Passing the smog test isn’t as hard as it seems

Registering a VW bus is an increasing challenge especially with ever stricter smog limits that come into effect. When I first saw the passing limits imposed for 2004 I thought for sure every VW bay window bus would either fail or have to be specially “tuned” to pass. You would then re tune the engine afterwards for the sake of engine longevity. Fortunately this isn’t the case.

Passing the test isn’t as hard as it seems: just because you own a vehicle from the 70s doesn’t mean that it will pollute so much by comparison to a new model vehicle that you won’t be able to register it. Tailpipe emissions are graded on a sliding scale that depend on model year and vehicle type. This is good news, if not for the air but for your wallet and your love for these old vehicles.

If you live in California, you most likely live in a smog testing area but many other states implement or are in the process of implementing similar testing requirements that mimic if not duplicate CA exactly. Some people pass on the first attempt while others take several attempts. Some people give up and sell their bus in frustration. Overcoming the red tape is a great feeling of victory and relief but the process can often test your will. But if you refer your vehicle to a STAR station, you are certain to succeed.

The biggest challenge for any owner is figuring out if a newly purchased bus is in a condition to pass. Because of all of the tampering by the mechanics and POs over the years the bus may have no chance in its current condition yet be close to passing given the appropriate attention. The key is to go to a STAR station and that’s the goal of this article. Some states like CA, forbid vehicle title transfers without a recent smog test but quite often the purchase takes place before the paperwork is complete.

What to do when things go wrong is confusing for the VW owner so I’ve tried to compile all of the detail from my own experience and from others. Being prepared for your test is half the battle. Most of this article is universally applicable but the details are CA specific so if you live in another state be sure you understand the local rules and regulations. And be sure to take your vehicle to a STAR stations.

In August 2005, Oregon and Washington announced that they were going to adopt the California emission standards (the strictest in the country) in a few years. Even Texas is starting to smog vehicles in the metropolitan areas. Some states, like Arizona have exemptions but require you to register your vehicle as “collector” and limit the mileage you can drive. In the future, smog testing may be a problem for most VW owners no matter where they live.