California is truly a NAZI state....they've been trying to remove 'older cars' (their terms) for years....this is, of course, those that make $100K/yr plus saying this....and doesn't do ANYTHING to help the environment. Hell, there aren't even any SAFETY inspections, just your annual or bi-annual inspections for emissions.
As far as 'approved'....besides being 50 state legal it has to be CARB approved (not CAFE, but close Bill...lol).
NITROUS is illegal in addition to most other 'power adder' you can install. Older cars are not 'exempt' from harassment either. These cops when they get thier 'class' are FAR from any mechanic. I'd trust those that own older cars before these 'know it alls'....but then again, you get those few everywhere.
'Absolute power corrupts absolutely'
I had fun out in Cali for the few years I was there. But the 'car scene' got worse and worse, as we'd hang out in big shopping centers and we'd patronize the stores and fast food joints while there. For the most part we were allowed, til the imports and those with huge stereos would show up and basically ruin it for us. Then the few would go street race and when the cops showed up we ALL had to leave. Bummer....
THEN they close all the drag strips.....and them 'starting' a motorsports park complex has bee an issue for years. They have planners and financial backing, even had a location picked out, but there was still too much in the way of 'you'll lower property values'....hell, they had picked out a closed military base...WTF?
Weather is AWESOME....epecially in San Diego. I suggest everyone VISIT at least once. Food is an experience too...
But to get back on subject....yeah....they get nit-picky on everything...and finding a 'friendly' shop is becoming a thing of the past due to getting fined. There are a very few loopholes.....I know someone that knows them.
So for you all in NJ - it isn't as bad as it is in Cali, is it ? Even here in PA its getting bad for those around the 'large cities'....