California Registration

[bagh33ra]

So,

From everything I've read here it looks like registering an Aussie (RHD) BJ-42 (1982) in California should be possible, albeit with a bit of extra paper work.

Just before I jump, I thought I would ask the specific question. The vehicle is already in the states with paperwork from GA, so theoretically it just comes through as an out of state vehicle, with diesel so bypassing the smog issue.

Any advice, horror stories, success stories?

I've only seen one similar truck up for sale on Bay Area Craigslist, which also leads me to believe the registration shouldn't be a deal breaker.

Thanks in advance, and sorry to re-hash an old topic. I've read through all the importation stuff, and did a bit of searching, but am looking for fresh and recent confirmation since most of the threads I read were a couple years old.

Thanks!

 

[D'Animal]

I do believe that the emmissions requirements varies by County.

 

[jcolvin]

I do believe that the emmissions requirements varies by County.

Do a search in the importation sticky. Unless you get lucky (the DMV checks the wrong box), you are going to need a letter of compliance and/or an emissions sticker. Usually you will need to find a registered importer who knows their stuff who can get these for you.

 

[bagh33ra]

Thanks,

The stickies seem to apply to Canadian ones directly into the state - never reg'd in another state in the US. I'll search more thoroughly tonight though.

Looks like someone else revived this thread too:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=20147

I noticed a couple of 42's mentioned by folks in there. Sticker and the miraculous letter eh? I'll have to talk to the seller again and get some more details as to the current status on it as well.

 

[CRZR45]

I walked right into the DMV with Florida title and walked out with a Ca. Title(Paperwork, came in the mail a month later). They want to see the vehicle and make sure it is indeed a Diesel. Other than that it is a straight transfer from state to state. Mine was a 1984 Troopy to boot...

 

[dblugly]

I brought mine in about a year ago from Canada. When I was researching the processes, Ca EPA said no way, Ca DMV said bring it on in, so I did. The only problem was with the VIN. In Canada they re-issued it a new VIN, but only in one location, DMV said they needed two separate VIN locations. I took it to the local CHP office and after a stolen vehicle check they just re-issued the original Vin, and added a stamped decal to the door frame with the original VIN number.

 

[D'Animal]

I walked right into the DMV with Florida title and walked out with a Ca. Title(Paperwork, came in the mail a month later). They want to see the vehicle and make sure it is indeed a Diesel. Other than that it is a straight transfer from state to state. Mine was a 1984 Troopy to boot...

I'll bet you are in extreme northern California or southern California.

 

[bart6373]

it's dificult importing directly into ca. because of not being DOT/EPA certified.you may get lucky,but in my opinion the key to success is registering it in another state first,one that isn't as picky as california.if you already have a GA reg. you are almost there,it should be just a simple tranfer from one state to another.the emissions are a non-issue as diesels are smog exempt in CA.
this is the only thing that worked for me bringing in a 1981 bj60 from canada.
good luck.

 

[jcolvin]

it's dificult importing directly into ca. because of not being DOT/EPA certified.you may get lucky,but in my opinion the key to success is registering it in another state first,one that isn't as picky as california.if you already have a GA reg. you are almost there,it should be just a simple tranfer from one state to another.the emissions are a non-issue as diesels are smog exempt in CA.
this is the only thing that worked for me bringing in a 1981 bj60 from canada.
good luck.

Even on a state-to-state transfer the DMV is still supposed to look on the firewall for the emissions compliance plate. If it is not there they are supposed to check the "not present" box and then you are S.O.L. unless you can come up with a letter of compliance or sticker.

I know this because my friend sold a BJ41 from Hawaii to California. Already registered in Hawaii with title and everything, but no emissions plate (a JDM model). You may get lucky and the DMV may screw up and not check that "not present" emissions plate box, but if they do their job correctly you will be in the wonderful kafka-esque world of trying to obtain smog compliance for a diesel that is smog-exempt.

 

[Diesel42]

Jcolvin is correct. Even though diesels are exempt from biannual smog certifications in California, CARB(California Air Resource Board) still requires DMV to verify that all vehicles(whether gas or diesel) meet/met emissions requirments for the specific model year. This is confirmed by the emissions label attached by the factory. Thus begins the problem with our beloved Toyota diesels. As they were never brought into the US by the factory, no such label exists. Therefore Cal.DMV flags the VIN and forwards it to there compliance division, and then the fun starts. A licensed registered importer can issue such label which will verify the vehicle meets US EPA requirements. If you get this PRIOR to your trip to DMV then when they do there VIN verification they will check the box jcolvin reffered to as "emissions label attached". Smooth sailing thereafter.

 

[dblugly]

This link might help
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/ELIG010906.html

 

[teapot]

The key word is IF, and have patience getting it.

If you get this PRIOR to your trip to DMV then when they do there VIN verification they will check the box jcolvin reffered to as "emissions label attached". Smooth sailing thereafter.

 

[bagh33ra]

Jcolvin is correct. Even though diesels are exempt from biannual smog certifications in California, CARB(California Air Resource Board) still requires DMV to verify that all vehicles(whether gas or diesel) meet/met emissions requirments for the specific model year. This is confirmed by the emissions label attached by the factory. Thus begins the problem with our beloved Toyota diesels. As they were never brought into the US by the factory, no such label exists. Therefore Cal.DMV flags the VIN and forwards it to there compliance division, and then the fun starts. A licensed registered importer can issue such label which will verify the vehicle meets US EPA requirements. If you get this PRIOR to your trip to DMV then when they do there VIN verification they will check the box jcolvin reffered to as "emissions label attached". Smooth sailing thereafter.

Good. This all confirms what I had thought from previous searching or reading - and doesn't look like much as changed between the dates of some of the stickies and now. Excellent news.



Thank you a million times over to everyone. This gives me all the wording I need to confirm with the seller than when the 'cruiser arrives I'll have everything I need. Pardon while I bounce off to make some phone calls and arrangements!