can you get an out of state car registered in CA?

[mytrplseven]

I am thinking of moving to California and don't want to part with my baby. What's the issue with getting a car to pass smog and register in California?

[TrailRider]

I think you technically have 30 days to smog and register your car once you move to the state. I believe if you have problems passing smog, you should be able to register your car as non-op while you work to get it smogged.

Does your car have a catalytic converter? You'll need one of those... When is the last time the O2 sensor has been changed? Is your intake stock?

[Mike_944]

I just went through this with my car that I got shipped from Michigan to California.
Check it out!!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-924-944-968-technical-forum/779602-failed-smog-idle.html

[flash968]

it's not hard. i've done it a few times. there are 2 inspections. one is at DMV. the other is a smog check.

at DMV:
the numbers must match.
they will check for tinted windows, and any other prohibited items, as well as check for required items (like seat belts)

smog check:
the emissions equipment must be in place, OEM, and functional.
it must meet the emissions standards.

[mytrplseven]

Any idea what the smog checks cost and typical registration and plate costs? Mine is an '87 944 N/A, totally stock.

[Cajundaddy]

Smog inspect is $50ish if it passes. Plates and reg should be about $100 depending on the value of the car. As long as it runs clean and safety gear is in place this is not a big deal.

[mytrplseven]

I wonder if there's anywhere in Florida where I could do a sampling of my emissions per the California rules for existing comparison. Hmmmm We used to do emissions testing here until the "talking heads" realised that because of the constant changing of the winds over Florida, there was no stagnant air to polute.

[flash968]

emissions testing is an ever changing animal. since 2010, it is based on bi-annual area testing. each state can determine whether to do it by zip code, county, or region, but it is still done. if the air quality dips below a certain level, then the same kind of testing done here in california comes into play. as populations increase, the air quality decreases. so, while there may not be testing some place today, it does not mean that there won't be next year. of course, there is also the state by state determination as to when a car ages out of testing. some states stop at 20 years. here in california, it isn't an age, and anything after 1975 must still undergo testing.

it is possible that some place in florida has testing. i would expect that miami might, or maybe orlando.

[emoore924]

I'm NEVER moving to California. Never. Nope. Not ever.

[flash968]

lol - i can't imagine living anywhere else. where else could you go to the beach for a jog in the morning, be snow skiing by noon, and be back on your yacht for dinner?

[pc100porsche]

If you need a good wrench in LA :

Marco Gerace and his dad Tony at TLG.
13222 Raymer St, North Hollywood, CA 91605
818-982-7610
marco@tlgauto.com

[Gawernator]

My registration was like $89, only differences I know if is the cat converter and heated O2 sensor (3 wires)

Hope you don't like guns. Keep them secret.

[mytrplseven]

Originally Posted by flash968

emissions testing is an ever changing animal. since 2010, it is based on bi-annual area testing. each state can determine whether to do it by zip code, county, or region, but it is still done. if the air quality dips below a certain level, then the same kind of testing done here in california comes into play. as populations increase, the air quality decreases. so, while there may not be testing some place today, it does not mean that there won't be next year. of course, there is also the state by state determination as to when a car ages out of testing. some states stop at 20 years. here in california, it isn't an age, and anything after 1975 must still undergo testing.

it is possible that some place in florida has testing. i would expect that miami might, or maybe orlando.

Nope the whole state is done with smog checks. I guess they figure that the air changes here all the time so there's no threat.

[mytrplseven]

Originally Posted by flash968

lol - i can't imagine living anywhere else. where else could you go to the beach for a jog in the morning, be snow skiing by noon, and be back on your yacht for dinner?

I hear you. I was living and working in the Bay Area and the options were endless. I do miss it.

[flash968]

they may be done FOR NOW. they don't have a choice though. it's federal law. the states don't have a say in the matter. if the EPA finds air quality below a certain standard, the testing will be implemented. no way around it. even here in california, there are areas that are exempt. it was a zip code by zip code thing until 2012. now i think it's a county by county thing. not sure. like i said, things change every year.

so far, i guess the air has been clean enough there - lol- or the weather bad enough - wind sucks - (yes i get the ironic joke)

i love the bay area. i miss it too. it has changed a lot since i left though.

[Gawernator]

I'm getting tired of the Bay Area politics and taxes/prices etc... but it's still very lovely here and lots to do, great weather! Plenty of cute Latinas and FOB's if you're into that LOL

Bob, the testing is by county.

[alan6272]

i love nc, we obd cars 1996 up and 1979 to 1995 safety only. This keeps the unsafe cars made safe and doesn't empty the wallet either.

[mytrplseven]

Originally Posted by alan6272

i love nc, we obd cars 1996 up and 1979 to 1995 safety only. This keeps the unsafe cars made safe and doesn't empty the wallet either.

OBD?

[Gawernator]

OBDII... instead of actually checking exhaust smog you just check the onboard computer to say everything is good all sensors good

[mytrplseven]

Oh, yeah. I remember that came up recently. I just forgot. Thanks