Virginia Emissions Requirements?

[cmarks20]

I'm not sure if anyone has had to deal with this yet, sicne the twins are so new. I want to replace the exhaust system from the headers back, but can't find any information on the emissions/smog requirements for VA - even on the DMV website. They indicate it has to be done and various types of tests they perform, but no metrics on what is actually required to pass. Has anyone had a VA emission test done with aftermarket exhaust modifications?

[xjohnx]

Originally Posted by cmarks20

I'm not sure if anyone has had to deal with this yet, sicne the twins are so new. I want to replace the exhaust system from the headers back, but can't find any information on the emissions/smog requirements for VA - even on the DMV website. They indicate it has to be done and various types of tests they perform, but no metrics on what is actually required to pass. Has anyone had a VA emission test done with aftermarket exhaust modifications?

Varies by locality, I believe. I know in Richmond and all of the central VA area no emissions testing is required.

According to DMV:

Your vehicle must meet Virginia's emissions inspection requirements if it is garaged in one of the localities listed below:
the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, or Stafford
the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas or Manassas Park

http://www.dmv.state.va.us/vehicles/#emissions.asp

Here's a FAQ from VADEQ on the testing procedure:

http://www.deq.state.va.us/Programs/...ectionFAQ.aspx

[cmarks20]

Originally Posted by xjohnx

Varies by locality, I believe. I know in Richmond and all of the central VA area no emissions testing is required.

Yea, I'm one of those lucky Prince William bastards

I found both the links when I was researching earlier (thanks, btw), but neither really provide the information I was looking for. Like everything else, VA gives the "we could do a number of things" line rather than just a straight "this is exactly what happens." I just don't want to be stuck in a position where I've spent $2k+ on mods to find out I can't pass. I figured other owners experiences would be the best answer.

[xjohnx]

Originally Posted by cmarks20

Yea, I'm one of those lucky Prince William bastards

I found both the links when I was researching earlier (thanks, btw), but neither really provide the information I was looking for. Like everything else, VA gives the "we could do a number of things" line rather than just a straight "this is exactly what happens." I just don't want to be stuck in a position where I've spent $2k+ on mods to find out I can't pass. I figured other owners experiences would be the best answer.

Ah, yeah i can only find where the state code says that a board will determine the standards, but can't seem to find those standards listed anywhere. I did see that you should have 4 years before you're due for a snifftest though, so that should be some good news to you:
http://www.deq.state.va.us/Programs/...ectionFAQ.aspx

New vehicles being titled for the first time, regardless of where purchased, do not need an emissions inspection for the first two years of registration. New vehicles that have been issued a title in another state but have not passed an enhanced emissions inspection as noted above, may be required to pass an emissions inspection or qualify for an emissions inspection waiver in order to be registered in Northern Virginia.

Note: Legislation was passed during the 2006 session of the General Assembly that will change future emissions testing requirements. When this provision takes effect, new motor vehicles being titled for the first time will not need an emissions inspection for the first four years of registration. Prior to these changes becoming effective, however, they must be approved by the federal Environmental Protection Agency as part of the air quality plan for the Northern Virginia area. It is not known at this time when this approval will be obtained.

[cmarks20]

That is good news! I'll see if I can get a hold of the companies I intend to buy products from (once I figure out exactly what I want) and see if they can provide some in-depth information.

Thanks again for your responses!

[MVJ1975]

Do bear in mind that any aftermarket exhaust is technically illegal in VA. As long as it's not overly loud you'll probably slide under the radar, but if you change it, you're in violation of the law and can get a ticket. NoVA cops tend to be jerks about this, too.

[Jahdai42]

Originally Posted by MVJ1975

Do bear in mind that any aftermarket exhaust is technically illegal in VA. As long as it's not overly loud you'll probably slide under the radar, but if you change it, you're in violation of the law and can get a ticket. NoVA cops tend to be jerks about this, too.

Yup, here it is

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp...+cod+46.2-1049

[Vyk]

Originally Posted by MVJ1975

Do bear in mind that any aftermarket exhaust is technically illegal in VA. As long as it's not overly loud you'll probably slide under the radar, but if you change it, you're in violation of the law and can get a ticket. NoVA cops tend to be jerks about this, too.

I work at a service station in Fairfax County that does Emissions (I also took the Emissions inspector course just for the information) and any modification to the emissions system is technically illegal. but the Emissions Inspectors are not law enforcement, they have their responsibilities though.

It's my understanding that for vehicles with model year 1996 and up, inspectors are only specifically required to check the vehicle for the presence of a catalytic converter. But of course if they see anything fishy, they can reject the vehicle for testing, or depending on the condition, fail it.

As others have said, the police can, especially the state troopers (who are in charge of the Safety Inspection Program) stop you and give you a ticket for non-compliant or defective equipment.

Because of that and other reasons I usually keep my cars and bikes mostly stock.

[cmarks20]

Originally Posted by Jahdai42

Yup, here it is

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp...+cod+46.2-1049

That's disconcerning to say the least. So if it's not the OEM, you're breaking the law - after being charged a ridiculous amount of tax to own something. Nice.

Originally Posted by Vyk

I work at a service station in Fairfax County that does Emissions (I also took the Emissions inspector course just for the information) and any modification to the emissions system is technically illegal. but the Emissions Inspectors are not law enforcement, they have their responsibilities though.

It's my understanding that for vehicles with model year 1996 and up, inspectors are only specifically required to check the vehicle for the presence of a catalytic converter. But of course if they see anything fishy, they can reject the vehicle for testing, or depending on the condition, fail it.

As others have said, the police can, especially the state troopers (who are in charge of the Safety Inspection Program) stop you and give you a ticket for non-compliant or defective equipment.

Because of that and other reasons I usually keep my cars and bikes mostly stock.

I guess I could go with an axle-back at 95db or less and a CAI. That does kill any chance of a turbo or supercharger though. I'm really starting to question the point in buying a sports car at all.

[UncleFester]

My understanding is that for newer cars they are *supposed to* visually check to make sure a cat is present, then they plug it into an OBDII machine that tests for CEL's if none are present you are good to go. I know they can be lax on the visual inspection. I've had numerous emissions inspections done in Virginia on modified vehicles and have never had one rejected for emissions, not even for one that was catless (no CEL).

[cmarks20]

Originally Posted by UncleFester

My understanding is that for newer cars they are *supposed to* visually check to make sure a cat is present, then they plug it into an OBDII machine that tests for CEL's if none are present you are good to go. I know they can be lax on the visual inspection. I've had numerous emissions inspections done in Virginia on modified vehicles and have never had one rejected for emissions, not even for one that was catless (no CEL).

I hope you're right. I don't intend to do a catless setup - though I would like to bolt on a turn at some point in the future. I'm looking at the Invidia Q300. From what I'm seeing, it's quiet by deep and I can get a catted front-pipe.

[MVJ1975]

You should be fine with a Q300. They're not significantly louder than the stock. As was said, as long as the cat is present you shouldn't fail inspection, and if it's not loud the police probably won't bother you either.

Meanwhile, they ignore all the Harley riders.

[cmarks20]

Originally Posted by MVJ1975

You should be fine with a Q300. They're not significantly louder than the stock. As was said, as long as the cat is present you shouldn't fail inspection, and if it's not loud the police probably won't bother you either.

Meanwhile, they ignore all the Harley riders.

Yea, tell me about it. Good to know the Q300 is close to stock - I haven't heard it in person.

[infinite012]

Originally Posted by cmarks20

That's disconcerning to say the least. So if it's not the OEM, you're breaking the law - after being charged a ridiculous amount of tax to own something. Nice.



I guess I could go with an axle-back at 95db or less and a CAI. That does kill any chance of a turbo or supercharger though. I'm really starting to question the point in buying a sports car at all.

Read the law again. It says any modifications to the exhaust are illegal.

The one way to get around it is to have a muffler shop fabricate an exhaust system that is to OEM specifications. Then, when you get pulled over and have to go to court, you will have receipts showing that your muffler shop conformed to OEM standards and the exhaust is legal.

Or just run whatever and be careful/pay for your tickets like a big boy.