Is it illegal to bribe a mechanic in this case? - 1

State is Virginia. Once a year you are required to have your motor vehicles inspected at a cost of $16 if you intend to operate it on public roadways. A pass sticker is displayed on your windshield showing when it is due for it's next inspection.

Or if it fails; the mechanic can either fix the issue(s) and then issue a pass sticker; or place a rejection sticker on the windshield that allows you 15 days to get the issue fixed where you can still drive it.

I have a 1969 Ford Galaxie. The inspection has to be done by September 30th.

When having unrelated work done by a mechanic I trust; I was told that while all the mechanical and safety issues are ship shape about my car; that it will NOT pass the "smog test" in September. The emissions test refers to how much smoke is coming from the tail pipe and is the only non-safety issue that is on the list for inspection in Virginia. The estimated cost from my regular mechanic? $1'384.86.

Well since it is not anything that is going to cause my vehicle to break down; what if I just bribed a mechanic to pass it? I know my regular mechanic wouldn't take a bribe; but I bet I could fine some young kid in his early 20s; who is just out of his trade school; at some low paying chain mechanic such as Pep Boys to falsely check the emissions test as "pass" and put the pass sticker on my car. In exchange for a $100 bill slipped into his shirt pocket of course.

Added (1). It would be one thing to take a bribe to pass a car with a mechanical issue; such as brakes.

But as far as the emissions test; would that be illegal? Could we be arrested?

Which vehicles require an emissions inspection?

Certain vehicles require a Virginia Emissions Inspection PASS or WAIVER before DMV can complete the registration process. The requirements are categorized by fuel type,

Gasoline-powered passenger or property carrying vehicles with a model year that is less than 25 model years old before January 1 of the current calendar year and with a manufacturer's designated gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less

I agree. In most states, a 45 year old car is exempt from inspection and smog check. Maybe you need an Antique license plate for that. I got an antique plate in Penna in 1986 and that car has not been inspected since.

Your car is exempt as it is more than 25 years old according to the Virginia DMV.

I duuno about your state but here in my state, they forego cars that are over 20 years old becasue they are considered "historic", therefore emission tests are not needed.

Believe me its done but if you have that car because its a classic muscle car you should pay the repair bill and keep that beauty on the road or sell it to somebody who will

I'm from va too buddy your mech. Is lieing your car is exempt from the smog test… Altho hes probly not lieing about is failing… But it don't matter if it passes or fails

Ask yourself what it's worth to take a bribe in your job?