Remote smog check-points

[GP3]

How does this work? How does a simple license/registration check turn into a 'get out of your car and let Joe Mechanic hop in driver's seat for a little test'?

What can I do when I encounter something like this?

[bohoki]

looks to me as if they are detaining you commadering your car and stealing your gasoline

[biglou]

I'd say "Here's my valid registration that shows I paid all the fees and passed smog. Have a nice day." And drive off.

[fullrearview]

Here is a question.....What about people who live in counties that don't require any smog, except when you purchase or sell a vehicle and they find themselves in one of these check points in another county????

[misplacedpants]

What can I do when I encounter something like this?



Hope the engine goes out on the dyno, and the state pays for the tow and repair....
They have thought of this before hand I'm sure, and I bet they would have a way to get out of paying for it.

[Eat Dirt]

A total sting operation / No way could that be legal !!!!!!!!!

[nickvig]

That looks like West SFV. Where's the pic from?

[Jwood562]

I am a LEO, I have seen these numerous times, and still have no idea what theyare for. They are never in the city i work in so I only see them off duty in my personal vehicles.

I always think to my self if they tell me to pull over for a random "smog check" I would say no thank you not today I'm busy and drive away.

but bump for a real answer on what they are for and what legal premise they use to detain the drivers/vehicles

[sc_expg]

Looks like its operated by CHP's, maybe vehicles with expired registrations???? or maybe consentual???

[97F1504RAD]

Read this from what I understand you can refuse as it is strictly voluntary. However they will record your Plate and my guess is you will then get something in the mail telling you to go to get a Smog Check for some made up reason.

http://www.epa.gov/oms/regs/im/roadside.pdf

[POLICESTATE]

First it's voluntary, then it's mandatory. Get used to seeing checkpoints in the future, my guess is CA is going to pick you up by your ankles and give you a good shake to see if any change falls out of your pockets.

Gotta feed the beast you know.

[bohoki]

hmm every couple years i need a smog check seems to me that we should at least get a smog cert if we pass if there is a pentalty for failing

[Whitesmoke]

They had one of those setup in our city...one of our Public Works inspectors drove up and asked them if they had a street permit to close lanes of traffic. They did not...so he made them pick up and leave! LOL...I loved it...it was awesome.

[Lyte-]

I can understand DUI check points and Immigration check points but smog check points???

Do they test cars from out of state or out of the country??? They have different requirements then we do here in CA.

[bohoki]

I can understand DUI check points and Immigration check points but smog check points???

Do they test cars from out of state or out of the country??? They have different requirements then we do here in CA.

how can you understand stopping people without just cause?