Smog Check for Motorcycles Proposed

Currently motorcycles in California don't have to undergo the biennial smog checks that cars do, but a new bill put forward by Senator Fran Pavley (D-District 23) would require that motorcycles undergo the same testing, a suggestion that's been kicking around for some time now. More from the bill, SB 435: "This bill would require the department to include model-year 2000 and newer motorcycles in the smog check program beginning January 1, 2012. Because violations of smog checks for motorcycles would be a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. (2) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that non reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason." Naturally, motorcycle blogs are grumbling about this bill. The view from 1stFive.com: "This bill is problematic for a number of reasons. First off, it provides for no funding for the development of testing procedures. Secondly, no funding for the accommodation of the new 1.2 million motorcycles at the check stations. This will result in a financial burden for the California government at a time when every penny is already spoken for." In terms of the stations themselves, a press rep for Pavley tells us that the cycles wouldn't require the same comprehensive testing stations (wherein they're strapped in to machines that rotate the wheels) that cars do. [1stFive.com]