Quote:
Originally Posted by dwx
You aren't understanding what Mike is saying. Being a resident of another state doesn't exempt you from the laws of the state you are driving in, regardless if your resident state has those laws or not.
As an example, a lot of states don't even issue front license plates but if I get pulled over in a state requiring a front plate, the cops there have every right to give me a ticket. I can argue I don't even have a front plate, but that doesn't matter.
CA I think is about the only state who can/will give you tickets for not complying with their emissions laws like removing cats, etc. while being pulled over. Doesn't have anything to do with passing their emissions tests. You could always tell them you are just passing through the state or something but if you get pulled over again it might not work out so well.
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If the car is not registered in California, the state emissions do NOT apply.
If you become a permanent resident of California, you are required to get a license from california and you THEN become required to register your car in California. I believe you have either 30 or 60 days once moving to California, to surrender your old license and register any vehicles you own in your primary state of residence.
Military are EXEMPT from this requirement so long as they are in the state due to military orders, they will never be required to register in the state of california, smog their vehicles in california or be california compliant for emissions purposes.
This is the same for people who own homes in california, but whose primary state of residence is say, Oregon, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona or Nevada.
If the state finds out that they are living primarily in California, they may take exception to that, but they cannot require an out of state registered vehicle to maintain california emissions standards, so long as that vehicle is legally allowed to be registered in the state that it is currently registered in outside of california.
A vehicle that is only driven IN california or driven here the majority of the time would be required to be registered in california, except for military members here on orders.
Jaden
Military members, do NOT take any one on this forum's word for anything. Speak to your JAG officer and they will inform you as to your legal obligations..