Have any of you heard about this thing called ECARS? Apparently, any vehicle which operates on a government installation for more than 60 days a year needs to be smog checked - regardless of where the vehicle is registered.

Obviously mine failed the visual. Not really sure where to go from here...I don't plan on bringing it back to OEM. As of right now, commanders are not getting involved in this BS clean air act (118d) regulation.

"Help for Those Lost in Smog: Getting Ready for ECARS

The Employee-vehicle Certification and Reporting System, or ECARS, will be implemented at LAAFB May 13, 2013. This is an Air Force program that will ensure the base aligns with Clean Air Act, section 118(d), which requires vehicles operated by federal military and civilian employees (not contractors) on federal facilities for 60 or more days per year, be in compliance with the emissions standards. The new guidance will apply to the vehicle inspection and maintenance program area where the facility is located and affords members the opportunity to actively participate in helping improve the environment and health of personnel stationed here at LAAFB.

Smog inspections, or enhanced tests, are required unless your vehicle is of the following: a hybrid or electric, gasoline powered 1975 year model or older, diesel powered 1997 year model or older, diesel powered with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 14,000 lbs, natural gas powered with a GVWR rating of more than 14,000 lbs, a motorcycle, or a trailer.

If a vehicle fails a Smog Check, it must be repaired and retested. If repairs prove too costly, you have access to options that can be found on various California government websites.

The Consumer Assistance Program provides qualified consumers who fail a Smog Check inspection, up to $500 in financial assistance towards certain emissions-related repairs. In order to qualify, an applicant must have a household income that is less than or equal to 225 percent of the federal poverty level, as published in the Federal Register by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. To obtain an application, go to Bureau of Automotive Repair, State of California, Dept. of Consumer Affairs or call the Department of Consumer Affairs' Consumer Information Center at 1-800-952-5210.

In addition, the CAP program allows consumers to retire a qualified vehicle and receive $1,000 or $1,500, if the consumer meets low-income eligibility guidelines -- the same guidelines and website apply.

Both of these programs will issue a letter of eligibility to qualified applicants, with specific instructions on how to repair or retire their vehicle.

Lastly, a Repair Cost Waiver can be requested through the Referee Network, which is available if a consumer already had some repairs performed, but cannot afford any future repairs. The repair cost minimum is $450 and a licensed smog technician, in a licensed smog station must have made all repairs. To make a Referee appointment call 1-800-622-7733. Here is a helpful link for more information: http://www.autorepair.ca.gov/."

 

I had to deal with that crap back in the 90's and the only way I got around it was to take it back home and get it done. I was stationed in Long Beach, CA then and am from Oregon so it was no big deal. From then on I had new cars so I didn't worry about the hassle. Not sure if there are any work arounds unless you know someone who knows someone who can pass you. I know they are out there, wish I could give you help, but I haven't had issues with my Cobalt on any of the bases here in Virginia, yet, knock on wood.

 

thank god im full time guard and not active :P we dont really care too much

 

I don't think I will have any issues as I am retired from the Navy and am a contractor now. Add that I have been in Iraq for 7 months and will get home next month for a month and drive my baby and then back to Iraq for another 9 months I don't for see it as an issue. Would like to know what part of the visual didn't pass, not sure if I missed that part, but if it is exhaust related those are easy to fix and swap each time the testing is due.

 

I've never heard of that. I've been active duty for 7 years now...

 

That's what you get for being in the Chairforce Army bases didn't have that 3 years ago when I was in.

Options:
1. Just swap your stock pipe back on for inspections.
2. If they don't use a sniffer you can install a cat case over the existing piping.
3. Get a cat v-banded into your exhaust and a test pipe section made to swap that out when you're done with inspections.
4. Get a real cat installed and leave it there.

I'm going the v-band route on my stainless DP, shop is charging me $400 for it. Includes 6 stainless flanges, 2 clamps, a cat, and a stainless test pipe section. A flange and clamp set is $45, an extra set of flanges is $15, the cat is like $145 I think, plus the extra pipe section and welding.

 

But this is for all government installations, not just AF. I'm a supercharged LE5 so changing out the exhaust won't fix anything. It's catted but won't pass the visual. I plan on ignoring this as long as possible.

Lucky for me, I'll get away with it for now since I work in an off-base contractor facility. My neighbor has to remove his flowmasters from his Nissan Titan.

 

I work as a civilian for the Army, and we dont have that crap at Rucker.

 

active for 10 years, never got an email about it so it must not be here. LOL

 

Won't pass what visual? The supercharger? Fkn CARB *****. They require a certification sticker on items as a cash source.

He had to pull the flowmaster mufflers off of his truck? Those aren't even an emissions control device.

This has got to be the dumbest thing ever. If it'll pass a sniffer who the eff cares that it's got a muffler the size of Texas or a turbo that'll eat babies?

 

the OP is in CALI, not sure any other base/installation is going to give a crap in any other state.

 

Ah, I overlooked that bit. That state just needs to sink into the Pacific and quit sending their treehugging firearm stealing politicians up here.

 

im in the marine corps and havent heard of that, heck we have people without cats and the gate guards would be like ur vehicles loud and we would say look at the plate its not registered in NC so we dont have to abide by their state inspections

 

I'm pretty sure this is nationwide and its just a matter of time for us all to get harrassed. I'm registered in FL and I'm in CA and that argument doesn't work according to the e9. We'll see soon!

 

mmm, i have texas plates. That pretty much means I dont need any government regulations on my vehicle and I can carry guns in the glove box, the trunk, under the hood, under my seat, in my pants, and can do whatever the heck I want on any base I am at or anywhere in America pretty much.

 

Right, let me know how that goes over next time your vehicle gets searched at the gate

 

pif them security guards dont do a good job, they get tired of doing searches that its mundane and they dont take it serious ^_^

 

Buy a POS 90s civic for 2 grand and daily drive that.

 

Here in San Diego they enforce that ghey hippie bull. Im registered in FL but my vehicles still need to get smog checked regardless in order to get base stickers. I just pay extra/ under the table to get a "Smog" done to both my cars.

 

$$ always talks....

 

just got an email......looks like this is not just active duty as well. im full time federal technician in the guard and we apparently have to do this Clean Air act too with emissions.......FML lol.

 

Delaware and California... smh. Libs are ruining those beautiful states.

BTW! Air Force got rid of base stickers, we dont need anything but tags to get on the base. Winning

 

I thought that was just a Ft Rucker thing

 

Air force as a whole saved millions by getting rid of the sticker system for the windshield. Its 100 percent id check at the gate at all bases since 2006.

 

I was in when they started 100% ID checks at the gate.

Sept 11, 2001.

Before that, if you had a sticker, they would wave you through.
Ever since then, they checked EVERYONE's ID.

At first people were like, yay! Defend the base,
Then people got annoyed with it.
I Guess people have pretty much accepted it now.