Just moved to LA, what should I do?
 

I know yahoo answer or something of that nature might get me better answer than here, but whatever. lol

Anyways, I had my 2015 brz registered in Florida previously. Now since I've moved, obviously I need to register it in LA. Do I need to go to smog place before I go to the DMV? I am familiar with the whole smog thing but I've read about so many exemptions (something like new cars with 7500 miles or less are exempted or you don't need to smog it if the car was purchased within 5 years?) Also, I am on a student Visa, and almost all of the info I found on DMV talks about CA resident which I don't think I qualify for?

man that sucks... I'd gladly trade my CA registration regulations and enforcement for FL.

good luck: https://www.dmv.org/ca-california/car-registration.php

Forgot to mention that I plan to mod it once I get settled (CARB legal SC kit, catback among other non-smog related stuff). Do I need to report the modification if I were to register it beforehand? If yes, would it make or sense to mod it then get it smog inspected? (In that case, when they register it at DMV and the guy comes to do the visual inspection, would it cause him to ask unnecessary questions or stuff like that?)

uh... no and no

If anything to save yourself the trouble in CA, I always have to think ahead to how hard would it be to bring it back to oem. If you can deal with the Man when you're legit, I'd follow through first. Shrug off any questions with your Smog approved support later when it's necessary.

If you plan on modding it out, find a good mechanic who can point you to a "mod friendly" shop to get your smog checked. Some places won't even check it because you have mods on it. At least that is what I discovered with my last car that had a bunch of modifications done. Welcome to Cali!

you can try to keep registration in Fl so u dont have to worry about cali carb and whatnot..

recommended

Delay getting all your stuff changed over as long as possible. You may want to GTFO of there :)

Uh what, CARB legal FI kits are just that, california air resources board legal.

Zero problem, smog tech sees easily visible sticker, runs the test and you're on your way.

Now if you're looking at headers that remove the catalytic converter that's a no-go, cat-backs are free game as long as you meet noise regs.

When you get ca license you will need to show ur student visa. When I had one they only gave me 2years on my driving license.

Is that even doable? I mean I already moved out from the FL apartment so even if I keep it FL I would still need to find some old buddy or something like that to register it under his address.

After all it's just gonna be a question of which one is more troublesome. Finding someone who lets me register my car under his address and keep it that way or following stupid CA rules.

There are certain parts of the country I will not live. CA gets it for their insane automobile laws.

Can you work remotely and stay in FL? Otherwise, you may be better off get a beater.

There's likely a FAQ on the CA DMV webpage. When I moved out here I want to say I had to have my car smogged and inspected. Inspected meaning at the DMV, they walk outside and make sure you have seat belts, lights, and turn signals.

My car was a few years old at the time though. Not sure the procedure for newer cars.

I think CA requires that you get CA residency/license within something like 30 days after moving here? Again, check the webpage. Not sure how they would enforce that however.

Move back to Florida. It's just a matter of time before CA shakes to pieces

^probably one of the dumbest statements I've seen in a while. If I had a nickel every time I've heard that, I could have bought Florida. And then sold it to Cuba. Then retire on an oceanfront property in California and wait for the earthquake that never comes.

I'm also moving down to Cali in the OC for a job. I'm planning to keep my brz registered in WA since my parents still live there to avoid all the hassle.

How strict are the inspections anyway? I only have a high flow cat so shouldn't be a hassle to go back to stock if it comes to it.

Someone can't detect sarcasm lol.

Or maybe my statement is also sarcastic.

Lol I am probably not in the right state of mind to detect sarcasm.

If its like the inspection my old car from Germany had to undergo its more about the VIN and paperwork to be sure it isn't stolen.


It could be enforced by any cop who is in a bad mood and pulls you over because he suspects you aren't just visiting CA.


I don't think cars under 4 yrs of age require smog testing- they'll just want your money for the licensing fees.

Or maybe you are.

will have to smog, will have to pay differences in taxes between the two states, if any.

To answer your actual questions (ignoring all the other noise in the thread):

• Yes, you need to register it in CA (within 20 days of "entering" the state) if you want to be legal about it.
• You need to have your VIN verified by a peace officer or the DMV.
• You need a smog check.
• You will be exempt from smog for 6 years from original date of title
• The car still needs to be registered in CA if you are living/working here for the majority of the time.
• As for mods, you still have to follow the law but unless you are being a total asshat about it, police generally won't care and you are smog exempt until 2021 at the earliest.

-alex

You can have modifications if you have the carb legal number for each one with correct vin numbers etc.

Good luck on that. As of right now, CARB does not list any legal kits.

Move to Arizona.

I moved to CA eight years ago from FL. Have never registered a car here, nor do I have a CA license. Saves me money and hassle. It helps that I still maintain and own property in Miami, which is where I have everything sent.

Whenever I buy a new car, though, it is a pain getting it registered in Florida, but worth the hassle.

massage palor! Oh wait wrong forum...:bonk:


joke aside keep it registered in Florida.

Jackson racing and vortech supercharger kits are both CARB legal. edelbrock is upcoming.