Have a 79 in Los Angeles county and to my knowledge it is exempt from smog certification. However I received a fix-it ticket in which the officer a deputy sheriff said my vehicle was in violation of the law because it was blowing exhaust and he could smell fumes. I explained to the officer that my vehicle was a diesel....

Upon taking the vehicle for service at my local Mercedes dealership they sated that my vehicle's engine was in perfect running condition and that my situation was a first.

However I wonder if there may be new laws with respect to older diesels because the officer had just taken a course in smog certification and that my vehicle was in violation of the law.

 

Another reason for you to leave California... The only law that I heard recently was the no idle law/ rule through my sister. She left her ford Taurus at idle for a couple of minutes in her driveway and got some kind of wasted emission ticket... A little ridiculous if you ask me. Even new diesels put out that "stank". Even a Prius will have an exhaust smell... After I'm done with it of course.

 

Thanks for the support. Thought i'd give you an update. Spoke with an Fix-it attorney who's had much experience with the officer and he stated that the officer is young and is a "Hothead" but cares about his community but does have a reputation. Also there is a friend who has a contact with the sheriff's department.