CA SMOG Fuel Cell

Hey Guys,
I'm gathering parts for a back half and I'm running into the issue about how to legally SMOG my truck with a fuel cell. I'm getting conflicting information about fuel cells in CA from post on different forums, saying it won't pass the visual. Some say if I install the stock sending unit and it passes the evap test, I should be good.

So my question is to the guys with fuel cells in CALIFORNIA. How do I LEGALLY pass SMOG with fuel cell?

Thanks

 

You won't pass visual.

https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermkt/replace.htm

Maybe you can get away with it being an "auxiliary" tank...??

I did some quick searching, and couldn't find a CARB compliant fuel cell. They seem to be for racing only...

 

I couldn't find anything either. I guess there's 2 ways I can pass. One, keep the stock tank and link it with a pan-hard bar or some how hide the cell with sheet metal so they can't see it.

 

Well, they'll see it - they aren't blind. Maybe some SMOG centers won't bother to ask you what's under that big steel metal box.

 

I mean, all the vics that I've owned not one SMOG guy has looked for the gas tank. Out of sight, out of mind?
I might have to link it with a panhard bar if I want to keep my stock gas tank.

 

You will not pass visual, I guarantee that. A buddy of mine did a wide body on his vehicle failed BAR inspection after getting referred by smog. Most smog places are so @nal that even vehicles with carb compliance parts got referred to BAR. Last thing you want is for the shop to tag your VIN to BAR and now you're really screw.

 

Yeah, I know I wont pass the visual. I feel that fuel cell would be a lot safer than a stock OEM tank. I just don't understand. There is another way to register my vic but it'll have Montana plates.

https://www.49dollarmontanaregisteredagent.com/

 

Hopefully you don't have a disgruntled neighbor

 

Why's that?

 

There’s a hotline people can call for out of state plates that have been in state for awhile.
Also, allegedly CHP is on the look out for certain out of state plates. Like Montana and South Dakota. Not sure if this is true or not.

 

I passed my truck ONCE with a Ford F150 tank behind the rear axle and I even told the guy before he brought it in the shop. Does look like a stock gas tank from underneath though, just not stock for a Tacoma. I don't smog anymore though

Actually now that I think of it, you could legitimately run the F150 tank as your main tank behind the rear axle, get a stock tank and throw it in the bed tied down with rubber lines coming off it that "tee" into the main fuel lines, make it look semi legit and claim the F150 tank is your aux tank. And only use this every couple years to smog it. Would be more work up front but could make it look legit pretty easy. Interesting an executive order would be needed

I have seen aftermarket Jeep tanks that companies claim are CARB legal but looking again, they call them CARB compliant. Not sure the difference

https://genright.com/gas-tanks/

 

It's against the law in most states. I think in Kentucky you have two weeks to change your registration if you reside in and are intending to use the vehicle in the state. Had a buddy looking at registering cars in one of the Dakotas, I had to pull the statute to convince him it wasn't legal.

 

CHP and the State of California have anonymous online and 800 reporting setup to catch vehicle registration evasion. It's no joke, my colleague got reported by probably his neighbor after moving from New Mexico and got slap with a huge fee after 8 months of moving here.

 

Oh it's true..... they know which state allow vehicles to be registered there without it being physically there... it's not the best kept secret.

Cop will ask for documents: registration, drivers license, and proof of insurance. The funny part with this is, the vehicle will have an out of state registration, driver will present a California driver's license (ISS probably shows the DL was issued a few years ago), and the insurance card probably have a California address on it. Good luck getting out of a pricey ticket. It's all about the $$.

 

I have a few South Dakota plated vehicles but I also have a Baja CA Mexico drivers liscense with Mexican and CA insurance papers. I am a resident of 2 countries so Mr. Traffic cop, why did you stop me? To check my papers? Is that your probable cause?

 

Yes, it's all about the money: i.e. paying for the services for the state in which you reside. If you want to live in CA, pay the taxes and reg fees here.

OP, if you're modding your truck to the point at which you "need" a fuel cell, I'm sorry, but it's not a daily driver any more, that's a race truck. Either trailer it or keep it stock "enough" to drive on the road.

 

I just read an article regarding the Federal EPA... they are stating that ANY modification from stock is in violation of the clean air act and is illegal. At the moment, they seem to be focused on off road vehicles, i.e. race vehicles that once were street registered.

 

Interesting, makes me wonder what they're planning to do. Make us get green stickers for them?

 

Basically the new EPA rule / law is .... any year vehicle that has a Vin # can't be converted in any way shape or form into a race vehicle

Even shops / businesses are being fined heavily by the EPA for modifying said vehicles

 

Do you have a link the new rule, I would love to read on it. From what you said, you can't convert your VIN #'ed vehicle into a race vehicle. What is considered a race vehicle? I just want to have a fun vehicle for the family, I'm not trying to race it.