moving from CA have some questions about emission testing in Northern VA.

[shayangh]

Due the passing of my father I will be moving from CA to VA to be closer to my uncle and will be driving my Frs over so I was wondering what the emissions laws are like? Is it as restricting as it is in the CA? will i able to pass emissions with a turbo?

[rns294]

If you're legal in CA then you should be alright in VA from what I know. NOVA does have emissions tests required every two years.

VA can be strict on things like lights, tint, exhaust noise, etc. but so far I haven't experienced that in NOVA as much as I did in middle of nowhere southwest VA.

Some other people may be able to provide more input. I have been afraid to change my tails and header so what do I know

[shayangh]

Originally Posted by rns294

If you're legal in CA then you should be alright in VA from what I know. NOVA does have emissions tests required every two years.

VA can be strict on things like lights, tint, exhaust noise, etc. but so far I haven't experienced that in NOVA as much as I did in middle of nowhere southwest VA.

Some other people may be able to provide more input. I have been afraid to change my tails and header so what do I know

I havent put the turbo on but I'm pretty sure from what I heard it won't pass in CA

[jawn]

If it doesn't throw a CEL, it'll depend on your inspection station. Some places are more strict about their visual inspections.

If it throws a CEL, you will fail.

[shayangh]

Originally Posted by jawn

If it doesn't throw a CEL, it'll depend on your inspection station. Some places are more strict about their visual inspections.

If it throws a CEL, you will fail.

Thank you very much

[mdm]

Now you can also pass emission inspection in Nova without going to a station. They put up emission measuring equipment on the roads, you just drive by within some time before your registration is due to expire, then you go online, pay the $16, and you good. Disclaimer - I haven't used it yet, so I don't actually know if it works as advertised

[jawn]

Originally Posted by mdm

Now you can also pass emission inspection in Nova without going to a station. They put up emission measuring equipment on the roads, you just drive by within some time before your registration is due to expire, then you go online, pay the $16, and you good. Disclaimer - I haven't used it yet, so I don't actually know if it works as advertised

Indeed. I've been meaning to try it.

[rns294]

Originally Posted by mdm

Now you can also pass emission inspection in Nova without going to a station. They put up emission measuring equipment on the roads, you just drive by within some time before your registration is due to expire, then you go online, pay the $16, and you good. Disclaimer - I haven't used it yet, so I don't actually know if it works as advertised

Is that what those stations on the side of the exit ramp are?!?! I had no idea. I thought they sent you tickets in the mail if you drove by and failed...

[jawn]

Originally Posted by rns294

Is that what those stations on the side of the exit ramp are?!?! I had no idea. I thought they sent you tickets in the mail if you drove by and failed...

There's actually two systems. There's an older one that would send fix-it tickets, and there's the new one that'll send you notices if you pass emissions.

[mdm]

Here are the details of the system I was referring to
https://www.rapidpass.org/VaPublic/

[rjgough95]

Depending on where you live also plays a role. County i live in does not have emissions so fully catless!

[ap5512]

So, would is standard procedure for emissions? Do they do a visual check first or go straight to sniff/smog test? Im wondering since I have a OFH which is catless and Im due for an inspection in the summmer. Would I have to take off the OFH and install the stock one and then re-install?

[mdm]

Originally Posted by rjgough95

Depending on where you live also plays a role. County i live in does not have emissions so fully catless!

He mentioned "Northern Virginia", and by one definition of NoVa the entire area requires emission testing (counties: Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford; cities: Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park).

Wider definitions of NoVa include additional counties further from DC like Spotsylvania, Warren, Culpeper and more, and these AFAIK do not require emission testing.

Originally Posted by ap5512

So, would is standard procedure for emissions? Do they do a visual check first or go straight to sniff/smog test? Im wondering since I have a OFH which is catless and Im due for an inspection in the summmer. Would I have to take off the OFH and install the stock one and then re-install?

I think that in modern cars they just scan OBD for codes. The new on-road emission program (which measures actual tailpipe emissions while you drive by) is an optional alternative. Inspection stations would measure actual tailpipe emissions only in old cars.

More here: http://www.deq.state.va.us/Programs/...SystemFAQ.aspx
and here: http://www.dmv.org/va-virginia/smog-check.php

Also, I was wrong about $16, I think it's $28, $16 is for safety inspection which is yearly and mandatory in all VA.