Moving to CA from Out of State - SMOG

[MrFrosty's]

Hey guys, moving to the Bay Area soon and had a theoretical question regarding smog reqs. Seeing online that new cars up to 8 years can pay the $20/25 smog abatement fee. Given mine is a '18, I would qualify for that still.

However, was wondering if cars being brought into the state need to pass an initial SMOG test regardless of age, have read in places that even new cars need to get inspected if coming from out of state.

Does anyone have any experience with this?

[dylanwilson]

I could be wrong but from my understanding anytime that you transfer ownership or re-register a car in CA you need to get a smog check. I got a new car 4 months ago - '16 M4, and i still had to get a smog check. Since its stock it was easy, $50 and 20 minutes

[MrFrosty's]

That is the greatest fear unfortunately. Currently a NJ resident and have gotten lucky as no car newer than 5 years needs an inspection ever.

When I move to CA will eventually need to transfer domicile, license, registration, etc... over and my concern is that even if I qualify for the abatement window and fee, I will still need an "initial inspection" regardless. Just want to make sure if that is indeed true or not.

Will take any recs and thank everyone in advance for PMs on a "guy you might know" in the Bay Area.

[Grail05]

anytime you transfer title or move to cali you are required to do a smog check no exceptions. even if you smog your car a month before again title change or moving from out of state to cali. this is for new or old cars even if your car is just 1 day old from the dealer moving to cali again needs a smog.

[MrFrosty's]

Super helpful Grail05

Is this the standard smog test of just checking OBD and tailpipes or are they going to do the full cahones and check ever CARB sticker as in the case of a state ref? Just trying to be prepared here so I don't catch a fine and state ref on Day 1

[MrFrosty's]

Also, if anyone has a guy in the bay area please PM me, will pay to play

[csboi]

Yes, every vehicle brought in from out of state is subject to emissions test, regardless of model year.

Here's how mine went down: My car is from NJ. Had to bring car to CA DMV so they could do VIN check and start the registration paperwork. They did VIN check. I paid for registration. They gave me a temporary permit to drive the car until I got it smog checked. (I was driving on the NJ plates).

Got it smogged, then back to DMV to finalize. Got my reg and sticker. Two trips to DMV for me.

If your car is stock, then you have no problem for the emissions test.

[Grail05]

Depending on ur mods and depends on where you go cause some will check every modification some dont. IE CATS, INTAKE ect. and yes they run OBD for errors. but again they do check everything depending on the SHOP. if you have a loud car normally they check everything but if you find some shop that will pass it then all good but those normally charge 3-4x more and normally they only charge 30-50 dollars

Originally Posted by MrFrosty's

Super helpful Grail05

Is this the standard smog test of just checking OBD and tailpipes or are they going to do the full cahones and check ever CARB sticker as in the case of a state ref? Just trying to be prepared here so I don't catch a fine and state ref on Day 1

[theweebabySeamus]

Originally Posted by MrFrosty's

Super helpful Grail05

Is this the standard smog test of just checking OBD and tailpipes or are they going to do the full cahones and check ever CARB sticker as in the case of a state ref? Just trying to be prepared here so I don't catch a fine and state ref on Day 1

Just got a lot more complicated due to the new scans and what info they confirm on your car. I haven't needed to, but I could see it being very difficult to find 'a guy', unless you're just concerned about basic bolt-ons.

[MrFrosty's]

Originally Posted by theweebabySeamus

Just got a lot more complicated due to the new scans and what info they confirm on your car. I haven't needed to, but I could see it being very difficult to find 'a guy', unless you're just concerned about basic bolt-ons.

Appreciate the info, learning a lot along the way. Think I'm fine with locking the DME, putting on the stock DPS, etc...But would be super annoying to have to purchase stock midpipes, intakes, charge pipes, etc... in addition to all of that and then swap them on and off again. Comes with living in California but trying to see if any sort of work around or at least easing the burden of the visual inspection.

[r0wr]

Pay extra for someone who will pass you without the headache.

[jonf49]

Anyone know of a pay extra location, lol

[MrFrosty's]

^What he said