Car registration in California

[Bobby_Drake]

I'm getting a few different answers from work and wanted to see what the rule really is in CA. So I bought my M6 out of state and now I need to register it in CA. I was told no smog by a few but some ppl told me I need smog before registration. It is 2014 M6 GC with 5500 miles. According to DMV site, any vehicle with less than 7500 miles is considered NEW, and I understand new vehicles don't need smog. Anyone care to chime in?

[docapl]

I have done this a few times, If it was purchased out of state it will need a smog test certificate and a VIN verification from either the DMV, AAA, or police officer.

[Bobby_Drake]

Originally Posted by docapl

I have done this a few times, If it was purchased out of state it will need a smog test certificate and a VIN verification from either the DMV, AAA, or police officer.

So regardless of the miles, it looks like I'll need a smog before DMV registration?

[docapl]

Yes - regardless of miles

[Bobby_Drake]

Originally Posted by docapl

Yes - regardless of miles

Fair enough. Thank you.

[omegaSMP300]

Originally Posted by docapl

I have done this a few times, If it was purchased out of state it will need a smog test certificate and a VIN verification from either the DMV, AAA, or police officer.

I second that. Done it several times myself.

[Bobby_Drake]

Thanks for all the input. Got the M6 smogged and registered. However, the CA DMV collected more $$$, since State of IL didn't tax me enough. lol.

[omegaSMP300]

Originally Posted by Bobby_Drake

Thanks for all the input. Got the M6 smogged and registered. However, the CA DMV collected more $$$, since State of IL didn't tax me enough. lol.

Lame no? The dealer should have told you that would happen. Not all states collect tax on used car purchases CA is a pain when it comes to car fees etc. Need a residence in OR!

[Bobby_Drake]

Originally Posted by omegaSMP300

Lame no? The dealer should have told you that would happen. Not all states collect tax on used car purchases CA is a pain when it comes to car fees etc. Need a residence in OR!

Yes, I need a residence in a different state especially one where Front plates are NOT needed.

[omegaSMP300]

Originally Posted by Bobby_Drake

Yes, I need a residence in a different state especially one where Front plates are NOT needed.

I never have a front plate. I've never had any issues thankfully. It's a petty thing to pull someone over for when there are plenty of people speeding dangerously.

[Bobby_Drake]

Originally Posted by omegaSMP300

I never have a front plate. I've never had any issues thankfully. It's a petty thing to pull someone over for when there are plenty of people speeding dangerously.

I second that.

[RiverRunner]

Originally Posted by Bobby_Drake

Yes, I need a residence in a different state especially one where Front plates are NOT needed.

Arizona, no front plate needed, no smog in most areas of AZ. Registration cost is about the same as CA, but CA is going up soon, so it will be more of an advantage.

[SheaButter]

In California I am pretty sure that if your car is 4 years old or less, you aren't required to smog. If you need a smog hookup shoot me a PM. I am catless and "pass" my smog

Cheers!

[Bobby_Drake]

Originally Posted by SheaButter

In California I am pretty sure that if your car is 4 years old or less, you aren't required to smog. If you need a smog hookup shoot me a PM. I am catless and "pass" my smog

Cheers!

Since I bought the M6 out state, regardless of the model year, I still needed smog. This is confirmed as I just went through this with DMV. But I am good for the next 4 years according to the smog shop since it's a 2014 model.

I am likely going to keep the car stock in terms of engine mods, maybe an exhaust, but that's about it. If something changes, I'll contact you when I'm up for another smog.

[varanj_16]

Originally Posted by omegaSMP300

Lame no? The dealer should have told you that would happen. Not all states collect tax on used car purchases CA is a pain when it comes to car fees etc. Need a residence in OR!

Not really sorry, i have successfully gamed them before and have always bought cars out of CA and i live in LA lmao

[omegaSMP300]

Originally Posted by varanj_16

Not really sorry, i have successfully gamed them before and have always bought cars out of CA and i live in LA lmao

Let's hope you never get caught. It's really not worth it.

[RiverRunner]

Originally Posted by SheaButter

In California I am pretty sure that if your car is 4 years old or less, you aren't required to smog. If you need a smog hookup shoot me a PM. I am catless and "pass" my smog

Cheers!

If you plan to sell it in CA, it's the seller's responsibility to smog it too. You can always keep all the OEM parts and have them re-installed if you stay or sell it in CA.

Something else to be aware of, a relatively new law, police can ticket you if they know you removed any smog equipment, for example, it's easy to tell if you've removed the Cats, due to the smell of the exhaust. That could happen anytime. Then you'd need to bring the car back up to California smog standards and pay a fine.

[SheaButter]

Originally Posted by PackerFan

If you plan to sell it in CA, it's the seller's responsibility to smog it too. You can always keep all the OEM parts and have them re-installed if you stay or sell it in CA.

Something else to be aware of, a relatively new law, police can ticket you if they know you removed any smog equipment, for example, it's easy to tell if you've removed the Cats, due to the smell of the exhaust. That could happen anytime. Then you'd need to bring the car back up to California smog standards and pay a fine.

Good info! I actually used my stock cats, and had them gutted. Everything looks completely stock minus the muffler delete . Here's another fun fact for you. If you are turbo'd (My M3 is not) the turbo is considered a muffler in California (you'd have to fight it in court, but you'd win . Cheers!