Is this MH California smog compliant?

[Kenneth Neal]

I live in California. My friend, also a Californian, wants to buy a 2000 Safari Trek, model 2430 with a Chevy Vortec gasoline engine. The MH is registered in Texas. How can he be sure it complies with California's strict smog control requirements? Are all MHs made it the year 2000 fifty state compliant in regards to having the proper smog control equipment. I realize, even if it has all the smog control equipment, it still has to pass California's smog test.

[falconman]

There should be a factory emissions sticker under the hood. It will state if it is 50 state compliant. There are few exceptions that would allow a non compliant vehicle to be registered, but not many. If it doesn't have the 50 state smog endorsement, I wouldn't purchase. DMV is not smog friendly. If it does have the proper sticker it will still need a smog test conducted in Calif, and possible a VIN verification.

[38Chevy454]

I believe that even if a 49 state version, CA should have different limits for the 49 state for the testing. The motorhome will require all of the stock smog equipment in place.

However given CA illogic, you may have to retrofit additional smog stuff. Check with CA Air Resources Board (CARB) for exactly what is required. Never ass-u-me anything with CA political rules.

[stink]

From a retired tech w/ smog license. Ca will not force you to install any smog stuff that your chev did not come equipped from the factory with. If something was removed then you will need to reinstall. Falcon man talks about the emissions label and this label will list all factory equipped emmissions devices. If and when you register in ca don't listen to the unscrupulous tech who tries to sell you an emmissions device not listed on your label. The bar has referee stations you can take your mh too to verify needed stuff. Your nh is OBD2 and most are 50 states anyways.

[LEMO]

From CAL DMV Web Site:
Buying a Vehicle From Out of State - Can You Register it in California? FFVR 29

(PDF) Version

The Bottom Line
If you are a California resident and acquire a new car, truck, or motorcycle from another state, it must be certified to meet California smog laws to be registered in California. This includes certain diesel-powered vehicles. DMV cannot accept an application to register a vehicle in California that does not qualify for registration (California Health and Safety Code §§43150 – 43156).

What Is Considered a New Vehicle?
California considers any vehicle with less than 7,500 miles on the odometer at the time of purchase or trade by a California resident or business, to be a new vehicle. This is true whether or not the vehicle has been registered in another state.

Aren't All Vehicles California Certified?
Not all new vehicles are manufactured to be sold in California. Many manufacturers make vehicles to be sold only in the other 49 states. These vehicles (49-state) are made with smog equipment that meets federal emission standards, but not California standards. California-certified (50-state) vehicles are made to be sold in California.

Check the Label
To find out whether a car, truck, or motorcycle is California certified, check the emission label under the hood. For a motorcycle, check the frame or refer to your owner' s manual for the location. The label should read that the vehicle conforms to California regulations, or that it is legal for sale in California.

Exemptions
There are a few exemptions to the law. As a California resident, you may be able to register a 49-state vehicle if it was:

Obtained as part of a divorce, inheritance, or legal separation settlement.
Purchased to replace your California-registered vehicle that was stolen while you were using the vehicle out-of-state.
Purchased to replace your California-registered vehicle that was destroyed or made inoperative beyond reasonable repair while you were using the vehicle out of state.
An emergency vehicle, pursuant to California Vehicle Code § §27156.2 and 27156.3.
Registered by you in the state of your last active military service outside California.
A street motorcycle or motor-driven cycle year model 2005 and older, with an engine less than 50 cubic centimeters (cc) displacement. Beginning January 1, 2006, street motorcycles and motor-driven cycles year model 2006 and newer, with engines less than 50 cc displacement, require an emission label certifying them to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emission regulations, and may be registered regardless of mileage.






Does This Apply to Someone Moving to California?
If you are moving to California from another state, you may register a new 49-state vehicle if it was first registered by you in your home state, or for military personnel, in the last state of your military service. When applying for vehicle registration in California, you must provide evidence that the vehicle was registered.

Vehicles Purchased From Out of the Country (Grey Market)
California has special requirements for vehicles imported from other countries (including Canada and Mexico). It may be very costly or impossible to modify these vehicles to meet California emission requirements and/or federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS). No direct import vehicle less than two years old can be converted to California emission standards. Not all direct import vehicles over two years old can be converted to California emission standards and FMVSS. No motorcycle or diesel-powered vehicle can be converted to California emission standards. For details, contact the California Air Resources Board (ARB).

Drive Clean
Are you looking to reduce your carbon footprint, save money on gas or just contribute less to smog? DriveClean.ca.gov is California' s buying guide for clean and efficient vehicles. Since motor vehicles are responsible for more than half of the smog and global warming pollution in California, the vehicle you buy directly impacts air quality, global warming, and energy security.

Visit DriveClean.ca.gov for more information about the Environmental Performance Label, to compare scores and to find the latest incentives.

More Information on…
California residency and vehicle importation laws and requirements visit DMV online at www.dmv.ca.gov or call the DMV Technical Compliance Section at (916) 657-6795.
California Smog Check program, visit the Bureau of Automotive Repairs online at Bureau of Automotive Repair, State of California, Dept. of Consumer Affairs or call 1-800-952-5210.
California smog laws, grey-market vehicles, and 49-state vehicles, visit ARB online at Air Resources Board - Homepage or call 1-800-242-4450.
Off-highway vehicle registration, see the How to Register an Off-highway Vehicle (HTVR 19) brochure at How To Register an Off Highway Vehicle.

[Kenneth Neal]

Thanks for the great info. I forwarded your replies to my friend. My friend spoke with a Trek representative and was told that model is CA compliant. Let's hope he's right.

[Fred and Bonnie]

Originally Posted by Kenneth Neal

Thanks for the great info. I forwarded your replies to my friend. My friend spoke with a Trek representative and was told that model is CA compliant. Let's hope he's right.

Ken, I don't understand how your friend talked to a "Trek Representative". The company doesn't exist. Hopefully it wasn't a sales person.

Fred

[Scarab0088]

FFVR 29 is for buying a NEW Vehicle and trying to bring it to CA.

Once the car registers over 7,500 miles or is 366 days old, it is no longer new...
...after that, you can buy and bring a 49 state car to CA.

I have done this several times. It will still have to pass a SMOG check - so be sure it has not been modified (like with install of a non-CARB compliant ECM chip, removal of the Catalytic Converter(s) or removal of the fuel filler inlet restrictor).

Here's the steps the DMV will follow for registering a used vehicle:
How To Register A Vehicle from Out-of-State (Nonresident Vehicle)

Best luck