can any car over 25 years old be imported into california? | FerrariChat
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can any car over 25 years old be imported into california?

Discussion in '308/328' started by fly275, Jun 9, 2015.

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  1. fly275

    fly275 Karting

    Dec 27, 2009
    72
    Midwest USA
    #1 fly275, Jun 9, 2015
    I understand newer cars have to pass emmisions test in the state of california. My questions are do older cars (over 25 years) have to pass also? Can you import a non US 328 into the state? If the car is over 25 years and some of the hardware is missing, is it acceptable? So i guess what are the rules and pitfalls?
     
  2. sburke

    sburke Formula 3

    Dec 21, 2010
    1,273
    Lake Norman, NC
    #2 sburke, Jun 9, 2015
    You can import anything over that 25 year mark but are still on the hook for any local laws such as emissions.
     
  3. 308gt4++

    308gt4++ Formula 3

    Apr 12, 2015
    1,245
    #3 308gt4++, Jun 9, 2015
    Last edited: Jun 9, 2015
    Check this link out, I hope it helps....

    https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1dmy&urile=wcm:path:/dmv_content_en/dmv/pubs/reg_hdbk/ch12/ch12_15

    Edit: Well that link above seems mainly about importing newer vehicles, (although it does mention >25 years old in one spot)...here's another link...but...if you do a web search of something like "california import 25 years old emissions" you will find an answer...I know that I've found this answer in the past with a web search...also, you can indeed look through the laws on the Calif DMV pages...they indeed do generally have the info needed, in there somewhere anyway....

    Vehicle Importation: Understanding the 25 Year Old Rule
     
  4. fly275

    fly275 Karting

    Dec 27, 2009
    72
    Midwest USA
    #4 fly275, Jun 9, 2015
    Because 1975 or newer cars are subject to direct import laws in california. I guess my question should of been "is a 50 state US legal 328 with all of its original hardware in place easy to import into CA without further expense". Is a euor car or a modified car trouble in certain citys or areas? Do they sniff the exhaust cold and hot on these imports and extract money for repairs? Or because of what they are do they get a pass?
     
  5. fly275

    fly275 Karting

    Dec 27, 2009
    72
    Midwest USA
    #5 fly275, Jun 9, 2015
    I know I miss spelled "euro" (this old man does not type enough)
     
  6. redline76

    redline76 Formula Junior

    Feb 26, 2008
    355
    Venice, CA
    Full Name:
    Warren V
    #6 redline76, Jun 9, 2015
    The short answer is yes, you shouldn't have any problems provided it was originally a US-sold car and it still has all its emissions equipment that it was sold with.

    Tuned well, 308 QV/328s can be fairly clean vehicles and pass smog easily.

    Warren.
     
  7. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,572
    Gates Mills, Ohio
    Full Name:
    Jon
    #7 Bullfighter, Jun 9, 2015
    50-state cars are fine.
    Euro cars are not, unless they are modified to US spec and have a BAR sticker. There are rural areas that have different requirements, but the cities have stringent clean air regulations.
    Cars with modifications that affect emissions are not OK here.

    No special privileges for Ferraris, Porsches, etc. They all get hooked up to the same testing equipment. Older cars aren't required to meet the same standards as a current model year car, though -- i.e., my '85 and '87 Ferraris both passed smog standards for those model years, even if they aren't as clean-running as a 458, 991, etc.
     
  8. sammyf

    sammyf Formula Junior

    Aug 13, 2004
    255
    Northern California
    #8 sammyf, Jun 9, 2015
    Even with all the factory hardware intact, you need to realize that the catalysts in the catalytic converter MAY be weak after 30 years and thus necessitate a replacement in order to pass CA smog.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  9. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,572
    Gates Mills, Ohio
    Full Name:
    Jon
    #9 Bullfighter, Jun 9, 2015
    True, and not any aftermarket cat but an OEM spec one.
     
  10. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
    Consultant

    Nov 29, 2001
    13,384
    San Carlos, CA
    Full Name:
    Mitchell Le
    #10 yelcab, Jun 9, 2015
    Any Ferrari imported into California must pass smog if it is 76 or newer. 328 is good. Forget any Euro Qv. Very hard.
     
  11. Brian A

    Brian A F1 Rookie

    Dec 21, 2012
    3,129
    SanFrancisco BayArea
    Full Name:
    1983 US 308 GTS QV
    #11 Brian A, Jun 9, 2015
    When I was chasing 308s and unclear about the rules, I phoned the California DMV. I was pleasantly surprised to find the person I talked to knowledgeble, friendly and keen to help. You might give them a call.
     

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