OTOH, if the vehicle is required to be tested that year, in most cases the
test for when it is transferred is NOT counted, especially if the test
occured more than 90 days before the tags are due.

Case in point - I bought my 84GL in January 2007 and of course had the test
performed - passed, no problems.  Tags were due in May 2007 and another test
was required.  Tried to have DMV waive it, but they said no go for two or
three reasons - 1) The previously done test was over 90 days old and 2) 2007
was the year designated for my VIN.  Although I have nothing to substantiate
it, this may be the policy for areas where the Dyno Test is required
(Sacramento-where the van came from and LA-where the Van is now registered)
and 3) The vehicle had been flagged as a gross polluter from the previous
ownership (the owner before the owner who I bought it from after he rebuilt
the heads), which I  believe requires a mandatory yearly testing.  When I
tested again this past May, the gross polluter flag was subsequently removed
after I again checked with and requested it from DMV.  No hassle this time
with that, so I expect not to have it tested for another two years (if I
still have it).

I don't have this problem with my Westy as I have it registered at a
friend's address in a county that only requires testing when the vehicle is
sold.  There are about 8 counties, mostly VERY rural in California that have
this testing requirement.  I did it just to avoid the hassles of testing,
but it will pass if required.
--
Jim Thompson
84 GL 1.9 "Gloria"
84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
73 K Ghia Coupe "Denise"
72 411 Station Wagon "Pug"
oldvolkshome@gmail.com
http://www.oldvolkshome.com
jim@airheadparts.com
***********************************
On Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 11:27 AM, Steven Johnson <sjohnso2000@yahoo.com>wrote:

> This test should only be required every other year.  I would
> contact your local DMV and if necessary, show them your smog
> paperwork from the last time along with your registration.  They
> should adjust your smog requirement for next year.  I had this
> happen to me and they readjusted mine without any problem.
>
> Steven
>
>
> --- On Sun, 8/3/08, PB <pbrattan@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
> > From: PB <pbrattan@GMAIL.COM>
> > Subject: California Smog Test 2008
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > Date: Sunday, August 3, 2008, 6:16 PM
>  > I got my Westy smog tested when I bought it in April, 2007,
> > and now they (CA
> > DMV) want me to have it tested again in August 2008 when I
> > renew the reg.
> > Last hear it passed without a hitch, but a mechanic told me
> > that this year
> > it will fail due to a new law that went into effect on
> > 1-1-08.  I think it
> > has something to do with the fuel tank vent lines.  He said
> > that they had to
> > be replaced with different material.  Is there anyone from
> > California who is
> > familiar with this new smog requirement that seems to
> > particularly affect
> > Vanagons?
> > Patti
> > 90 Westy Automatic
>