California Emission Sticker WTF?!

[oldbike54]

If their data base starts in 1982 and yours is a 78 model then the emission standards wouldn't apply would they? Seem if the data base starts after this bike was made then there data base emissions standards are not applicable: are they?
Am I interpreting this incorrectly? How can they apply standards to a bike they do not have standards for?

 Had the same thought .

 Dusty

[Demar]

I think they mean the computer data base goes back to 1982. Computers were not prevalent prior to that. They probably have paper records prior to 1982 that may have not been scanned into the system.

[oldbike54]

I think they mean the computer data base goes back to 1982. Computers were not prevalent prior to that. They probably have paper records prior to 1982 that may have not been scanned into the system.

 So thirty years isn't long enough to do the job , sheesh  Actually computers were in common use by banks , gov't agencies , and universities by 1978 . Wait , maybe not in California, so much for them being ahead of the rest of us 
 
 Dusty

[sauldgold]

If their data base starts in 1982 and yours is a 78 model then the emission standards wouldn't apply would they? Seem if the data base starts after this bike was made then there data base emissions standards are not applicable: are they?
Am I interpreting this incorrectly? How can they apply standards to a bike they do not have standards for?

The database goes back to the early 70's for cars but the earliest digitized motorcycle records on their website is '82.  I don't know if they didn't keep a list of "approved" motorcycles before '82 or if that's just the year their IT people stopped digitizing the old approval letters. In any event the regs still apply

[Idontwantapickle]

Forget ARB, use the DMV. They have the info, I've done it before, going back to 1972 models. You just need to go to another office and walk in like everything is holiday. Get your number and wait. Then register as if nothing is amiss. When presented with a barrier politely provide the details of the original registration and sale.

When they go out and look, explain the repaint/restoration. If they ask about the sticker, say the PO was a real clown and ruined it when the old paint came off. Engage is some small talk, thanking them for working the thankless job (they don't make the rules, stupid voters allow that).

This is easier than it sounds. You might need to visit more than one office. Just make sure the bike is emissions legal. If it isn't, any decent inspector can tell in seconds.

For every rule or regulation there is an exception pathway. Perseverance will find it.

Sauldgold,
I have run the DMV gauntlet many times to title old bikes that came to me without documentation. It is indeed all about attitude.
I have been put through the wringer by the Inspector as to why I was in possession of a motor vehicle without proof of ownership. But with whatever docs you can muster and a genuine attitude of simply wanting to gain compliance from here on out they will eventually see you as a human and help get it done.
It's worked for me every time, even with the Inspector that was REALLY scary!
Good luck, I'm sure it will come out OK.
Hunter

[Scud]

I believe this is an image of the sticker in question:

https://www.google.com/search?q=1978+moto+guzzi+emissions+sticker&espv=2&biw=1031&bih=681&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj9zajFo9jMAhUB6SYKHSYNBJ8QsAQIGw#imgrc=4cSuVL7SjzJ_cM%3A

I found it on Google Images.... and then a link led me to website full of mechanical geniuses, daredevils, and lunatics: WildGuzzi.com.

http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=25455.0

The need for an inspection that includes seeing the sticker in California is only when importing a vehicle from another state or country. Any vehicle that is currently in the CA system would have had the sticker when it was originally entered into the system - so they don't look again when vehicles change hands within the state.

[Robert]

How many miles?

Should not need sticker if over 7500 miles.

[Arizona Wayne]

If their data base starts in 1982 and yours is a 78 model then the emission standards wouldn't apply would they? Seem if the data base starts after this bike was made then there data base emissions standards are not applicable: are they?
Am I interpreting this incorrectly? How can they apply standards to a bike they do not have standards for?

Exactly.....in `78 there was no MC CARB sticker.     Go up the chain of command @ your DMV on this until you get to someone who knows the truth.  If you don't, take names/title and see what happens next.

[Scud]

Exactly.....in `78 there was no MC CARB sticker.     Go up the chain of command @ your DMV on this until you get to someone who knows the truth.  If you don't, take names/title and see what happens next.

CARB is California (that's what the C is for in the acronym). CARB existed before 1978, but I don't know when they influenced motorcycle stickers.  However, there was a US EPA requirement - and I posted a link to a 1978 Moto Guzzi sticker above that has EPA language on it. California checks for the Federal requirements - as well as State requirements.

[kirkemon]

How many miles?

Should not need sticker if over 7500 miles.

:1:

[Scud]

Should not need sticker if over 7500 miles.

:1:

I'm not clear on the rules, but my recent experience was different. My 2003 LeMans was registered in Florida by previous owner (but bike was originally sold in California). I needed to show that it had over 7,500 miles AND two stickers: 1) Federal Safety and 2) Federal EPA. They did not inspect the evaporative canister nor the associated sticker at that time (although both items were on the bike). This was at my local AAA office about a year ago.

I was told that having less than 7,500 miles and bringing it from out of state would make me subject to new-vehicle importation rules. Not knowing those rules, but imagining that they would be cumbersome... I chose my own strategy (by getting new odometer that supported my belief about the actual miles on the bike.)

All is good now - and I'm sure the OP will succeed with a bit more effort.

[Chuck in Indiana]

My experience with the California DMV has been positive, but they need to see the sticker. It's the rule. I would have no problem having a reproduction sticker made, if it were me. It's just a sticker. You can get reproduction data plates, for heaven's sake. (!) To me, that is border line forgery, but an epa sticker? Shirley, you jest.

[canuguzzi]

I believe this is an image of the sticker in question:

https://www.google.com/search?q=1978+moto+guzzi+emissions+sticker&espv=2&biw=1031&bih=681&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj9zajFo9jMAhUB6SYKHSYNBJ8QsAQIGw#imgrc=4cSuVL7SjzJ_cM%3A

I found it on Google Images.... and then a link led me to website full of mechanical geniuses, daredevils, and lunatics: WildGuzzi.com.

http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=25455.0

The need for an inspection that includes seeing the sticker in California is only when importing a vehicle from another state or country. Any vehicle that is currently in the CA system would have had the sticker when it was originally entered into the system - so they don't look again when vehicles change hands within the state.

Exactly, any CHP can run a vin check, so can the DMV. They check a box on the form and the bike gets registered.

Or, subscribing to the Rocker institute of forms, stickers and misc documents reproduction services will also help.

[guzzi4me]

Shirley, you jest.

And don't call me Shirley....

Jeff

(Movie reference!!)

[Tom]

Sauldgold.  Some advice from a former Motor Vehicle Inspector.  (disclaimer.  I worked for Maricopa County, AZ)  We had the same rules for the Valley of the Sun as SoCal with some minor local changes.  No AZ ARB to deal with.  We were aware of CARB for local changes for the Phoenix area. 

What the Inspectors care about is that they do their job and go home at the end of the day.  They care how the general public treats them.
Don't ask them how to get to around the law.  They will tell you what is wrong.  That's it.  You're not the only one that has had this problem.

"Repair" your bike and take it back to office that you went to.  Even better to see the same Inspector for compliance.  Since your bike was titled & registered in CA before,  I'm sure there's a notation on the computer record about the EPA missing sticker.  "Gaming the system" will only make it more of scavenger hunt on their part to see what you're hiding with contact with the CA police.  State, County and/or local. 

OR take your chances, roll the dice and game the system.

[Chuck in Indiana]

"Repair" your bike and take it back to office that you went to.

this

[krglorioso]

How many miles?

Should not need sticker if over 7500 miles.

Maybe not correct..When I bought Kentuckian Denny Lacy's 2003 Stone Touring in 2011, it had 12K miles.  It had no sticker attesting to its compliance with all federal safety requirements (usually found inside a side cover) and I was able to get from Piaggio, NY (thank you) a letter attesting to my bike's compliance with all federal safety statutes for 2003.  DMV warily accepted that, but prior to that warned that the bike could not be CA registered without it.  No matter it had been registered in KY.  CA does not care what any other state, country of planet does.  We know best.  Write that down.

Ralph

[Scud]

CA does not care what any other state, country of planet does.  We know best.  Write that down.

True. LOL. That's why all the aliens visit AZ and NM - they can't find their damn CA stickers.

[Tom]

Big reason why there is public disclosure for vehicles sold in California and the rest of the U.S. or the reason why motorcycles are compliant for sale in CA  and then compliant for the other 49 states.  CA is the only state that has an agency like CARB with the level and authority that they have.  IIRC.