CliffJumper RS

I know that for cheaper cars (e.g. VW GTI), I've seen cars explicitly sold as CA emission vehicles that are different from the rest of the US.

Does Porsche have CA and non-CA versions? CA doesn't allow new (less than 7500 miles) non-CA cars to be registered in the state.

Just wondering if that's something to be concerned when looking at slightly used Porsches.

Thanks!

RobC4sX51

Yes, all cars, trucks, and motor homes are 50 State compliant.

CliffJumper RS

That's actually not the case. My GTI is specifically CA compliant (http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/2012-Volkswagen-GTI-Trims-c23007) and you have to be careful which car you're buying if you're buying one from out of state with less than 7,500 miles and want to register it in California.

golfnutintib

newer porsches are...

RobC4sX51

Thx, that is what I meant to say! All Porsches from 997.2 and later (DFI) are 50 State legal.

Tcc1999

Just me thinking out loud (or in writing actually):

This may be effectively true but not in fact a requirement (yet). Los Angeles has received special dispensation from the EPA to promulgate emission standards that are stricter than the "50 state" compliance rule. As with any government regulations, states may adopt a standard that is stricter than the national requirement but insofar as emissions are concerned, this puts an undue (well, maybe not undue) burden on automobile manufacturers to ensure that their cars meet the requirements of all markets. Los Angeles emission standards have been adopted by, obviously, California and 13 other states and D.C. so new cars sold in these states must meet the requisite standards which are more stringent that the 37 other states that have not signed on to the stricter rules. So, while automakers may produce cars that meet the California standards they are not compelled to. The EPA is planning for, I believe, by the 2016 model year and beyond that emissions standards for all states to be uniform. In an interesting bit of politics, it is the European CAFE standards (which we have effectively signed on to) that are the driving force. These are probably more stringent than anything the EPA can get promulgated so we are, in effect, allowing Europe to dictate U.S. emission regulations and maintaining political cover by being able to say, "Hey, don't blame us, it's Europe that is dictating the rules."


The states that require new cars to meet California standards, AFAIK, are Arizona, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and D.C. If you buy a car from one of the states not on the list and desire to register it in one that is then, Caveat Emptor on it meeting emissions requirements (that would mean a condition of sale, in writing, being it pass emissions in the state it will be registered). In practice, however, emissions generally meet the most stringent requirements ostensibly because the the thirteen states listed above are very large auto markets - and think of the complications and cost in production if you had to produce cars specifically for different area in the U.S. with different emission standards.

CliffJumper RS

Great, thanks for the answers guys!

Joseesq

Does this tag mean it is California emission compliant? I'm buying out of state and then transporting to CA with only 6000 miles and I don't want to have DMV say you cannot register it. Please let me know. Thanks.

TheBen

Not sure but you can always rack up 1500 additional miles...

RoWa

Just "Imported" my C4S from NY to CA ... no issues

Archimedes

Yes, they're 50 state and yes that is the sticker the SMOG facility is going to need to see when they do the SMOG inspection. If you already live in California and try to register a used car from out of state with less then 7500 miles, I believe that they will hit you for the sales tax again. Drive the car and get it to 7501 miles before you register it.

Dewinator

CA is idiotic, hence why I keep my cars registered in WA. I save $500/yr each as well as not paying state income tax being a WA resident.

Joseesq

Thanks fellas. I did some research and Level II is compliant even though there is Level III specificAtions. I think I still need to pay the USE tax equal to the sales tax even if I have over 7500 miles. Sucks but pay to play.

RoWa

They charge sales tax on CA cars no matter the miles. I paid no sales tax in NY where I purchased the car. Had the car & sales docs checked by Highway Patrol and then smogged the car. Rolled up to DMV with the reg papers filled out and a big check, walked out 20 mins later with plates in hand. Very quick, very easy.

Getsmmr

Registered a '12 991 with the same sticker. If you don't purchase from dealer and don't finance, then you'll have more flexibility on the reported purchase price.

I had to go to the DMV twice since the first guy filled out his own form wrong and didn't check the correct box in section 8 of the SMOG verification form - make sure they checks "Vehicle meets US EPA standards and California Standards" and not the first box which is just US EPA only.