The exclusion in SB42 does not stop with 1973 model years. The bill states
that for the next FIVE years the exclusion is for model years 1973 and
earlier. After five years the exclusion becomes a 30-year rolling period.
Thus in 2004, model years 1974 and older are excluded, in 2005 model years
1975 and older, etc.
The exact reason why the bill was amended to this state is basically
politics. The forces that wanted this bill killed (the petroleum and
automotive repair lobbys) compromised to have a "frozen" 25 year exclusion
that eventually turns into the 30 year rolling exemption.
So in time your 1974, just like all other 1974 owners, will be exempt from
the smog inspection. But if you are leaving California this point is mute.
Dave
San Diego
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