSED. I think he learned a lesson that day!

Bottom line, I need to move. LOL

Yes, hopefully before California sinks into the ocean. Gotta save those f-bodies from sinking to the bottom.

Cali Test standards for older cars are STRICTER now, then when the same cars were a few years old!

How can they get away with that? How can they require a car to test cleaner than when it was manufactured?

CA won't sink, it will split. "The big one" will create a huge fissure that will separate the central and southern coastlines from the, then, mainland, including splitting the LA area, in effect making it seem like part of the state has been pushed out to sea, thereby creating a new "island," like Florida's keys, which will double CA's coastline and make the land even MORE valuable, allowing the state's legislative criminals to raise property taxes from currently outrageous levels to insane levels. The fault runs along the western edge of the Antelope Valley, so Lancaster and Palmdale will be wiped clean of its ghetto populous and will become extremely valuable coastland, which will then be rebuilt by the rich and famous. Survivors will have to sell because they won't be able to pay their new taxes, let alone afford to rebuild.

As for getting out, I did--sort of. I did it for myself, for my future, and for my Formula; the state is just sooo crooked. A lot of people have left. CA's population has decreased by one million over the last two years, with most of those people moving to NV and AZ. The state has gotten so desperate to attract people, that its begun running TV commercials to promote CA and everything it has to offer LOL. Funny, though, I don't remember anything about outrageously high taxes and Gestapo-like automotive legislation in that commercial.

Arizona's population has DOUBLED since the mid 90's. My home value has gone up 20% in four years. Developers for new construction single family homes in Las Vegas usually have a waiting list or a multiple offer scenario. Idaho is the fastest growing state in the nation and they received 80,000 Californians in 2016. California has a big problem but as long as they have have their legal and illegal immigration to maintain population for electoral votes and silicon valley and Hollywood for taxes they won't care.

In the 70's-80's cali had strict test standards, but were a bit looser than standards cars had to meet brand new. Approx. 5-7 years ago, cali tightened up state test standards, on older cars. I have CARB smog test results, on my 1979 Trans AM, going back the 18 years I have owned it. Looking at the print outs, one can SEE how the cali maximum's tightened up, from one year, to the next!

Cali legislature, elected by voters, want all old cars CRUSHED AND GONE!

Side note, My brother (also a lifetime "CarGuy" )and I have recently had part orders, from Rockauto AND OTHER VENDORS, rejected, stating "Cannot ship this part to your location due to not being labeled for Ca Proposition 65". Prop 65 was passed in ca. years ago, it requires businesses to post notice, advising people if the FACILITY or it's CONTENTS, may have carcinogenics(cancer causing). The law is SO BROAD, just about EVERY business you walk into in ca. has a posted Prop 65 warning!

I had NEW fuel injectors unable to ship, due to Prop 65. My brother had FAN BELT orders rejected, for the same reason. HOW the F could a fan belt cause cancer? If you don't live here and / or are not a "do it yourself-er" you cannot grasp how profound the insanity is, in cali!

Being so close to California I buy many products with this Prop 65 warning. I bought a set of wrenches last week that had a prop 65 warning placed on. It truly is ridiculous.

Come-on Tibo! Everyone knows wrenches cause cancer!

Brass fittings have that Prop 65 warning crap.

Someday, after a large portion of the population has brain cancer (politicians already do), it will be revealed that cell phones were the cause. But we are not worried about that because there is too much money to be made. Let's worry about wrenches and brass fittings instead!

My '79 Trans Am is due for it's every-other-year ca SMOG test. I am required to take it to a Ca. "Enhanced" "STAR" SMOG station, because CARB believes 79 Pontiac's "have a high incidence of failure". STAR status is ONLY granted to SMOG stations that fail a higher percentage of cars, than regular stations.

My TA is BONE STOCK, and at approx. 102,000 actual miles, runs perfectly! I have driven it 70 miles, YES seventy miles, since it's last REQUIRED inspection, 2 years ago.

I think it was 30% that good ol carb lowered the pass numbers for older cars.My HCs used to be 120 ppm before it was lowered to 93 ppm......basturds. Cant remember what the other two were, but its 30% across the board!

Wow , reading this thread makes me happy I'm living in good ol "Taxachsetts" USA ! Here any car predating OBD2 gets a visual safety inspection only . No Dynos , sniffers in the tailpipe , or pressure tests of the fuel tank . Nothing to do with emissions except a quick look to see if the catalytic converter is in place . Here , rot * claims SO many old cars that there really ain't enough of us left to be any kinds of real smog contributors , so the money isn't spent attempting to mitigate a non existent problem .


* Due to the stupidly excessive road salt use in winter here . They salt the roads like flippin pretzels at the mere mention of snow

Right below you in Connecticut.

........ so the money isn't spent attempting to mitigate a non existent problem.

Connecticut will NEVER be smart enough to figure that one out. We follow California's lead.