When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Yeah, but then we'd be outside California. Can't live there. Am loving the California lifestyle!
Seriously, you live in the state; you enjoy the state's freeways, services, schools, etc.; you pay the sales tax to the state. What's the problem.
I do agree that it makes no sense smog testing a brand new car. I didn't have to do this with my museum-delivered C6 purchased through Rick Conti. However, it took me forever to find the sticker proclaiming it California-worthy. Turned out that it was on the hinge to the hood. Odd placement!
Got my Brand New C7 trucked in from a Dealer in Mississippi.
Took it to a local Test Only Smog Station the next day.
The guy asked me why I needed the Car Smog checked, so I told him about the silly CA Smog Test Requirement for BRAND NEW out of State Cars. He just shook his head in disbelief and took my money.
It was the first and only C7 he had tested. Passed without a hitch.
Next Day I had my CA DMV Appointment. They inspected the Car, took my $5,500 for Sales / Use Tax and License Fees and gave me my Plates. Still waiting for the Vanity Plates to arrive, then I switch them.
Piece of cake and a whole bunch of Cash, but it got done. After I took the Car on its first real drive up PCH to Laguna Beach with the Targa Top removed, any hassle was a distant memory...
Last edited by Second Vette; Jan 23, 2014 at 03:50 AM.
You are partially correct. California's rules apply to Both new AND used vehicles with less than 7,500 miles on the odometer. Below is a qoute taken directly off California's DMV website:
Definition of a nonresident vehicle
A nonresident vehicle was last registered outside the state of California. Anyone who brings a vehicle into California, or purchases a nonresident vehicle while in California, should be aware of the registration requirements.
NOTE:California law prohibits California residents or businesses from importing and/or registering a new vehicle with less than 7,500 miles at the time of purchase unless it meets or is exempt from California emission standards. If you acquire a 49-State vehicle (manufactured for all states except California) from another state or country, you may not be able to register your vehicle in California.
Reference:Health & Safety Code Section 43151(A)
I bought a car in another state, and when I went to register it, they said no - it needed 7500 miles (it had about 2000 at the time). I said, no prob - I'll put on a few thousand on it and come back later. The pissy little clerk said, "no - I put the VIN in the system. You can never register this car in this state." I said, "Help me out a little. What am I supposed to do?" Mr. Pissy said, "Remove the car from the state." I started climbing over the counter, when security came and pulled me back (Mr. Pissy was VERY afraid!). So we went in the back to talk it out…..and indeed, Mr. Pissy had entered the VIN as illegal into the system. And I had to sell the car in another state. I HATE CA DMV!
I had a Z51 on order in with Kerbeck. But constraints, no dealer willing to do a courtesy drop (or show any courtesy at all), and the memory of Mr. Pissy at the DMV gave me pause.
Update to my 11/21 post. The smog test only station was able to plug into and test my C7 no problem. Unlike my C6 in 2008 when they had to override because the smog computer would not communicate with the car.
I brought my car into CA from Ohio this month. It had the 50state/CA designator on the Emissions sticker.
I SMOG'd the car and took everything to DMV. They pushed it right through without issue. They never even asked for the SMOG! I had it just in case, but never needed it.
I will be bringing a new Stingray into Cal. from Atlanta on Monday. I was not sure what the hoops were that are required. Sounds like just get a smog and pay $$ and I'm good to go. Thanks for all the info guys.
All US based C7's are California emissions legal. I repeat, all US C7's are 50 state/CARB legal. If you buy out of state and the car is delivered out of state and not ordered for California, you will need a DMV inspection and a smog certificate to get it registered. A minor inconvenience. I know this process holds true for new cars however if you buy used, the car may need a certain amount of miles on it before you can register it in Cal. If you order for California delivery, there is a notation in the Vin registry system that bypasses the need for inpection and the smog check.
My car was purchased from dealer stock in NJ. I had it shipped to my house and had to get the MDV inspect and smog check but that is it. There was even a sticker on the hood that indicates California Smog compliancy despite the fact that my car wasn't ordered for Cal.
All US based C7's are California emissions legal. I repeat, all US C7's are 50 state/CARB legal. If you buy out of state and the car is delivered out of state and not ordered for California, you will need a DMV inspection and a smog certificate to get it registered. A minor inconvenience. I know this process holds true for new cars however if you buy used, the car may need a certain amount of miles on it before you can register it in Cal. If you order for California delivery, there is a notation in the Vin registry system that bypasses the need for inpection and the smog check.
My car was purchased from dealer stock in NJ. I had it shipped to my house and had to get the MDV inspect and smog check but that is it. There was even a sticker on the hood that indicates California Smog compliancy despite the fact that my car wasn't ordered for Cal.
Thanks. A bit on inconvenience but I'm saving a ton so it is worth it.
I brought my car into CA from Ohio this month. It had the 50state/CA designator on the Emissions sticker.
I SMOG'd the car and took everything to DMV. They pushed it right through without issue. They never even asked for the SMOG! I had it just in case, but never needed it.
I did the same thing the first week of June this year. DMV never asked for the smog paperwork which I had. Either they didn't need it or the smog station submitted it electronically. I should have asked.
Smog is electronically sent to DMV. Also, I just spoke with the dealer and they say the 2014 Stingray's are all 50 state certified and they have had several go to Calif. with no issues. I have my fingers crossed.
Unless the Car is a Registered Communist / Democrat it will not be allowed into CA.
If it's an Unregistered Illegal Invader, CA will pay you to bring it in, as long as your entire Family is in the Car at the time.
The Jury is still out on Libertarian Cars, but the DMV will probably look the other way if you have a Bong that matches the Car's Paint Job..
If it's a Republican C7, turn around and move to Texas. Just not Austin or Houston.
In all seriousness, every C7 comes with CA Compliant Sticker under the Hood.
Brought my C7 from MS. Just did a Smog at the local guy and took it to the DMV.
To the OP, you will love the Car, not matter where you buy it.
Last edited by Second Vette; Jul 8, 2014 at 08:52 PM.
im old enough to probably be lucky enough that before the disease that is rampant on the west coast spreads to red clay hills of north ga i will have passed on to the happy hunting grounds of the great beyond where one prays that liberals either are not allowed in or have the necessary adjustments applied to their souls before they cross over....
im old enough to probably be lucky enough that before the disease that is rampant on the west coast spreads to red clay hills of north ga i will have passed on to the happy hunting grounds of the great beyond where one prays that liberals either are not allowed in or have the necessary adjustments applied to their souls before they cross over....
we are the government and we are here to help...
I'm old and I've got Leukemia. I might just beat you to it.
I did get a smog test on my car. Took everything to DMV today. The did a vehicle inspection to verify the VIN and the emission sticker. All OK. Went inside and paid the outrageous fees and got my tabs. Just as everyone said. I was able to transfer my personalized plates at the same time. Nothing money can't fix.
Outrageous, I guess they have to have some way to pay for all the services for illegals. Don
Not all counties are 8.25%. Some are higher. This used to be a great state 30 years ago. Now it pretty much sucks except for the weather.
And in regard to response above:
"Who knows if these crazy rules are intentionally written to protect CA dealers or if the politicians who write them just don't understand the unintended consequences.", I would reply that I question whether we have any politicians who really care.
