CA Smog check

[Greg Steinke <GSTEINKE@domain.elided>]

Now this is a good idea.  Releasing pre-1973 vehicles from smog check makes
sense in the northeast, where any pre-73 car is a treasured classic, since
all the neglected junkers have rusted away. But in rust-free CA, there's
plenty of people commuting in 1972 Chevies which should not be exempt from
smog check. This is a good way of differentiating the treasured classics
from the commuter junkers.  It could be policed by requiring you to show the
smog referee your odometer every 2 years to get the release.  Yes, odos can
be rolled back, but any kind of vehicle inspection can be evaded.

Maybe the state will consider requiring safety inspections as well. It would
nice to have some assurance that the cars whizzing around don't have bald
tires, worn brakes, etc. Sure, that could also be evaded, but at least it
would require those who otherwise don't consider car maintenance to look at
it annually.

Greg