Out of state (California) purchase CARB question...

[Calspeed]

Hi,

I have located several vehicles not in California that look very interesting and I may be inclined to purchase. But what are the legalities that I may run into?

Are all modern Porsche vehicles 50 State legal. Or are there still 49 State cars being sold?

I have purchased classics from AZ and have had no issues. But what about newer cars? Like a 997 or maybe a 964?

Thanks folks!

Miguel (#hoping.to.get.into.a.911.again.soon)
San Francisco, California

[dicklague]

Originally Posted by Calspeed

Hi,

I have located several vehicles not in California that look very interesting and I may be inclined to purchase. But what are the legalities that I may run into?

Are all modern Porsche vehicles 50 State legal. Or are there still 49 State cars being sold?

I have purchased classics from AZ and have had no issues. But what about newer cars? Like a 997 or maybe a 964?

Thanks folks!

Miguel (#hoping.to.get.into.a.911.again.soon)
San Francisco, California

I just went through this with a 2000 Saab Aero Wagon. From 1996 model on all cars imported into the USA had to be 50 state legal. There is a sticker in the engine compartment that says this. It will also say California legal in the fine print.

[Avanti]

Just to add, Even if pre-96 model year, CA would test and smog a 49 state car as such and apply those emission standards. No problem.

[Calspeed]

Ok. Thanks

[fastdiablo]

you need a CARB stamped cat and you'll pass the smog test assuming a tuned car with no major issues.

[Manda Racing]

Yeah, real pain if you have aftermarket cats. I'd check those cats for stamps. Or absolutely factory.

And then I have a shop telling me my 930 must have cats because his book says so. And there's a 79'non- cat sticker but doesn't matter. I'm not complying.

[Calspeed]

Originally Posted by fastdiablo

you need a CARB stamped cat and you'll pass the smog test assuming a tuned car with no major issues.

Okay.... so what if I decide to buy a 1972 911. The car is located outside of California and has always been a 49 State car. (assuming all cars prior to 86 are 49 State cars)

Is this going to be a problem bringing this car into California? I would think not. I did buy a 1970 Mercedes 280S from AZ and it was just an appointment with DMW to do an inspection and DONE!

So, with the 911, it should be the same, yes?

Maybe I am psyching myself out only because I really want an early Porsche. So, thoughts?

[Matt Monson]

72 is considered vintage and smog exempt. Registration will be easy.

[PCA7GGR]

Ditto on no restrictions on pre-74 and factory cats on post.

[DonNewton]

75 and earlier. . .

[Calspeed]

Thanks folks!

[speedster911]

75 and earlier in CA. when you take to DMV to get CA license the only thing they required to check is the VIN.

I have had DVM question items ( exhaust and carbs) - but told inspector i could do what ever I wanted on 75 and older cars and they shrug their shoulders, give me paperwork and collect their money.

Any 997 would be CA legal- but be cautious on aftermarket exhaust or tuning that might cause vehicle to not pass smog.

[ossiblue]

Originally Posted by Matt Monson

72 is considered vintage and smog exempt. Registration will be easy.

Originally Posted by PCA7GGR

Ditto on no restrictions on pre-74 and factory cats on post.

Originally Posted by DonNewton

75 and earlier. . .

Not exactly correct^^.

1975 and earlier model year cars are exempt from testing, not from compliance with smog regulations. That means such a car, when first registered, will not have to be submitted to a smog test. In other words, if the state doesn't test, it will never know if the car is compliant. In the real world, this translates into not having to worry about what is or is not in the engine compartment, but technically, it must still comply. If, for some reason the state requires an inspection of your engine, it will need to comply with the smog regulations at the time of production.

Out of state cars between the model year 1968-75 must have been originally produced for sale in the U.S. to be allowed in without testing. They must have the federal compliance sticker, they cannot be grey market or ROW cars. If they are, they must submit to special testing and be retrofitted to meet compliance standards that were in effect. This regulation applies even if the car has been registered and titled in any other state. To register it in California, it must have been manufactured for the U.S. market. The reality is, if your car is in that category, it is usually cost prohibitive to have it made compliant.

To the OP. If the car is a '72 911 originally sold in the U.S., you will have no issues. If it can be identified as ROW, there may be problems.