Can I register a Canadian Vette in California?

RamjetVette · 01-06-2003, 12:07 PM

I have been looking at a 99 C5 up in Canada but I don't know if I can get it registered in CA. Does anybody know the hassles with this? I went to the DMV web site and saw...

NOTE: California law prohibits importing and/or registering a new vehicle (one 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 (vehicle manufactured for all states except California) from another state or country and do not qualify for one of the exemptions, you cannot register your vehicle and must immediately remove it from this state. You may purchase a One-Trip Permit to do so.

Reference: Health & Safety Code Section 43151(A)

How do I tell if the car meets "California Emission standards"? I think the car was first sold in Canada. Maybe all I need is a smog check? Anybody got any ideas what is required here? Thx!
:seeya

Jim91Vert · 01-06-2003, 02:40 PM

Does the vette you are considering have less then 7500 miles?

RamjetVette · 01-06-2003, 02:48 PM

Nope, it is a 99 with ~30K.

Wicked C5 · 01-06-2003, 03:02 PM

Not worth the hassele.

Jim91Vert · 01-06-2003, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Nope, it is a 99 with ~30K.

Then my understanding of the law is as long as it passes a smog test you'll be OK.

HummelS · 01-06-2003, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Then my understanding of the law is as long as it passes a smog test you'll be OK.

:iagree: It should pass with no problems, as long as it's stock. Warranty can also be an issue on newer 'vettes brought in from Canada (see Ken's newsletters). Doesn't sound like that would be an issue here.

Caboboy · 01-06-2003, 09:56 PM

Quote:

unless it meets or is exempt from California Emission standards.

Can you imagine the "Fair Trade" issues if Calif. arbitrarily denied other States' vehicles w/o regard to emissions standards? I think you're OK if it passes smog. Have it tested and compare the results to California's requirements.
That being said, I agree with Wicked :cheers:

larrysb · 01-06-2003, 10:18 PM

Since it has 7500 miles, then there's no requirement that it was built for California.

How to tell if a car was built to California emissions standards:

1. Open hood.

2. Locate emissions label.

3. Look for the word "California". It must actually say the word "California" somewhere in the text of the label. If it just says, "Federal" that's not good enough.

Pipes · 01-09-2003, 01:33 PM

It :bs like this that makes me want to leave the state. :smash:

But the weather and all-year round :steering: keep me in this hotel (Calif)! :)

[Modified by EricVonZipper, 9:35 AM 1/9/2003]