CARB Fine California
 

Hrmmm... So I haven't really been able to find this answer on the internet anywhere lol.

It believe it only really applies to cali. residents.

What would the fine be for being caught with uncatted headers or a different intake system or basically anything carb ILLEGAL on the car? The answers seem to be crazy different on the internet in general, I've heard $10,000 then I heard $40.00 fix it ticket. So many varying answers, and a huge spread in the time frames the question has been asked.

I don't want to hear "If you're worried about it then don't run CARB illegal". I'm more or less curious because the internet is ridiculous or not many people have been caught. In the future I do wanna get some UEL headers. Also I see tons of people still getting new headers even tho they're a Cali resident so it doesn't seem like people are worried idk haha...

I was gonna post this in the Exhaust/whatever/whatever section but ehhhh, figured I throw it in this bish.

:bow::bow::bow::bow::bow::bow::bow:

The fine varies based on the city/county/section of the state.

Much like a speeding ticket, it various by location.

-alex

I kinda assumed that, I'm just looking to know if its a ridiculous fine or not. I cant find any legitimacy on the topic, even from other forums. It really just seems like it doesn't happen much or there would be a lot more information about it on the internet.

From what i understand if you get pulled over the CHPs/local PD will inspect your vehicle. If that happens you'll get a ticket that'll result in a choice between a) $500+ fine or b) visual inspection by a ref which you'll need to remove your mods for.

This is more likely to happen if:

1. you speed
2. you drive like a jackass
3. you drive a tuner looking/sounding vehicle

I've only just moved to Cali myself and still learning the ins and outs.

It used to happen a lot, but much like a tint ticket, how you get this depends on the way you drive, etc.

I've gotten a few before. The fine ends up being around the neighborhood of $300-500, around the same as an average red light ticket.

You have two choices:
1) Pay it, and nothing happens
2) Have it fixed, and have it written off

#1 is tricky, because you can get another ticket later on.

Most of the time, you are given a state ref ticket, but it's not merely a "visual inspection" by a state ref. You must pass both a visual and an actual smog check.

Since this is at a state referee station, this most likely will involve student technicians at a community college who will inspect everything "by the book", because their certification is at stake.

-alex

Is option #2 just replacing with OEM headers then just paying like a $40 fixit ticket?

#2 is basically putting whatever aftermarket engine mods you have that aren't CARB-exempt back to stock, because the inspection would cover the entire engine as a whole, and not a specific part.

-alex