smog laws in Washington
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smog laws in Washington
I just moved to Seattle from California, and I'm wondering what the difference in smog laws is.
For example, in California, you can't replace a cat at all unless it's failed (legally). This creates a sticky situation in that most places won't replace the cat since it would be illegal and they can get their license revoked, fined, etc. Do they have similar laws in Washington?
Also, at what point do I need to get my car smogged (it's on 02)? Do the smog stations here get all pissy if you have manual boost controllers, BOV's etc?
Thanks,
Mat
P.s. Does anyone know a good place to get performance parts installed etc on the eastside (Bellevue, Issaquah area)?
For example, in California, you can't replace a cat at all unless it's failed (legally). This creates a sticky situation in that most places won't replace the cat since it would be illegal and they can get their license revoked, fined, etc. Do they have similar laws in Washington?
Also, at what point do I need to get my car smogged (it's on 02)? Do the smog stations here get all pissy if you have manual boost controllers, BOV's etc?
Thanks,
Mat
P.s. Does anyone know a good place to get performance parts installed etc on the eastside (Bellevue, Issaquah area)?
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 792
From: Washington State, Car: 2000 Impreza Coupe RS-T T
Car Info: 2000 Impreza Coupe RS-T Tec3/Vishnu turbo Color: B
I beleive the cat law is about the same, You cant replace it unless the old one failed, then I think it has to be an OEM design not a high flow which most are off road use only. I have seen them get under a car with a mirror and check too.
New cars need test on the fith year so 2007 for you if you purchased it in 02, 2006 if you purchased it in o1.
They just hook your car to a OBII reader under the dash and check the gas cap for leaks. If your car is loud and looks altered they can open the hood and do a full check and note it on your records and you will need to go to the WSP for a full smog inspection to make sure nothing it tampered with. They can check stuff if they want. Dont think a MBC or BOV would cause any concern unless you throw a code. You cannot reset your ECU and drive in, it must have all codes having a pass status or they will fail the test.
And since the inspection stations are state run not private like in Cali you cannot bribe them or find an "easy test"
New cars need test on the fith year so 2007 for you if you purchased it in 02, 2006 if you purchased it in o1.
They just hook your car to a OBII reader under the dash and check the gas cap for leaks. If your car is loud and looks altered they can open the hood and do a full check and note it on your records and you will need to go to the WSP for a full smog inspection to make sure nothing it tampered with. They can check stuff if they want. Dont think a MBC or BOV would cause any concern unless you throw a code. You cannot reset your ECU and drive in, it must have all codes having a pass status or they will fail the test.
And since the inspection stations are state run not private like in Cali you cannot bribe them or find an "easy test"
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 792
From: Washington State, Car: 2000 Impreza Coupe RS-T T
Car Info: 2000 Impreza Coupe RS-T Tec3/Vishnu turbo Color: B
I think as long as you are not having check engine light comming on you should have no problem with the test. The car I saw that they inspected was a Honda that was slammed to the ground with a very loud exhaust. You could see soot on the tail pipe and up the fender. The car looked very altered and I could see why they opened the hood and looked around.
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 589
From: Houston, Texas "Drive it like you stole it.." 13.034 @ 105.19 mph
Car Info: Aspen White 04 STI, Silver 03 RS (wife's car)
Mat, Some areas dont even have to do SMOG test. I lived north of seattle and never had emissions or any inspection. Just get a hook-up out there if you need someone to pass you. If I was there I would help you out.
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Jakes02
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Sep 21, 2006 08:31 AM
