My goal is to inform the group about some changes in the emissions laws (Feb 2012) that they may not be aware of. Most of use don't drive our z cars everyday and they fit California's definition of a "Collector car".
Is your Datsun over 35 years old?
Is your z not your primary vehicle?
Is it garaged?
Do you have or can you get collector car insurance?
Do you drive it on the road primary to commute to events (race track, car shows, car club events)?
If you meet these criteria your vehicle qualifies as a collector car (whether you apply for the plates or not). You still have to smog your car biannually but you are not required to pass a visual inspection. The state realizes that as cars get older, original parts become harder to find so you can make changes as long as they don't have a negative affect on air quality. Before you discredit this option do a little research.
apps.dmv.ca.gov/vehindustry/vin_memos/vin2012/12vin12.pdf
VIN 2012–12 Historical Vehicle Smog Exemption
New Information
Vehicles that are 1976 year-model and newer assigned Historical Vehicle License Plates are not exempt from smog requirements based on designation as a historical or collector vehicle.
Permanent exemption from smog requirements is based on the year-model of the vehicle (i.e. manufactured prior to 1976 year-model) and other specified criteria, and not the license plate assigned to the vehicle.
However, if a historical or collector vehicle (regardless of the license plates assigned to it) is at least 35 years old, the vehicle is exempt from certain portions of the smog test as required by the California Health and Safety Code, provided the vehicle meets the specified criteria.
Procedures
Refer customers who inquire about a smog exemption to contact the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) at www.bar.ca.gov or to call the BAR number at 1-800-952-5210.
Background
Vehicles assigned Historical Vehicle License Plates were incorrectly being exempt from smog certification requirements.
References
California Vehicle Code §§259, 4000.1, 5051, and 5004 California Health and Safety Code §§43002, 44011, and 44012(f) Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual §21.090
Distribution
Notification that this memo is available online, at www.dmv.ca.gov under Publications was made via California DMV’s Automated E-mail Alert System in April 2012.
Contact
Call the DMV Customer Communications Section, at (916) 657-6560 for further clarification of this memo. Upon request, this document can be produced in Braille or large print.