Can you bring a car from another state to California?

December 10, 2023 Ship a car

    You can bring a car from another state to California, but it must be registered with the California DMV within 20 days of arrival to avoid penalties. The vehicle must also pass California’s strict emission standards, enforced by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).

    Bringing a car from another state to California is feasible, but specific requirements must be met. Vehicle owners must register their out-of-state vehicles with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 20 days of bringing them into the state to avoid penalties. In addition, these vehicles must comply with California’s stringent emission standards set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and adhere to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).

    Requirements for Importing a Vehicle into California

    In the realm of automotive legality, bringing a vehicle into California entails meeting particular requirements that can be relatively complex. This demands meticulous attention, as California has stringent emission standards to safeguard its air quality, and only some vehicles fit the bill. Making the necessary checks to ensure that your vehicle complies with the state’s regulations is, therefore, supremely important to avoid potential legal issues down the road.

     One essential requirement for importing a vehicle into California is that it must accord with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) if it is a newer vehicle. This will involve confirming that the vehicle has been originally manufactured to meet these safety provisions. Simultaneously, the vehicle must also comply with the California emission regulations, as articulated by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). This could mean necessary modifications to the vehicle to meet CARB’s stringent emission regulations.

    Importing Vehicle In California

    Decoding the California Emission Standards

    With a firm commitment to counter climate change and environmental degradation, California has set some of the strictest emission standards in the country. These regulations require that any vehicle entering the state comply with specific environmental standards to curb harmful emissions. The rules apply to everyone, whether you’re a resident importing a car from out-of-state or a non-resident moving to California.

    The complexity of the emission standards often leaves individuals seeking a straightforward guide to these regulations. In essence, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has set up two primary emission standards: LEV (Low Emission Vehicle) and ULEV (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle). To be deemed legal, your vehicle must fall within these standards. Generally, every car model since 2009 adheres to the LEV standard, while the ULEV standard is often seen in newer, more environmentally friendly cars.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the California Emission Standards?







      The California Emission Standards are regulations implemented by the State of California to control and limit the amount of pollutants emitted by vehicles. They are considered some of the most stringent in the world.

      Can any vehicle be transferred to California?







        Only some vehicles can be transferred to California. It largely depends on the emission standards the vehicle meets. California has specific requirements for vehicles imported from other states or countries to ensure they align with its strong environmental standards.

        What is required to import a vehicle into California?







          Importing a vehicle into California requires compliance with the state’s emission standards. The vehicle needs to be certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), undergo a smog check, and, in some cases, be modified to meet the standards. It’s also necessary to pay import duties and taxes.

          How does one understand if their vehicle meets the California Emission Standards?







            The easiest way to understand if your vehicle meets the California Emission Standards is to check if it has a CARB certification. This can usually be found under the vehicle’s hood or manual. If the vehicle was purchased in the United States, it will have an EPA label that states whether it is California standards compliant.

            Why does California have its own emission standards?







              California has its own emission standards due to its unique environmental challenges. The state has a history of severe air pollution problems, and as a result, it was granted waivers to set its own stricter emission standards to protect its residents’ health better.

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