CA SMOG Testing: Anyone Have Trouble w/Non-CA Class A?

[TechWriter]

I'm a CA resident thinking of buying an out-of-state gasser Class A. Should I be hesitant or is this not really an issue?

[Chum_lee]

D.E.Bishop wrote:
Contrary to what has been said here, there are vehicles that are not made to be sold in CA. Some states require EPA Cats, CA requires CARB Cats. It extends past this and you need to check the VIN and maybe with a CA. smog shop.

Out of state vehicles are shipped to, and registered in California all the time. I've done it many times. To be more correct, IMO, what you mean is that NEW (the key word here is "NEW") vehicles that are not CARB compliant cannot be originally sold as new in California. This applies to motorcycles, generators, lawn mowers, and lots of other liquid fueled equipment as well.

As long as out of state US vehicles meet the USEPA standards (for US markets) they were originally designed for, generally they can be imported as used vehicles to California with a "little" extra red tape. There may be some specific exceptions to this so it's best to check with DMV first. Have the year, make, model, engine code size/type, and VIN number ready when you call. See "grey market" cars. This mainly concerns non-US imported vehicles, but, if there's will, there's usually a way to do it. It it worth it? IMO, not always.

See:

https://www.motortrend.com/vehicle-genres/porsche-959-california-legal-2020-amelia-island-details-photos/


The article states that above referenced vehicle needed over $500,000 worth of modifications, fees, permits, etc., to become legal in California. But, . . . . it did happen!


Chum lee

[D_E_Bishop]

Contrary to what has been said here, there are vehicles that are not made to be sold in CA. Some states require EPA Cats, CA requires CARB Cats. It extends past this and you need to check the VIN and maybe with a CA. smog shop.

[fyrflie]

Start here
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/how-to-9-register-a-vehicle-from-out-of-state-nonresident-vehicle/

[Y-Guy]

With all the catalytic converter thefts double check it's the original. The non-CARB compliant ones are close to 1/3 the price of a CARB compliant catalytic converter.

[jjj]

Most gas vehicles are 50 state smog legal. I bought a 2002 ford f 350 dually in 2005 from a ford dealer. Found out it was a nevada truck. Has been registered and smogged in cali since I bought it and has passed every time. I still own it and is going this year for another test.But I would still check on it. Make sure nothing has been altered.

[jdc1]

Call a local California smog shop.