Registering a euro car in CA from out of state

if its a 1974 and registered in another state you won't have any issues. You'll have to take the car to the dmv or your chp/sherrif office for a cursory inspection (verify vin number, etc., no smog).

 

I've been combing through it as well as I purchased a car in europe that will be here soon and I've been trying to figure out what I'll run into at the DMV. I don't think the dmv website explains the pre 1975 exemption well at all.

From what I understand, pre 1975 and if its registered in another state, then the process is pretty normal

pre 1975 and never registered in the US, odds are the process should be normal but even the dmv person may get confused with the rules. You need to show DOT and EPA papers. Technically a 68 through 1975 car still needs to go through the CARB process but I've heard from other importers that CARB won't be needed.

1975 and up, the content you are referring to applies. Some "49 state" cars can never be road registered in California. Others can be if you go through the CARB process.

the above is how i've come to understand the rules. I would just take the other state title / reg and your forms and not mention "euro"

 

I am looking forward to seeing a definitive answer to this question. My hunch is you're going to get lucky with a model year '75 and earlier. I have been looking into California DMV rules a bit since I bought a house out there last year and I am very close to concluding that I will not bring my '85 QV Euro to California with me if I end up moving there...

 

Register it in Montana for a few years first.

 

That will get you rolled by any CHP.

 

FVMSS goes back to 1966 I got flagged for a 1967 Alfa GTV to go to a smog test. Pm me.

 

You said the car spent most it's life in CA so was it previously registered here? If so, that will set a precedent and help with reregistration. If no, then I think this will be a hassle regardless of age.

 

If it has a California BAR sticker you are good to go. Check the door jamb for this silver sticker with the calif seal on it.

 

the bigger question is Rob are you buying a 74 Euro Dino?!!

 

My guess that pre 1975 you should be OK with regards to smog and BAR/CARB cluster$%!# which relates to the State issues. That is the end all date for all concerns related to emissions. Federalization of the car still needs to have been done and can be supported with EPA/DOT paperwork. Should be doable but a real PITA. Good Luck

 

If you have a CA title just go register it at AAA not DMV

 

It dont work like that anymore. Thanks to some people who really mucked it up for the rest of us. DMV graymarket division has vin#'s and info on this.

 

What do you mean by flagged to go to a smog test? By whom? What happened at the test?

 

I think you're right. You'd have to make all the mods to make it identical to a US car and then you STILL might not pass the actual exhaust emissions test. Better to leave it as Ferrari intended and get a US car if you want one.

 

My experience on several pre 75 cars brought into california is that the dmv inspection process and form (the one that has a section for "US federalization certification lable status") is barely addressed because of the cars age. I recently brought a modern car into state and the inspection was a little more involved looking for all the stickers, but with the old cars all they seem to do is check that the vin number on the car matches what you have on the application and verify the odometer reading. They look at the engine (but I have no idea what they actually look at) and then sign off the form and you can go get registered.

 

Stop worrying !

 

why.

 

I'd just go to AAA with title and attempt to register it saying that it was previously in CA. They may just be able to give you the new title and registration with little fanfare especially since smog isn't an issue. If that doesn't work leave and go back to the drawing board.

 

why don't you post what the car is, maybe there are others with the same car and went through bringing it into CA and can give you more confidence

 

Really?

My 1956 Porsche 356 is from Connecticut. No inspections of any kind required, because the car had no smog equipment. The dealer just took the title to the local DMV and they issued one in my name.

I didn't think anything prior to 1975(6?) ever needed a smog test here.