The direct implication of AB 1972 would mean that all collector motor vehicles, which are defined as those at least 35 model-years old, would no longer need to undergo the emissions inspections mandated by the Department of Consumer Affairs. This change signifies a substantial easing of regulatory burdens for collectors of older vehicles, potentially increasing the appeal of such vehicles among enthusiasts and collectors. However, the bill also raises concerns regarding air quality, as older cars typically have higher pollution levels than newer models.
Assembly Bill No. 1972, introduced by Assembly Member Voepel, aims to amend Section 44011 of the Health and Safety Code in California, focusing on the state's vehicular air pollution control measures. The bill primarily seeks to exempt all collector motor vehicles from the existing emission control inspection requirements under the state's smog check program. Typically, vehicles are subjected to inspections upon initial registration, biennially (upon renewal), and certain other instances. However, the bill proposes a blanket exemption for collector vehicles that meet specific conditions.
Opponents of the bill argue that exempting older vehicles from emissions checks could undermine progress toward cleaner air and contradict statewide pollution reduction goals. Advocates for environmental regulation express worries that this bill may allow more polluting vehicles to remain on the road without adequate checks, ultimately harming public health and state air quality efforts. Proponents of the bill, on the other hand, emphasize the importance of preserving collector vehicles and maintaining a supportive environment for automobile enthusiasts while arguing that collector vehicles constitute a negligible percentage of total vehicular emissions.