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