1970 280SL emissions Label

[timjshanahan]

Hi group, I received my DMV paperwork back today requiring an emissions label. I was under the impression that I don't need any emissions labels given its a 1970 car. Although the paperwork states that 1968 and newer cars need Emissions Labels. The car came from Oregon and the VIN verification paperwork asks for this label. Does anyone know of this requirement and is there a label that I am not aware of? Thanks for your help once again.

Tim

[timjshanahan]

Also, this car was built in 1969 so perhaps the Emission Control Label is somewhere that I'm not familiar with. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

THX
Tim

[BobH]

Have a search for "decals", it's been much debated

Also have a look at Motoring Investments website, link on this post, pictures of their original and restored cars may help

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=36156.msg264262

There are some decals in the tech manual kindly donated by a couple of members that can be printed

https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Restricted/TemplatesDecals

https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Restricted/TemplatesDecals?action=download&upname=EngineeringTags_Updated_8-9-17.pdf

[Cees Klumper]

I am going through this just now with my '72 Lancia Fulvia. DMV is having me present the car to CHP (appointment is on Thursday) to see about such a Federal emissions label.
However these two cars are different as the Lancia was all grey market imports whereas the Pagoda was officially sold new here. I would guess that if you get one of the stickers mentioned and available new, you should be all set.

[timjshanahan]

Thanks guys. I found a metal dag from Authentic that can be placed on the body and outlines the 1970 emission label. I can also print out the valve cover decal which might work.

[timjshanahan]

I received the emission plate today, looks great. Cost was $34 plus shipping. I have a meeting at the DMV tomorrow, so hopefully everything works out. Its crazy that I have to go through this BS in California to register a 50 year old car.

[Cees Klumper]

It makes sense to me that there are rules around admitting cars to the road. In the case of California I find these rules are extremely easy. For example, my '72 Fulvia was approved last week without any safety or technical inspection. It does not even have any seat belts, despite those having been present originally. In France my Pagoda must pass a strict safety and technical inspection every 2 years. In California, only emissions are tested for 1976 and later cars.
Any way, the DMV and CHP ruled last week that the Fulvia does not need a Federal emissions label and is also otherwise A-ok. I received a CA registration and plates. Hope your trip to your DMV will be equally successful.

[Vander]

These strict California rules are one of the many reasons why more and more CA collectors are getting Montana LLCS to register their cars.

[Cees Klumper]

Is it acceptable/legal to be resident in California and regularly drive an out-of-state car? I thought you had to register any car you effectively import into the state (and your county) within a short time window. I suppose people get away with driving out-of-state registered cars but I imagine there could be trouble if you get into an accident, or get pulled over for something ...

From the interwebs:

"How long can I drive in California with an out of state plate?
You must register your vehicle from out of state with the California DMV within 20 days after you brought it into the state and remain as the owner of the vehicle, or within 20 days after purchasing an out of state or non-resident vehicle in California to avoid penalties."

[rwmastel]

But, what Vander is saying is to register the car as owned by a company in another state (Montana) and then drive it in California.  I think your Interweb source is talking about cars owned by an individual living in CA.  I can see the business owned vehicle scenario as a good, legal work around.

[Cees Klumper]

Probably if this happens on a larger scale, the rules will be amended to counter such 'work arounds' that are probably also designed to avoid paying taxes, getting smog checks done and so forth. But maybe it's not interesting enough to the State and they are content with keeping most but not necessarily all people honest.