Calif-Select Hybrids Exempt frm Smog Test until 2010

In case the subject comes up for any new Prius owners:

The following HEVs are being exempted from inspections until January 1, 2010:

*Updated list:

"The following hybrid vehicles have been exempted from biennial and change-of-ownership Smog Check inspections until January 1, 2010: "

Ford Escape Hybrid
Honda Accord, Civic-all model years, and Insight-all model years Hybrids
Lexus RX 400h, GS 450h, and LS 600h Hybrids
Mercury Mariner Hybrid
Nissan Altima Hybrid
Saturn Vue Hybrid
Toyota Camry, Highlander, and Prius-all model years Hybrids

http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/StdPage.asp?Bo...heck/hybrid.htm

original 2004 Press Release
http://www.dca.ca.gov/press_releases/2004/0630_bar.htm

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(fphinney @ Nov 15 2006, 09:00 PM) [snapback]349950[/snapback]</div>

The BAR Press Release, which occurred in 2004, was not meant to be news, just for information only, and new vehicles have been added (see updated list). Post says 'just in case the subject comes up' for new Prius owners. Guess it has, as there are over 180 hits. No one I asked knew the answer to the question, does a 'clean' HEV ever need a smog test? These regulations are periodically revised and/or repealed. There are also other informative links once on the CA Dept of Consumer Affairs site. For "HEVs", there will be new testing in 2010, but am hoping the Prius will have a rolling exemption.

"HEV emissions performance cannot be appropriately determined by current Smog Check inspection procedures. BAR plans to create new testing procedures that are specifically applicable to HEVs and will be used beginning in 2010."

http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/StdPage.asp?Bo...heck/hybrid.htm

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(travis624 @ Nov 15 2006, 12:35 PM) [snapback]349712[/snapback]</div>

The regulations for biennial, change-of-ownership, and out of state inspections are periodically revised and/or repealed, and, in addition, wanted to include the issue of older Prius models; per press release, all model years are exempt. The question arose, does a 'clean' HEV ever need a Smog test? BAR says for "HEVs", there will be new testing in 2010. Hopefully, the Prius will continue to be exempt.

"HEV emissions performance cannot be appropriately determined by current Smog Check inspection procedures. BAR plans to create new testing procedures that are specifically applicable to HEVs and will be used beginning in 2010."

http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/StdPage.asp?Bo...heck/hybrid.htm