As the title states, I'm a Cali boy relocating to NOVA, specifically the McLean or Arlington area. in CA we have SMOG checks but they are typically reserved for cars more than 5 years old. We do not have "safety" inspections of any sort.

My question is, what do I have to watch out for coming to VA, if I want to mod my car? With respect to emissions, is a visual inspection part of the deal? that is, if i have intake and exhaust, or even a supercharger, but still produce clean emissions (still have cats and good tune) will I fail the inspection? Do I need to pull off my mods for the inspection and then reinstall them?

Basically, how bad is it...

Thanks!

 

Cali has the strictest emission laws and the strictest gun laws in the country.

If you're leaving, I think you'll be fine.

 

Indeed, *but* new cars don't get SMOG tested. Since I am driving a "new" car I can do whatever I want to it and not have to worry about SMOG.

And there are no safety inspections.

 

It's not bad at all here. I have a friend who does inspections, and on new cars most stuff passes. What are you going to do to your ride that your concerned with?

 

Really shouldn't be an issue...I'm not sure about NoVA but I know down here in SoVA we got trucks riding around with no exhaust at all with valid inspection stickers....

 

To the best of my knowledge, you will pass VA emissions inspections so long as you produce clean emissions. HOWEVER, keep in mind that Virginia is one of the most non-car modding friendly state you can every live in. Anything that is not factory is technically illegal and grounds to be pulled over. I know a VA trooper who told me that the reason everything is illegal is because the law specifically reads, "to prevent 'Fast and Furious' type cars" lol

 

i moved from san francisco to va a few years ago... va cops get pretty **** sometimes, and i've noticed that the things that you need to watch out for are things like tint (50% front 35% rear), exhaust, and front license plate.

as for inspections, there are a lot of places that are pretty lenient when they check your vehicle, especially in the NOVA area. all depends on where you go.

 

Thanks! And sucks re front license plate... I gotta find a mount that isn't butt ugly.

 

The Show N Go plate mount might be to your liking.

 

Daddy like! But where daddy buy? All I found were view on that site. Thanks!