what year did smog laws become active?

Question

prior to what years were cars able to avoid having a smog check?

Answer 1

I don't remember the year but it is the same year that all cars started being made fuel injected

Answer 2

"Smog" devices have been in use since internal combustion engines were first invented. (Draft Tube) Emission testing and Emission Controls were coming onto the market in 1979.
Many auto manufacturers were "playing" with different devices because they knew "smog laws" were coming.
Emission Testing is NOT mandatory across the United States
in all states. Some states and some counties are rural- farm land and the Environmental Protection Agency has not pursued testing in those areas. However, California and Michigan have "EXTREME" emission testing.

Answer 3

I believe the first state-mandated emission control device, the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve, was mandated in California in 1960. This simple valve replaced the road draft tube as the means of venting the engine crankcase. California also was the first to mandate auto manufacturer's emission standards beginning in 1966.

There is no specific national date when consumer testing evolved from random roadside sampling to universal mandated testing in some (not all) geographical areas. In my home state of Illinois, even today emission testing is not mandatory in all counties and in parts of some other counties. In areas where it is mandated, every car from 1968 through 2007, except if the car is at least 25 years old and the owner has antique vehicle plates, must be tested.

Answer 4

I believe it is 1974. That is when the glory days of all the muscle cars ended due to the new smog restrictions.

Answer 5

you would need to check with your local dmv for that info.it varies .here in ny it was 1995 and older didnt need emmissions testing.check with dmv in the state where you are from as well as local inspection stations. dmv is the true authority though.