What years are legal in VA?

[Guest Anonymous]

Hopefully some of you VA folks can help me out here. The VA Law page keeps saying that '73 and earlier cars are emissions exempt, but I swear I remember reading somewhere that it's a rolling '25 years old' date, so that now, '77 and older is exempt.

Any clue as to which is exempt? We all know that a decently tuned SBC can put out less pollution than an old straight six, but let's not let logic get in the way of things here.

I'm just in the shopping phase, and I have my hybrid Z built on paper, but being able to go up to a '77 really opens up my options for something to start with.

 

Thanks!

Henry

[BLKMGK]

I've been told it's a rolling 25year rule too. check with DMV as to what the rule is for "permanent tags" which is what you want. As I understand it you can self inspect with those tags and there's no mileage limitation. If they confirm that I'd ask to get a copy of the rules in writing as I've already had one cop hassle me for not having an inspection sticker A friend of mine used to have to keep a copy in his Chevelle for the same exact reason - the cops don't know the rules either...

[Peternell]

18 and older I'd hope

[Mikelly]

Warning, Warning, Danger Will Robinson Danger!!!

 

Carefull of those IDIOTS at the DMV. When I went and purchased my Antique tags for my 1974 Z, I had to make the lady behind the counter SHOW ME the policy, as she originally qouted the old ruling of driving the antique TO and FROM shows only, and for self inspection after mechanical repairs. I would go to DMVs home page, or speak to a director of DMV in your area to get the REAL truth! The counter staff isn't made up of rocket scientists by any means...

 

Mike

[Guest Anonymous]

Hmmm... Thanks for your input. According to the DMV I could register it with an 'antique' or 'permanent vintage' plate.

To Quote:

Registering your vehicle either of these ways limits your use of the vehicle to:

 

Participation in antique car club activities, exhibits, tours, parades, and similar events.

Testing its operation, obtaining repairs or maintenance, transportation to and from events as described in number 1 above and for the occasional pleasure driving not to exceed 250 miles from your residence.

 

You may not, however, use your vehicle for general, daily transportation. This includes, but is not limited to, driving to and from work.

End Quote

 

So if I run out to buy a gallon of milk, if I find that pleasurable, is that considered "occasional pleasure driving"?

This seems like a very nebulous and arguable point if I ever got pulled over driving to work (or anywhere, really)- "No officer, I'm not commuting, I'm just out for a pleasure drive during rush hour." or "Well, I'm on my way to the garage to have my muffler bearings changed out."

 

I guess I should clarify that the only reason I want to avoid the inspection is to be able to swap in the SBC. I don't have a problem with safety inspections, but an engine swap is an automatic emissions failure.

 

Henry

[Guest Anonymous]

Well, it appears that I'm an idiot.

DMV emissions page

 

Certain motor vehicles are exempted from emissions inspections. This includes:

 

Any gasoline powered passenger or property carrying vehicle with a model year that is more than 25 model years old before January 1 of the current calendar year and with a manufacturer's designated gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less (i.e. on January 1, 2001, vehicles with a model year of 1976 are exempt from emissions; on January 1, 2002, vehicles with a model year of 1977 are exempt from emissions).

 

These vehicles also fall within the definition of "Antique Motor Vehicles". However, a vehicle that is twenty-five or more model years old does not have to display antique license plates to be exempt from emissions requirements.

Thanks for all of your help, regardless! This forum is the best resource!

Henry

 

On a side note, when I visited the DMV in Leesburg to get tags for my jeep, I didn't have my emissions test done, so the nice lady at the counter says, "Well, I can just change the title to list your GVW as 10,001 pounds, so you can get truck plates and be emissions exempt. Do you want to do that?" My eyes about bugged out that she could do that, and of course I said yes.

[Tim240z]

"Well, I can just change the title to list your GVW as 10,001 pounds, so you can get truck plates and be emissions exempt. Do you want to do that?" My eyes about bugged out that she could do that, and of course I said yes.

Aren't your registration and vehicle tax fees based on the vehicle weight? Will this not drastically increase your annual payments?

Tim

[BLKMGK]

Hrm, that link talks about antique and vintage tags but nothing about "permanent" tags. I'm using old tags that I provided and have it registered as having permanent tags. From what you posted it's also apparent that the police who pull you over also have no clue as to the rules...

 

Here's what I've found on permanent tags - it doesn't jive at ALL with what the guys selling tags told me. Perhaps I've got "vintage" tags?!

[Guest Anonymous]

Originally posted by Tim240Z:

Aren't your registration and vehicle tax fees based on the vehicle weight? Will this not drastically increase your annual payments?

Tim

Yeah, it's an extra $25 bucks a year, but it's worth it to not be hassled about my K&N cone filter, aftermarket exhaust, etc. It's hard enough getting my rednecked out jeep to pass inspection as it is.

 

Henry