Registering "Grey Market" car car in California
Posted: Wed May 06, 2015 9:44 am
Here is a link for most of the information concerning "Grey Market" in California.
http://www.arb.ca.gov/html/master_faqs/ ... rs_faq.htm
1975 model year vehicles to the present: (EXCLUDING any vehicle obtained by a California resident within two years of its date of production) require a "Certificate of Conformance" issued by the ARB after a successful laboratory test. This test is administered to the same standards required of new vehicle manufacturers, and for the model year of the vehicle . However, unlike new vehicle manufacturers, as an individual you are not required to meet the full range of additional testing and equipment standards such as On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) requirements, durability testing, low emission fleet averaging, or Zero Emissions Vehicle testing (LEV and ZEV requirements). So while these standards reference what a manufacturer must do, when required by the Direct Import requirements they apply to individuals importing a used motor vehicle. Some limited exemptions apply to individuals moving to California with vehicles of these years registered in their home state for at least a year before moving to California. Contact us for more information.
It is even more restrictive on cars since Pinzgauer and Unimogs are in a different class.
I just want people to be aware of what can happen. I receive more than a few calls from people after the fact. I get calls from people who before they purchased a vehicle (not from us), told them what would happen, bought the car or truck and then what I said would happen, happens. There is no legal work around for title and registration for normal use with out lab testing and certification. There might be some obscure work around, limited use, drive it only on the 6th Sunday of the month type of thing but as a dealer our hands are tied. We cannot falsify year of manufacture, alter title documents, etc, etc, etc. At $5000 per vehicle fine, some quality time with a few lawyers, an appointment with the DMV to shred your dealer license and a few other body cavity related activities just not worth it. State does not really go after individuals as much as companies. An importer of original Mini's had an unfortunate run in after selling 90 vehicles in California in the early 2000's. Do the math, not pretty.
When a seller on Ebay or Craigslist says it can be registered in CA that is not a false statement. Might be incomplete but not false. They just fail to tell you about the lab testing and additional costs or your need to commit document fraud. Be very cautious if you hear something along the lines of "You can title and register your "Grey Market" car in CA, PERIOD!" They just don't mention (If you falsely fill out the VIN verification form or spend thousands of dollars you can title and register in CA.) That last part is kind of important even without the punctuation.
If you get a car or truck on the road in CA under false pretenses and there is an accident things might get interesting. If you are driving an non-traditional vehicle your insurance company might spend a little more time reviewing documentation. Make sure you are fully aware of that fine print on your insurance policy.
Cheers,
Scott
http://www.arb.ca.gov/html/master_faqs/ ... rs_faq.htm
1975 model year vehicles to the present: (EXCLUDING any vehicle obtained by a California resident within two years of its date of production) require a "Certificate of Conformance" issued by the ARB after a successful laboratory test. This test is administered to the same standards required of new vehicle manufacturers, and for the model year of the vehicle . However, unlike new vehicle manufacturers, as an individual you are not required to meet the full range of additional testing and equipment standards such as On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) requirements, durability testing, low emission fleet averaging, or Zero Emissions Vehicle testing (LEV and ZEV requirements). So while these standards reference what a manufacturer must do, when required by the Direct Import requirements they apply to individuals importing a used motor vehicle. Some limited exemptions apply to individuals moving to California with vehicles of these years registered in their home state for at least a year before moving to California. Contact us for more information.
It is even more restrictive on cars since Pinzgauer and Unimogs are in a different class.
I just want people to be aware of what can happen. I receive more than a few calls from people after the fact. I get calls from people who before they purchased a vehicle (not from us), told them what would happen, bought the car or truck and then what I said would happen, happens. There is no legal work around for title and registration for normal use with out lab testing and certification. There might be some obscure work around, limited use, drive it only on the 6th Sunday of the month type of thing but as a dealer our hands are tied. We cannot falsify year of manufacture, alter title documents, etc, etc, etc. At $5000 per vehicle fine, some quality time with a few lawyers, an appointment with the DMV to shred your dealer license and a few other body cavity related activities just not worth it. State does not really go after individuals as much as companies. An importer of original Mini's had an unfortunate run in after selling 90 vehicles in California in the early 2000's. Do the math, not pretty.
When a seller on Ebay or Craigslist says it can be registered in CA that is not a false statement. Might be incomplete but not false. They just fail to tell you about the lab testing and additional costs or your need to commit document fraud. Be very cautious if you hear something along the lines of "You can title and register your "Grey Market" car in CA, PERIOD!" They just don't mention (If you falsely fill out the VIN verification form or spend thousands of dollars you can title and register in CA.) That last part is kind of important even without the punctuation.
If you get a car or truck on the road in CA under false pretenses and there is an accident things might get interesting. If you are driving an non-traditional vehicle your insurance company might spend a little more time reviewing documentation. Make sure you are fully aware of that fine print on your insurance policy.
Cheers,
Scott
