A bill (H.B. 2357) to exempt qualified collectible vehicles 15 years old and older from the state’s mandatory emissions inspection and maintenance program has been signed into law by Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. Under the new law, qualifying vehicles would have to maintain appropriate collectible or classic automobile insurance to retain these benefits.
The new law:
- Defines collectible vehicles as 15 years old or older, OR of unique or rare design, of limited production and an object of curiosity and maintained primarily for car club activities, exhibitions, parades, etc. and is used infrequently for other purposes.
- Provides for a rolling 15-year emissions inspection exemption that would exempt qualifying vehicles upon enactment and would pick up an additional model year for each year the law is in effect.
- Provides for an emissions inspection exemption for collectible vehicles for which the owner holds appropriate insurance coverage.
- Acknowledges the relatively minimal environmental impact of older vehicles, such as the older vehicles targeted for this exemption.
- Recognizes that such vehicles constitute a small portion of the vehicle fleet and are well-maintained and infrequently operated.
Congratulations again to all of the Arizona hobbyists whose hard work and perseverance made this new law a reality.