Mobile Smog Inspection in L.A.

[force it in]

I saw this today (12/4/06) on Riverside Dr. just south of Los Feliz Blvd. The location is just south of the entrance to Griffith Park. I've also seen this about 6 months ago in Culver City on Centinela Blvd. After I saw this in Culver City I had a cat cut into my N1 downpipe for fear of getting caught without one. They were flagging certain down cars and inspecting them. There was one CHP officer sitting in a marked car for whatever reason. They had some sort of roller type device which I feel is safe to assume was a smog check machine. Luckily I was approaching from the other direction & the driveway I needed to turn into was before this smog party. Has anyone else ever seen this, and if so where? It my consent required to test or inspect my car? I'm not liking this.

 

[Defiant]

You have implied your consent by registering your car in California. Same for being intoxicant tested by having a CDL.

 

[bfdahl]

I have seen these guys around too! the last time i was going the oppisite way of the testing

I love how the make it "look" like some road construction or pulic works project.
as i passed they had just waved in a guy in an older 280Z, I though "sucks for him"!

Im not sure what kinds of cars they profile, but whenever I see a road construction looking scene, I duck and run the other way!

Just more BS

 

[silvah_gsx]

Thanks for the heads up. It would help if people posted whenever they see these, so we know "oh avoid X avenue today" or at least what area they're doing those in.

I just hope they don't set this up at the entrance to Willow Springs or outside one of the local dyno shops.

 

[bhop]

Crap.. that's just down the street from my apt. I think my car would pass ok if it weren't for my intake, but still, i'm sure i'd get hassled with my N1. I've been thinking about selling my car and getting a '70-74 240z, and seeing crap like this is making that idea seem real good..

One thing that pisses me off about these is that when i'm in my car, chances are i'm on my way somewhere. Even without having to stop and deal with their b.s. it's such an annoyance and waste of time in an already crowded traffic environment.

 

[calreef18]

Weird, seems like they're going for random cars from the pics, but possibly they're targeting modified cars and just pulling over others to make it even?

 

[Talesin]

Actually, random road tests WILL flag down certain cars. However, you're within your rights to decline having your car tested. The wording they use makes it sound like you're required to do the test, but if you ask using the exact wording 'Am I permitted to decline this inspection?' they will tell you that it is not recommended. You can then freely decline to have your vehicle inspected, aside from the standard visible inspection. The wording depends on the psychological element to mentally simplify statements, and assume that any statements by uniformed officers should be taken as orders, rather than requests.

If they try to tell you that the inspection is required, request to see the specific law allowing on-the-spot emissions testing, or the reference number and section. Most will either back down at that point, or should have a copy of the local law permitting it on-hand.

Other excuses that can be tried, if there IS a local law allowing it, or if they just try to BS you into thinking it's a legally required examination:
-I drive an AWD vehicle, you can't put it on that two-wheel dyno. (GSX only, obviously)
-I'm overdue for a tune-up.
-I haven't changed my oil in 5000 miles. (unlikely, but possible)
-It's been running oddly, and I have an appointment with my mechanic.

Obviously if you have no cat, you're pretty much screwed.. visible inspection will nail you alone.

 

[yellowkyd278]

hahah thank god I live in the city. I'd love to see them set one of those up on Wilshire and Veteran. ... they'd sure have a lot of cars to pick form

 

[slipstream808]

Again, all the reasons I never want to live in California.

 

[DSMSpyder99]

Thanks for the heads up. It would help if people posted whenever they see these, so we know "oh avoid X avenue today" or at least what area they're doing those in.

I just hope they don't set this up at the entrance to Willow Springs or outside one of the local dyno shops.

oh yea Ari...if I see one of these on the street, first thing ill do is go home and post it on tuners

 

[silvah_gsx]

I mean after you get caught.

 

[DSMSpyder99]

I mean after you get caught.

if thats the case then i will tell you theres is a guy who is giving out free Advans with 50% tread life at the street