Moving to California (smog question)

MikeDL · 10-31-2017, 06:31 AM

Looks like I'll be moving to California from the east coast soonish. Every time I think I sort of understand the rules, something (AB1274) changes the law or I hear of an issue I hadn't thought of (Euro VIN check). My car is a Euro '68 911T with a '73 2.4E MFI engine.

Thoughts?

somoney311 · somoney311's Garage

No issues since you have a vehicle and engine that is a MY 75 or prior. No SMOG restrictions or inspections to worry about.

I am not sure the regulations for a grey market import. I know that is a seperate issue and unrelated to SMOG or emissions inspections.

yelcab1 · 10-31-2017, 06:59 AM

I think a 68 is too old for any of the import requirements now. Bring it in with ease. I would not mention anything about a different than stock engine.

ossiblue · 10-31-2017, 07:04 AM

The previous two posts are incorrect.

The problem you face is that the car is a Euro car, not built for sale in the U.S. Here's the law regarding those cars, from the California Air Resources Board website:

"1968 model year to 1974 model year vehicles: California does not recommend the purchase or importation of these years of NON-USA vehicles, even if currently registered in another state. These vehicles require compliance with USEPA requirements in effect on the specific date of 11/15/1972. This provision when written, was considered by the California legislature as a gradual phase-out of very dirty "non-collectable" types of imports, as this specific requirement was understood to become increasingly difficult to meet. Today, this requirement, while not impossible to meet, would require testing expenses and modifications that far exceed most vehicles value and would make little sense from a collectors standpoint to attempt. Some limited exemptions apply to individuals moving to California with vehicles of these years registered in their home state for at least a year before moving to California. Contact us for more information." https://www.arb.ca.gov/html/master_faqs/vehicle_faqs/greymarket_cars_faq.htm

The bold portion is something you might want to pursue, being that you have the car registered in your home state. The latest law you mention in your post only applies to registration renewals, not initial registration in California. The provisions I mentioned limit many of us from buying cars from out of state if they were not originally built for U.S. import.

IMO, your situation doesn't look very good, but then, you may be able to get through if the agency doing the registration cannot verify the VIN as a Euro car. In Southern California, AAA is able to register out of state cars, avoiding the DMV (the same service is not available in Northern California through AAA.) Bringing the car and the title/paperwork from your old state to AAA may just get you through. Typically, they simply check the VIN on the car to verify that it matches the paperwork. The caveat is, once they "register" the car, the paperwork is sent off to Sacramento for the title, and it is there where the VIN may be checked and the whole thing comes to a halt. I have read threads on other forums where such a thing happened--they received a letter from the State saying that the registration was being held up until verification of compliance was completed.

IMO, you are on thin ice with this, and your best bet may be to call the DMV to see if you may have an exemption, or try to get through via AAA but expect the worst.

yelcab1 · 10-31-2017, 07:36 AM

Hm, my neighbor just brought in two 1970 Fiat 500 from Italy. ....
Those are definitely Euro cars.

ossiblue · 10-31-2017, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yelcab1

Hm, my neighbor just brought in two 1970 Fiat 500 from Italy. ....
Those are definitely Euro cars.

Well, I'm not saying it can't be done, just that there are legal restrictions that the OP needs to be aware of. It will certainly come down to the personnel who process the registration. If your neighbor imported two cars from Italy, that's great. He may have dodged the restrictions or maybe simply titled them. It is not difficult to get a California title but to get registered to drive on California roads is where the problems can arise.

MikeDL · 10-31-2017, 07:59 AM

It doesn't sound easy -- any suggestions would be appreciated.

My dad imported it from Europe in 85 and it's been registered here since. Fully restored, Haggerty insurance, driven <1k miles/year.

speedster911 · 10-31-2017, 11:59 AM

If your car is currently titled in another state, should not be a problem. As others have stated smog will not be required.

Assuming the car is running - make an appointment at DMV. You have 30 days after you move to the state, clock starts ticking as soon as you get a ticket in state or change your drivers license. They are dummies so you will need to guide them. They will require a physical inspection of the car - this amounts to dummy#2 ( you met dummy #1 when you waited in line for two hours because you had an appointment

) Dummy #2 shows up out back of DMV office with a clip board. You show them the vin on pillar, sticker in door and if you really want to overwhelm them, show them the vin in the frunk. Dummy#2, will then start looking for CA emissions sticker - you politely state pre 75 cars do not require smog in CA. They mumble, you hold your breath... they sign the paperwork and you go inside to stand in line again for another hour because Dummy #1 needs to schedule you in the system.

You sit and await your turn to meet dummy #3 about 30 minutes later who will ask why you don't have smog certificate. You remind the dummy pre75 cars do not require smog. They mumble... not sure what language the mumble is in, ...you hold your breath. .. they tell you what you owe the wonderful republic of CA.

You may also need to have with you several years of registration so Dummy #3 doesn't try and collect sales tax. I believe the law is under two years out of state ownership, you pay CA sales tax. Good Luck.

What ever you do , do not get a ticket in CA with out of state plates once you move here- the penalties are not worth it..

Ktm450exc · 10-31-2017, 12:37 PM

Bring your check book you’ll be fine!

yelcab1 · 10-31-2017, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedster911

...

You may also need to have with you several years of registration so Dummy #3 doesn't try and collect sales tax. I believe the law is under two years out of state ownership, you pay CA sales tax. Good Luck.

What ever you do , do not get a ticket in CA with out of state plates once you move here- the penalties are not worth it..

The law is you must have taken possession of your vehicle 1 whole year before trying to bring it into California. So if you bought a vehicle 6 months ago, and pay 5% sales tax in Indiana, then move that car to California, you get to pay the difference in sales tax between Cal and Indiana. In this case, that is 8-5= 3%

I just made up that Indiana rate.

Rodsrsr · Rodsrsr's Garage

DO NOT call the DMV to ask for an exemption, or even mention it. Your car is a 68 so it will be exempt from smog. The DMV clerks are not smog police and there is absolutely zero benefit in opening a can of worms on something that may or may not even be the case. I dont think it will even be an issue. You will need to bring the car in for a physical inspection as speedster911 points out, but they are only looking to make sure that the cars vin matches whats on the registration. Its a 1968....smog wont even be part of the conversation, period. Thats how my situation went.

Trackrash · Trackrash's Garage

When at the DMV, do not offer any information that they do not ask for. Play dumb.

How will they know it is a Euro VIN? The old Porsches had unique VINs anyway.

If you get a negative response from anyone at the DMV, leave before they put your information in the computer. Go to another DMV and try again. There are a lot of DMVs in California. It has been my experience that the clerks can fill in the blanks on their forms to your advantage if they want.

fanaudical · fanaudical's Garage

Interesting. I read this thread and the first thought I have is "Why would anyone move to California?". I'm sure you've got your reasons...

80nick · 10-31-2017, 06:35 PM

You will be fine. I just did it myself under similar circumstances. Your car is pre-smog, no need to smog it. I am drawing a blank, euro vins in 68 had the same number of digits as a US spec car right? Drive the car to the DMV and take off the plates in the parking lot. They will do a vin verification, you will probably have to tell them where the vin is. Like Gordon said, if it gets weird, get out of there, don't say anything unless they specifically ask, don't volunteer extra info.
N

yelcab1 · 11-01-2017, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fanaudical

Interesting. I read this thread and the first thought I have is "Why would anyone move to California?". I'm sure you've got your reasons...

You live in Oregon where they don't even let you pump your own gas.

There are plenty of good things about California. Smog police is just an irritant one puts up with to be here. And how many of us actually own anything pre-75 ?

David 23 · 11-01-2017, 07:03 AM

I registered my out of state cars at AAA. Easy, everything was completed there, and no DMV lines or wait.

4flyboy · 4flyboy's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedster911

If your car is currently titled in another state, should not be a problem. As others have stated smog will not be required.

Assuming the car is running - make an appointment at DMV. You have 30 days after you move to the state, clock starts ticking as soon as you get a ticket in state or change your drivers license. They are dummies so you will need to guide them. They will require a physical inspection of the car - this amounts to dummy#2 ( you met dummy #1 when you waited in line for two hours because you had an appointment

) Dummy #2 shows up out back of DMV office with a clip board. You show them the vin on pillar, sticker in door and if you really want to overwhelm them, show them the vin in the frunk. Dummy#2, will then start looking for CA emissions sticker - you politely state pre 75 cars do not require smog in CA. They mumble, you hold your breath... they sign the paperwork and you go inside to stand in line again for another hour because Dummy #1 needs to schedule you in the system.

You sit and await your turn to meet dummy #3 about 30 minutes later who will ask why you don't have smog certificate. You remind the dummy pre75 cars do not require smog. They mumble... not sure what language the mumble is in, ...you hold your breath. .. they tell you what you owe the wonderful republic of CA.

You may also need to have with you several years of registration so Dummy #3 doesn't try and collect sales tax. I believe the law is under two years out of state ownership, you pay CA sales tax. Good Luck.

What ever you do , do not get a ticket in CA with out of state plates once you move here- the penalties are not worth it..

Speedster,

As a former Cali resident of 30 years.....I wish I'd said that.

Awesome. Scott