CA Smog and importing a vehicle from out of state.

[basalt51]

What do you have to do to import a vehicle from another state into california. Does the smog equipment have to be modified?

 

[karstic]

http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/noncaveh/noncaveh.htm

 

[basalt51]

Thats for new cars. The requirements for used vehicles just says you have to get it registered (duh), have the VIN # verified, pay the fees, and get it smogged.

It's the smog part I'm wondering about. I don't know what the smog test is based on. Is it based on CA standards or the standard for the vehicle's current state? Is there a visual inspection too? If so what is that based on?

Or is it basically just easy if the engine is in relatively good condition.

 

[fasty]

No, It doesnt neccessary to modified smog. I bought a '89 VW Jetta GLi 16v from NY where it has less restrict smog and I brought to california. They usually charge you 300 dollars fee and smog test.

I compared one of my friend '91 Jetta GL 8v california version has emission and EGR, mine none EGR and only 3 emission.

 

[dyna]

I just went through it with a diesel truck from oregon. Calif abolished the $300 fee some years ago and for anyone who ever paid it you can be reimbursed for getting screwed. You must have the production emissions sticker under the hood that states "california emissions equipted" or something of this wording. If not they will not pass it thru. The vehicle willl have to be modified to pass Ca emissions.

 

[basalt51]

I just went through it with a diesel truck from oregon. Calif abolished the $300 fee some years ago and for anyone who ever paid it you can be reimbursed for getting screwed. You must have the production emissions sticker under the hood that states "california emissions equipted" or something of this wording. If not they will not pass it thru. The vehicle willl have to be modified to pass Ca emissions.

Thanks Dyna. So are most states "CA emmissions equiped", are most not, is it a crap shoot?

 

[wolfheartak]

Thanks Dyna. So are most states "CA emmissions equiped", are most not, is it a crap shoot?

If your car is made for sale in all 50 US states (I think it says on the info sticker under the hood where it was made for sale in), you should be ok so long as there's nothing wrong and you haven't modified whatever they look at.

I had a 98 Civic that I bought in AK and when I moved to CA I just went to the smog place, they did their thing and got the vin verified and I was good to go. That was about a year ago.

-Marisha

 

[dyna]

It seems these days the 49 state deal is gone. Most states are leaning towards the stiricter laws following cali. I was told all the diesels after 95 or 96 will pass ca emissions, not sure on gassers. Just make sure it is Ca smog compliant or youll probably have to deal with a real nightmare. Even with new stuff it cant be brought in with less than 7500 miles on the odo. Why this is I dont know if its ca legal. Suppose the state just wants the tax revenue from a new sale?