Fun times at the emissions testing station!

[ScooterBJ]

So I needed to get my just purchased Smart Pure legal (plates/title/reg) and Colorado has emissions testing. I assumed as long as the car was warmed up there should be no issues and I had just had it gone over by Paul (excellent service and a great guy) at Smart Center Denver. I also had to get a VIN verification for registering and titling in CO as it was last titled in AZ.

I show up in line for testing and a tester tech came out. Sounding a bit surprised he asked if I were here for testing. I was in line, and it seemed obvious to me, I said "Yes sir, and I need a VIN cert too, please".
He walked around the car, nodded, and and asked me to wait in the lounge.

A few minutes later I saw a crowd around the car and nervously walked out.
"Sir, you know you don't have to get electric cars tested" a second technician stated.
"OK,,,,, but It's not electric" I replied.
"Well that goes for hybrids too" he added.
"It's not a hybrid either" I continued.
"Well is it gas?" he asked.
"Yes, it has a gas engine" I stated with a bit of a chuckle.
Smiling uncomfortably, "OK, you can go back in the lounge" he replied, and so I did.

A few minutes later the first tech came in and said "We can't find the engine or open the gas cap".
I walked out and showed them the engine and gas cap, and they nodded in agreement that it did appear to be a gas engine.
"Is it a 4 or 6 cylinder" the first tech asked.
"It is a 3 cylinder, 1 litre engine" I replied.
A moment passed. He asked again "But is it a 4 or 6 cylinder".
"Didn't you hear the man, it's a 3 cylinder!" a third tech snapped.

They then looked over the engine bay decals and confirmed the emissions info was there for testing. Then the second tech asked "What brand is the car".
I replied "Smart".
He must of thought I was being a bit os a smart-ass as he then came back "No,,,,,,,,, what BRAND is the car".
"The brand is SMART. It is an independent brand that is owned by Mercedes,,,,,, like Scion is a brand, but Toyota owns the company". I stated.
He looks over the cars decals again and asks "Is a Daimler the same as a Mercedes".
Yes, Mercedes and Smart are both Daimler brands" I went on.
A light bulb went off and he rushed over to his computer station. A few minutes go by and he returns looking beaten.
"Well, it's not in our database as a Daimler, Smart or Mercedes, it's a 2008 year, right" he asked me.
"Yes, 2008, that's correct" I replied.
"Well, likely it's not required as it's too new,,,,,,,,,, or it's exempt,,,,,,,,,, but really, we just don't know" he admitted. "We'll get you your VIN certificate and you can go to DMV. If they send you back, we'll figure out,,,,,,,,, something" he finished.

So I thanked them, jumped in and turned to drive around the building while they gasped and pointed that I could turn around within 2 lanes.

The lady at the VIN check was the boss of the crew. She starts out by chucking when I get out (I'm 6'3" 250lbs). "Isn't this electric" she asked.
"No, it's gas" I replied in a humorous tone. By now I am really getting a kick out of the situation.
"Hmm, OK, how did the emissions go" she asked, very pleased to be looking over my car.
I explained the situation, with humor and a smile. She shook her head in disbelief, apologizing for her crew.
"Well,,,,,, we just have never seen one of these cars here, this is the first one" she offered.
"I smiled broadly "Do I get a prize" I asked.
She laughed as she did the VIN check. I paid for my VIN cert. and climbed in.
"If DMV can't get you setup we will if you see me" she added as I pulled out.

I laughed all the way to the DMV. Plates/title/registration went fine and the subject of an emissions certificate never came up. I was in and out in 20 minutes.

In reflecting back, my assumption is: For the first few years most cars are exempt from emissions testing in Colorado. As Smart has only been on sale in the USA for 2 years, none of them are up for emissions yet. Consequently, it is not yet in their database,,,,,,,,,, "but really, we just don't know". (HA!)

I would do the whole thing over -- just for the fun of it!

ScooterBJ

[fredthe]

Thank you for posting that... you made my day!
(Now, I just need to get the coke spray cleaned out of my keyboard )

As a side note, in Maryland new vehicles don't have an emissions check until they are at least 2 years old.

[wrumbarger]

this reminds me of a friends experience trying to register his actual electric vehicle.
The inspector told him he absolutely positively HAD to have an emissions test.
"But there isn't an exhaust pipe?"
"I have to stick my tester into the tailpipe, or it doesn't get a registration!"

SO, my friend went home, stuck a 4 ft pipe under his car (with coat hanger and duct tape) went back and the tester stuck his emissions thing into the pipe.
Didn't even blink (if he even noticed) that it wasn't attached at either end?

My friend got his EV registered and proudly displays his emissions certificate on the wall of his garage.

[JPaul]

This is hilarious. Thanks!
I can't wait to have my first inspection, due 2 years after the purchase of a new vehicle in D.C., next May. By then I hope they'll have seen several and know they way around the car and their computer.

[WhiteNBlack08]

Too funny, Makes me really glad I live in Indiana where we don't have to put up with this BS.

[John_H]

Emission Impossible !!

[Mister P]

Maryland MVA does not do well with hybrids with stick shifts either. He stalled my 05 Civic Hybrid a couple of times before he got it going. They drive the speed test like they are all NASCAR rejects.

[Suze]

Good story - it's so much fun to be smart and doubly so when you're right!


In OR, you get a pass on emissions testing for 4 years on new cars. If that's the case in CO, the dealer should know this.

one more thing... smart center Denver is sister-smart to smart center Portland - I know those people will treat you right!

[Smartfor2guy]

In Texas they come up on the computer for emission and state inspection as ChrySmart ! Oh and it was the first smart he has done. Did it yesterday

[BigWarpGuy]

In NJ, I don't have to take my 2008 Smart Fortwo in for inspection till 2012. My Dad's 2007 Ford Focus won't have to be inspected till 2011. They are both new cars.