Jon, the rules you refer to apply only to commercial vehicles, except that new vehicles/engines sold in the state must comply once the rules take effect. I understand that new Prevost/Volvo and MCI buses comply already, or will by the effective date of the regulations. Implementation of these rules, even for new sales, has been postponed to 2014 and is under consideration for additional revision.

As anyone who has driven here knows, many roads in California are in deplorable, even embarasing condition. Interstate 5 is almost impassable in places. Some have argued that is due our wise passage of laws that prevent imposition of adequate taxes, but I don't want to get all political. Anyway, I would think that the bad condition of the roads and attendant risk to life, limb and bus would provide stronger motivation to stay away than disagreement with the prevailing political views in the state. Everyone is certainly welcome to visit our breathakingly beautiful state, but anyone who does stay away just keeps the roads from getting a little worse for those of us who live here.

p.s.: Not sure if it disqualifies me from posting here, but I must disclose that I recently traded in my old bus on a super nice "plastic" coach. I confess that I miss the attention that comes from driving a Prevost, but the new rig just works better for the way we use it than would a newer Prevost, and is way less expensive. I'll be back, though. Looking forward to get back into the club as I get closer to retirement.

Still lurking on this site...