California emmisions and out of state Porsches

Hey guys, I have a question I'm hoping y'all can help me with. Has anyone from California ever purchased a late model Porsche from outside of California? If so, what are the implications regarding emission standards for P cars coming into California? Do they need mods to meet spec.? Can they be brought up to spec? What about earlier air cooled models? Can it even be done!? Whew.... Sorry to dump all that but the gears are turning! ;-)

Quotes source post: 11429700

I brought a 2002 Boxster into CA that I originally purchased in MO, err make that KS when I lived in MO. There were no issues. The car was 50 state emission compliant. If you live in CA and buy a car from out of state you must be sure it is 50 state compliant or you will face trouble getting it registered here. There may be an exception. Here's a copy of the regulations from the CA DMV web site�. Health and Safety Code Section 43151 Prohibited Transactions Prohibited Transactions 43151. (a) No person who is a resident of, or who operates an established place of business within, this state shall import, deliver, purchase, rent, lease, acquire, or receive a new motor vehicle, new motor vehicle engine, or motor vehicle with a new motor vehicle engine for use, registration, or resale in this state unless such motor vehicle engine or motor vehicle has been certified pursuant to this chapter. No person shall attempt or assist in any such action. (b) This article shall not apply to a vehicle acquired by a resident of this state for the purpose of replacing a vehicle registered to such resident which was damaged or became inoperative beyond reasonable repair or was stolen while out of this state; provided that such replacement vehicle is acquired out of state at the time the previously owned vehicle was either damaged or became inoperative or was stolen. This article shall not apply to a vehicle transferred by inheritance, or by a decree of divorce, dissolution, or legal separation entered by a court of competent jurisdiction, or to any vehicle sold after the effective date of the amendments to this subdivision at the 1979-80 Regular Session of the Legislature if the vehicle was registered in this state before such effective date. (c) This chapter shall not apply to any motor vehicle having a certificate of conformity issued pursuant to the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 7401 et seq.) and originally registered in another state by a resident of that state who subsequently establishes residence in this state and who, upon registration of the vehicle in this state, provides satisfactory evidence to the Department of Motor Vehicles of the previous residence and registration. This subdivision shall become operative 180 calendar days after the state board adopts regulations for the certification of new direct import vehicles pursuant to Section 43203.5. (d) "Established place of business," as used in this section, means a place actually occupied either continuously or at regular periods. (Amended Ch. 1235, Stats. 1985. Effective January 1, 1986.)

Macster, Thank you very much! You went above and beyond. I still wonder how many or what model years are 50 state compliant as that is a relatively new concept to states outside the Republic. At least as I understand it. California is just so heavy handed with its emissions that I need to be sure before I start traveling to look at out-of-state cars. I will keep researching but as of yet I haven't heard of any problems with Porsches. Thanks again for your input!

I brought my 2001 996TT in from Florida without issue. As long as you have a stock car and all the emissions related stickers are on the vehicle you'll be fine. Somewhere on those stickers you'll see: "Meets California's Emissions." I believe all USA 996's were made California compliant. I've brought several cars into Cali and the DMV requires an inspection of the vehicle to register it. Every time the inspector looked around the engine compartment with a flashlight I assume looking for modifications and closely looked at the stickers. When they saw the one stating 'meets Cali requirement" they made notes on their report and were satisfied. Of course you've got to pass smog.

I bought my 2003 C2 from Arizona...originally a Texas car. I've had no issues getting it passed through CA smog since I've owned it. It was completely stock and 50 state compliant...if I recall correctly it will state that on the stickers in the engine bay.

If the car is stock and in good mechanical condition (read: no CEL), you'll have no problems taking it into California. It's not a big deal with cars. Other vehicles, like motorcycles, are a different story as there are CA-specific smog controls on older bikes.

Awesome guys. Thats making me feel better about looking out-of-state.

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochure...cts/ffvr29.htm

I bought a 2002 in Tennessee and drove it back to California. The car had the "50 state" emissions compliance sticker in the engine compartment. It also had a K&N intake w/o the "EO" sticker, and a Fabspeed exhaust. The car was inspected by the DMV, and all they cared about was the emissions compliance stickers in the engine compartment, the VIN plate, and the VIN sticker. The guy who does my smog inspections was most concerned about the K&N intake, although I had paperwork that listed the K&N installed as compliant. He let me pass, but things would go better when the car is reinspected in two years with a stock intake, or the K&N EO sticker. Luckily, K&N has a process to get a sticker, and I'm jumping through those hoops now. But all in all, no issues. Motorcycles are more difficult, and I can vouch from first-hand experience.

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I can't tell you which models and model year Porsches are CARB (California Air Resources Board) or 50 state compliant. You'll have to verify the stickers are present when you begin your pre-purchase inspection process. Oh, and be as sure as you can the stickers are legit.. And if you really want to be sure try to as a pre-condition to your purchase the car pass some smog inspection and test if you can arrange it. BTW, CA is not alone in its heavy handed-ness. There are IIRC 6 or 7 states that also adhere to/follow CA regarding vehicle emissions.

Raker43 Same issues here. Tell me about standing in line at DMV too register and what you nee3ded