Anybody w first hand experience importing into California?

[Get outside]

Hi all, don't really know where to post this question but I'm back on wondering about importing some stuff into the country (more specifically into CA) and I know it is a PITA.

I have been reading a bit on all the sites like DMV, DOT and EPA to have more understanding of all of their lame requirements so I can begin my search out of the country!

Most likely will be diesel powered and for sure over 25 years old but I want to hear from others who have been on this same road.

Thanks for any input.

 

[Fast Eddy]

You can't import a diesel from outside the country into CA. Anything smog controlled, 1976 or later, would have to come from another state, and it has to have the fuel type specified on the title. Some states have it, some don't. For instance, WA has it, OR does not.

The technical reason for this is that the BAR inspects everything that's not already titled in the US. They only allow vehicles originally imported into North America. That would seem to allow rigs from Canada. A RHD rig, however is obviously gray market and isn't going to fly. I'm not sure what paperwork they would require for a rig which was genuinely from Canada, but you can be damn sure they're going to be strict beyond frustration.

There are title companies that, for a fee, could put the title in their name in a state that lists the fuel type, and "sell" it to you from there. Then you just go to the DMV and transfer the title with no BAR visit. There are a couple Mud vendors importing rigs that seem to be getting titles for them. AusToUSA is one.

There are some mudders sitting on rigs they tried to import that had their VINs "banned" from the state.

 

[Get outside]

What if you drive the vehicle into the country and then try to register? Would that make any difference at all? I mean, a vehicle already in your name and of course you are already using! Is there some kind of regulation that forces a vehicle back out of the border where it entered.

 

[Get outside]

What I'm looking at are cruisers from South America btw.

 

[Fast Eddy]

They won't kick it out, they just won't give you a plate and will mark it in "the system" as banned. If you get pulled over driving it on the road, it would then get impounded. There are plenty of stories around the web of illegal imports getting impounded and crushed, especially land rovers, for some reason.

Land Rovers Crushed

CA doesn't care if you own it already. They'll sell you a green sticker to drive it off-road if you want. For it to be legally licensed in CA, they want it to be an original North American import. Find a friend to buy it for $1, title it in WA or another state that lists fuel-type, then buy it back for $1. It's the only way to be sure.

If it's coming from another state, that's part of North America and the DMV doesn't know any different. Diesels 1997 or earlier get a lifetime pass, no smog check, no BAR. They don't even do an inspection, so even a RHD is not a problem.

If the state it's coming from doesn't list fuel type and you want the lifetime pass, it has to be inspected by the BAR referee. This is true even for original North American diesels from states that don't list fuel type.

 

[Get outside]

• 
  From the US customs and border protection site.
  
  What are the requirements for importing classic or antique vehicles / cars for personal use?
  
  Generally, classic or antique vehicles are exempt fromEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) pollution and safety requirements.
  
  • If the vehicle is at least 21 years old, there are no EPA compliance requirements upon importation.
  • A motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old can be lawfully imported into the U.S. without regard to whether it complies with all applicable DOT Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Such a vehicle would be entered under Box 1 on the HS-7 Declaration form to be given to Customs at the time of importation. If you wish to see that form, you may download a copy from our website atwww.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import. You should note that the 25 year period runs from the date of the vehicle's manufacture. If the date of manufacture is not identified on a label permanently affixed to the vehicle by its original manufacturer, to establish the age of the vehicle, you should have documentation available such as an invoice showing the date the vehicle was first sold or a registration document showing that the vehicle was registered at least 25 years ago. Absent such information, a statement from a recognized vehicle historical society identifying the age of the vehicle could be used.

Like you said, I need to find the loop hole in the CA system and jump through it.