I am considering moving to San Diego since I hate cold weather and it gets damn cold here in Chicago.

My question is how would emissions be handled for a out of state vehicle? Can I just keep the vehicle registered in Illinois? Im concerned since my 98 Camaro has no emissions equipment and a built motor and my Silverado SS has headers with cats and catback exhaust. Here in Illinois as long as you don't throw any codes on a OBDII car you can pass since they dont do a visual inspection.

 

you have a grace period to get the vehicle up to code and registered in Ca. I am not positive, laws have recently changed, they have done away with referee stations and I think worst case scenario is a fine. All Ca. really cares about is the $$ anyway.

 

My friend just moved to SD and his 2004 CTS. He had a few weeks to register and pass emissions, but the cool part was he didn't have to modify his car at all. We were under the impression that it had to be brought up to CA emission standards, but it didn't. I guess because its an AZ car they tested it differently. Anyway it passed with flying colors so...

He did say that they told him some vehicles do need extra emissions equipment added, to the tune of about $300. I'm not sure what all that would include, since $300 isn't much.

 

50 state cars should pass no problem, I don't think cars are made for CA like they used to be BUT you can't bring a car in that isn't up to CARB standards afaik.

 

id just register it and try any find someone thatll pass em no questions asked.

i know of a few cali people that get their cars smogged and it never leaves their driveway.