The BAR now has roadside dynos! They make it look like a CDL "check point" but it is for giving you a on the spot smog check! These check points are done by the BAR refs so they dont mess around i just got a vehicle inspection report (VIR) that the ref failed for amoung other things a pcv hose that was "the wrong type of pcv hose". So be VERY carefull out there guys (you know who you are) if your car barely passes you should avoid these at ALL costs. If you see "traffic" in a street for no good reason take a detour around it just could save you a lot of $$$ and time. Im just trying help out. if you know anybody esle with a "modified" car tell them about it (maybe not the import punks lol) all of us "car guys" need to stick together!

 

I've driven by 3 of these in Long Beach the last 2 years... I obviously look ahead when I drive so I passed them by.

 

No way, are you serious? Taxpayer money is really being used toward this? And we wonder why California is in such a hole...

What's the BAR?

 

Just refuse. Real simple.

 

If the smog guys have the legal right to "stop and inspect" how can it be refused? Doesn't sound like it's voluntary...

 

The local B.A.R. (bureau of automotive repair) are a division of the Los Angeles county sheriffs. You don’t have much of a choice. You can’t even say its entrapment because the post the location, date and time when they do “check points” (DUI, license and now smog) in the local newspaper, like anybody reads the paper anymore.

 

So these inspections are only happening in LA county?

 

b.a.r is state run.....just working with law enforcement...and they aint opening my hood.

 

Before the check point they have big orange signs. Do they say "survey party ahead". If so its classified as a survey and is voluntary.

 

They had one on Lincoln and Euclid last week... Don't recall seeing any signage.

 

This is Soviet Union type behavior. Not good, my friends.

 

Doesnt matter if they're sheriffs or not. People really need to learn what their rights are, and defend them. Otherwise you're just a pawn at the mercy of your master. There is still the standard of reasonable suspicion in this country, and just pulling you over and subjecting you to a search (even if termed "random") is completely illegal in the absence of any evidence. You're right that the first step is to just circumvent the area, by driving around it. If you somehow end up stuck where you have no choice but to proceed through, exert your rights and refuse to comply. They do know what your rights are, and if you do not let them know YOU know... they will violate them. Every time. If you let them know you know your rights, they'll let you go unless they're completely stupid. I'd say thats a fat chance they'll detain you, given that generally speaking supervisors are present and are a little more intelligent.

http://www.autorepair.ca.gov/80_BARR...8_10_2010l.pdf

Read it. I will quote one very important thing from that:
Refuse, REFUSE, REFUSE! Do not let these communists threaten you or chip away at your rights.

 

Welcome to the People's Republic of California! As the song says ...you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone...

 

This is exactly what got my old smog guy audited… Apparently a bone stock vehicle with all factory equipment in place and functioning properly came in for a smog check and passed. Less than a month and a half later the exact same vehicle was flagged by one of these roadside smog checks, tested, and was found to be a gross polluter. The vehicle in question had a completely different engine, injection system, and exhaust system than was indicated on the prior smog checks documentation. Due to the close proximity of the original smog check date and the date of the vehicle failing at the roadside inspection, the smog check facility was audited. This is why he won’t touch any vehicle that even remotely appears to have been altered.

Bottom line, it’s not going to get any easier guys…

 

Great info, I always see these post where people think the state has Mobile Smog Enforcers out to get us.

Legally we could tell the CHP to go ____ himself,

 

They have been doing this since the late 80's-mid 2000's. They have been mostly on the FWYs on ramps. The difference now is that they have mobile dynos. Nothing new!

 

Thats why they are doing it what they REALLY want is to fine the smog shops THATS WHERE THEY GET THE MONEY! its now $2500 for the first "minor" offence $5000 for the second. They are not charging the public for the check point smogs or taking cars its so they can find who is doing "funny" smogs and bust them. The reason why i posted this is for all of us who have that "special" guy to smog your car, its to protect him so he can help you out next time. With fines like this we will be to scared to "hook up" anybody.
By the way it was at that Lincoln my customer got "checked" I know B.A.R. will be sending a undercover sting my way soon

 

Thanks for posting that we all need to stick together and stay informed

 

My advice is to print it out and carry a copy in each of your vehicles.

 

For some reason this link doesn't work for me, can someone verify it? Thanks.

 

Works for me.
Go to dept consumer affairs, B A R roadside emissions survey.

 

Yep, reminds me of the to incidents I've had where the first was some odd looking box unit with a cable attached to it the was just a tad too close to the line right line of my lane as I accelerated uphill on the Magnolia onramp the 2nd consecutive day. I just didn't see that prism camera reading my exhaust gases as I swerved in the lane to avoid some debris I think I saw and smashed it (I did cut my tire tread slightly in one spot but no flat tire).

The next was on the Euclid onramp on morning a few years later. I conveniently forgot something so as I got off at Harbor and double back by my place of residence back then, I guess a box of nails fell off my truck accidently as I entered the onramp for a second time and went right up that vacuum machine thingy they had sucking in exhausst gases.

There has been many weird contraptions over the last 20 years

 

So glad I do not live in Ca. That sucks...

 

Me too!, But don't think it can't happen everywhere! Be careful who you vote for?

 

jeez, glad i dont live there either. out here in indiana, they dont even ask for proof of insurance..thank god. at least they havnt asked me, so i cant speak for everyone.

but i have a question that needs answered before i make up my mind. does arizona have smog inspections and regulations?? is it like california?

i been thinkin about moving there but i am NOT sacrificing my beloved iroc lol.

 

Small price to pay vs. living in Ohio, Wisconsin and Indiana....

 

Now you see why we here in Calif are in a vice ... we don't have many options to bypass the emissions ... kinda' makes it pointless to try and get around the emissions by getting a fixed inspection from a buddy as if I read correctly on this thread the first fine is 2500 dollars...

 

Dean - Sorry you lost a box of nails.

AZ is getting like CA. Phoenix had testing 25 years ago.

Smog laws are just one of the costs of living here. The environmental laws in this State make it one of the most expensive to live in. Smog test $60, Gas powered garden tools 10%-20% more, pool pumps 100% more, oil 4cents a qt, plastic bottles 5 and 10 cents each, etc etc.

 

All to support the politicans so they can fund the fell good social programs for the illegals so they can stay incumbant. People just keep voting for them, yet still complain ignorantly about no jobs, high prices, high taxes, overcrowded freeways, etc.

We've got a couple of really great talk radio host out here putting politicians' "heads on a stick" and pointing out these overpaid unaccountable city and gov't potitians. There is a local Firecheif that made over 400,000 last year. Tough job? yeah right, thats why everyone and their brother are trying to get into jobs like that- what a racket. Then they need revenue to pay for these people- and their lifelong amost full salary pensions to boot.

And Tom, its alright, I have saved up over the years and have 3 boxes now. I doing great in the nail department.

 

Yep, These people sure do need to look at their population compared to ours. Its not like people are breaking down walls to get into those states. Plenty of hot rods here. We are the hot rod capital of the world. They are merely regulating the post 1975 cars. They will never in their dreams regulate the older vehicles, just too much money and volume of cars stuffed away in countless garages out here. People would be surprised just how many private warehouses there are full of hotrods and collectables. Take Crevier BMW's private collection for instance down by SNA (John Wayne Airport) and the amount of private party cars he also rents the faucility too as an upscale lounge. They even have an old Pierce Arrow sitting in there. Most people have no clue place like this exist and just how much is out there with strong influence of the REALLY wealthy that can strong arm politicians. they will not regulate out pre-1975 cars ever.

 

Yes maybe, but your laws from your state end up trickling to all the other states. For example, everything we touch causes cancer in California, most auto regulations originated from California. Wisc. is not the greatest state in the union, but we don't have all the frivolous laws other states have YET.

 

Yeah, shove this State out into the ocean and the world, esp the rest of the USA, would have a lot less laws.

 

i know cali has much much more population than indiana of course, but "hotrod capital of the world"? from what i understand that belongs to indiana lol, or at least we are called "racing capital of the world". anyhow, you may have more hotrods there but you also have twice as many "regular" cars there too, just more cars period. indiana has a better hotrod to normal car ratio. smaller scale, but its ratio im talking. we also have the largest racing spectical in the world; the indy 500. people all over the country AND foriegn countrys come pouring into our state every may. its larger than any super bowl in any state. and we also have "world of wheels" car show. the show where everyone brings the best of the best cars here.

i just want out of here because of our winters, but thats all.

 

"My advice is to print it out and carry a copy in each of your vehicles."

Done deal. A copy is in my car.

 

Why you all so worried about a porta smog checks? Passing a smog test is easy .... Just replace cat every two years and you will never fail simple as that. You might fail for a vacuum line etc. etc. but the only true fail you have to worry about is a sniff test. A new cat before a test is a automatic pass, I've seen gross polluters pass immediately after a new cat was put on. So whats a 150.00 cat every two years.

Just slap a new set of plugs in, cap, rotor, plug wires, air cleaner, clean out egr passages, make sure egr is working, new o2 sensor, replace any bad vacuum lines and then your new cat. Thats all just normal maintenance anyways and take you what 3-4 hours to do. Besides might cost you 200 bucks but in the end you get better fuel economy and that will pay it off.

Those porta checks are for profiling, I've been through them in my 97 camaro and never get asked to open the hood or anything. If it is loud or sounds mod'ed expect to be noticed. Sorry that is the sad truth.

 

It's always a good idea to keep up the regular maintenance of your vehicle. Your car will definitely thank you in the long run.

However I feel this isn't the point of these actions.

The more the years have passed, the more we accept and justify the actions that side-step our rights. They are our rights and if not used they are left forgotten, then we have no idea we are being wronged.

Is it due to having to stand up to people and enforcing the rights we have, that people now a days don't like doin? Don't wanna argue or fight back when it occurs? I'm not sure... However I have no problem standing up for my rights.

I've been thru both of these B.A.R. set-ups in Long Beach the last 2 years they set-up shop. They were not accepting in my refusal to participate. However they had no choice when the Sargent advised them to let me go. Obviously they had a personal problem. O well!

We have these rights for a reason. Use them

 

Apparently you havent priced a "Cali legal" converter lately.

 

Ah yes....another reason to live in Texas! In my county, lights, horn, turn signals. They don't even drive the car to check the brakes! Yes my car is totally legal.

 

Ahh yes, another Jon and Ken fan. I listen to them every day on my way home from work. That show pisses me off quite often because of all of these stories.

 

They last time I was in one of these check points I had just received my license so it must have been late 60's or early 70s. There wasn't much to check smog wise so they wrote tickets for bad tires , brakes, and even made sure headlights were pointing correctly. They stopped these check points shortly after due to lack of funding.

 

I almost forgot about all the CARB laws that started in California, Thanks.

 

Aw, but the weather, 50-60° at worst. 70° Today, and no rust on top of that.

I'll take our smog ***** in exchange for the weather.

 

Sorry to inform you you have your facts wrong. Southern California has long been dubbed "The Hot Rod Capital Of The World" Even mentioned on the Discovery Channel in the passing of Byod Coddington back in 2008 where they paid tribute to his show and quoted in the documentary-"At the age of 22, Boyd moved to the hot rodding capital of the world - Southern California"

Your Indiana is "The racing capital of the world". I guess it takes a guy from California to educate you on your own state. Not a chance do you even come close to all the hotrods we have running around here in So Calif on a daily bassis. You live in the rust belt- and I AM counting ratios.

Yesterday I was riding around in a buddies 55 Nomad. Today I was doing some detail work on my friends '64 Malibu Convertable black on black on black- then he took me down to the beach for taco's at Elranchitos in it on a warm sunny day in late october with the top down. Wonder what tomorrow will bring?

 

the fines apply to the smog shop tech (i'm one of them) thats why B.A.R. is doing this its so they can go after people like me (smog shop owners) and fine the s#@^ out of us!
By the way madmax is right all new California cats have a "stamping" on the bottom. I have to look under the car, if i see "new" welds on the cat the cat has to have the number stamping on it, if not I HAVE TO fail it! If its a "sting" car BAMM! $2,500 fine! I cant risk even ONE mistake!(even a small one)

P.S. SOCAL rules the car seen, point blank! I run a smog / repair shop in marina del rey. No joke i smog at LEAST 1 ferrari a week. and see more than 12 classic (pre-74) cars go past my shop every day. I just finished an a/c job on a CHERRY 1966 lincoln continental convertible only because " I want every thing to work". There is no place that i know that has a phrase like "It's a California car" just look in hemmings and you will see that phrase many times "California car" I have a 1992 firebird convertible as a daily driver and i still drive with top down in the "winter". I will gladly deal with smog every two years just so i can drive in this weather YEAR ROUND and i think that goes for most of us here in socal.

 

I haven't? seems so in this case and at least you don't have to replace 3 of them. But this was 265.00 and my main cat is 180.00 .... So yes I have priced and am paying for the stuff. I'm sure the smog shop owner guy will tell you these are the numbers he is looking for.

 

All you Californians seem to only care about the weather and if your the hot rod capital of the country? The rest of us care about more regulations coming down the pike. The December issue of CHEVY high performance mag is all about outlawing high performance altogether. It won't matter what year your car is. It could be gone!

 

We can ride year round too! but we do have to use a helmet

 

People can accept/justify CARB rules all they want, but 90% of it is based on increased tax income for the govt.
And CARB has admitted that the smog check industry is so big and politically powerful that they could not drop the program even if they wanted to.

My bitch is that they are beating on less then 1% of the polluters in this State because we are easy. Even if we all were zero emission the increased pollution from the harbor and floating over from China will negate anything we could do to clean our cars more. And I understand last year the pass numbers for our 3rd gens was lowered again.
I would not bitch so much if they controlled the pollution we are creating overseas and down south that is coming here.

 

I almost got caught by a smog vehicle safty inspection at that location many years ago when i use to live in So-Cal. When I got stuck in it, they had signs set up so by the time you can see or read them your all ready trapped and cant get out.

 

You nailed it! those are the ones i look for.. uh... I HAVE TO look for. The reason why they did that is years back the "cheap" cats coming from china would only last like 3 months! So they put a clamp down on all the "cheap" cats.
Don't get me wrong i want clean air it is the visual i have a issue with what does it matter if something is "missing and or modified" when your tail pipe emissions (NO,CO & NOX) are good! i have my egr unplugged so i get a more pep and my car STILL passes the sniffer!
For you non cali people don't worry smog checks WILL BE GETTING TO YOU SOON, so live it up while you can! Then you HAVE to get your car pass smog while keeping your horsepower NOW THAT TAKES SKILL! The days of rich running cars are coming to a end.