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Part 2-SMOG CHECK INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIALLY CONSTRUCTED VEHICLES Section 580 of the California Vehicle Code says: A “specially constructed vehicle” is a vehicle which is built for private use, not for resale, and is not constructed by a licensed manufacturer or remanufacturer. A specially constructed vehicle may be built from (1) a kit; (2) new or used, or a combination of new and used, parts; or (3) a vehicle reported for dismantling.…which, when reconstructed, does not resemble the original make of the vehicle dismantled. A specially constructed vehicle is not a vehicle which has been repaired or restored to its original design by replacing parts.” Specially Constructed Vehicles are commonly known as “Kit Cars”. Upon initial registration, the DMV assigns a vehicle make abbreviation of “SPCNS” to identify a Specially Constructed Vehicle, and an Asterisk Year (*Year) instead of a model year. The “*Year” assigned by DMV will be the year in which the initial DMV registration transaction took place. In determining emission control requirements for Specially Constructed Vehicles there are two inspection processes: 1. In the conventional process, the emission control requirements are based on the model year and configuration of the engine installed in the vehicle. 2. Under the Specially Constructed Vehicle Emission Control Program (commonly known as the Senate Bill 100 requirements), the vehicle owner may choose to have the vehicle configuration inspected based on what the body most resembles, or what the engine most resembles. Section 44017 of the California Health & Safety Code (as amended in 2002) provides a procedure for the registration of up to 500 Specially Constructed Vehicles annually. See the chart that compares the two sets of requirements for emission controls on Specially Constructed Vehicles. Below are some general emission control requirements for Specially Constructed Vehicles under the conventional inspection process. * Emission control requirements shall be based on the engine model year, certification type (California or Federal) and classification (Passenger Car, Light Duty Truck, etc.). Any model year engine (as determined by engine numbers or other means) can be installed. * Vehicle and engine classifications (Passenger Car, Light Duty Truck, etc.) must be certified to the same or a more stringent new vehicle standard. Typically, passenger car standards are more stringent than light-duty truck standards, which are more stringent than medium-duty truck standards, which are more stringent than heavy-duty truck standards. For example, a light-duty truck engine certified to less stringent standards cannot be installed in a Specially Constructed passenger car. * All emission controls for the previously certified configuration must be in place and functioning, including engine & chassis components. * The final configuration must pass an official Smog Check inspection at a Referee station before a Certificate of Compliance or a Referee label can be issued. COMPARISON
OF REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIALLY CONSTRUCTED VEHICLES (Identified
as “SPCNS” by the Department
of Motor Vehicles) Produced
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