Modified out-of-state car in California

[Fox Fan]

Guys,

I'm military and was stationed in California last June. I have not been pulled over yet, but I frequent the car scene near me here in California, and the police run everyone off, presumably because of a few idiots that will do burnouts or donuts to show off in the parking lot. Some guys get "state ref" tickets which forces them to return their vehicle to stock and pass emissions. Since my cars are registered in Florida, I'm wondering what if anything the police could do to me. I presume I might get some trumped up ticket/fine, but most importantly, can they force me to do anything that would hinder my ability to drive my cars while I'm still stationed here?

I highly doubt they can "state ref" me, because I presume they have no avenue to have my Florida registrations revoked. But, I do wonder whether they can ticket me, or force me somehow to take my modified cars off the roads while living in California. Either way, I will never return my stangs to stock, nor try to pass emissions. If that meant they'd become non-registered "off-road" race cars, then that's the way it would be. Does anyone know the laws in California and what an angry officer might be able to do to me/my cars?

Thanks,

Chris

 

[97snakebite]

Since you are active duty your vehicles need to comply with your State's emissions. They could possibly send you to the state ref to see if you are in compliance with your State's admissions but I doubt our reps here are trained for all 50 states

Sent from my SM-N920P using the svtperformance.com mobile app

 

[Dusten]

Guys,

I'm military and was stationed in California last June. I have not been pulled over yet, but I frequent the car scene near me here in California, and the police run everyone off, presumably because of a few idiots that will do burnouts or donuts to show off in the parking lot. Some guys get "state ref" tickets which forces them to return their vehicle to stock and pass emissions. Since my cars are registered in Florida, I'm wondering what if anything the police could do to me. I presume I might get some trumped up ticket/fine, but most importantly, can they force me to do anything that would hinder my ability to drive my cars while I'm still stationed here?

I highly doubt they can "state ref" me, because I presume they have no avenue to have my Florida registrations revoked. But, I do wonder whether they can ticket me, or force me somehow to take my modified cars off the roads while living in California. Either way, I will never return my stangs to stock, nor try to pass emissions. If that meant they'd become non-registered "off-road" race cars, then that's the way it would be. Does anyone know the laws in California and what an angry officer might be able to do to me/my cars?

Thanks,

Chris

The real issue is are you in federal compliance? Things like cats? If not, cali can and will cite you.

 

[Fox Fan]

First, thanks for the help.

No. I don't have cats. The cars both made north of 900 rwhp. One of them looks pretty normal, and might slide except for the Exhaust note. The other has a cage, a racepack dash, and would never pass for a normal car.

What would being cited entail? A fine?

 

[ashleyroachclip]

Having been in the military , you need to also have a valid Florida driver's license , to be in compliance .

Remember that you are in the commie state , and they will do as they please .

Thank you for your service sir .

 

[Dusten]

First, thanks for the help.

No. I don't have cats. The cars both made north of 900 rwhp. One of them looks pretty normal, and might slide except for the Exhaust note. The other has a cage, a racepack dash, and would never pass for a normal car.

What would being cited entail? A fine?

Exhaust to loud is 108

No cats is 380

The laws state no person shall operate a vehicle

So you can be cited even if your registred out of state

 

[Fox Fan]

That's good news. Not that I want to be cited or pay fines, but I know that's not going to be a frequent occurrence as I've already been driving here for a year without issue. I just wanted to make sure that they couldn't force me to take it off the road. Thank you, Dusten.

 

[P49Y-CY]

Not sure if military is different, but when I first moved here i didn't get it registered in time and the chp impounded my car.

 

[smashedheadcat]

I had my twin turbo cobra in San Diego for 5 years and never had an issue. It was originally registered in NC, but when that expired, I registered it in Indiana (HOR with no emissions inspections). In order to title the car in Indiana, I needed a VIN inspection. I drove my cobra (twin turbo, zero emissions components, sumped fuel tank, roll cage, etc.) to the San Diego police station and a few LEOs inspected my car. They did not appear to have any concern for the obvious lack of emissions equipment. Granted, this was simply a VIN inspection.

 

[Dusten]

Not sure if military is different, but when I first moved here i didn't get it registered in time and the chp impounded my car.

Most states allow military to keep their vehicle registered elsewhere. 19 years in, all my cars are registered in Oregon

 

[smashedheadcat]

Yes, you can register your vehicle to your home of record. and depending on the state, you can also keep a drivers license in that state for the duration of your military service.

 

[Fox Fan]

Yep. All 4 (truck, dd saturn, and 2 fox mustangs) registered in Florida. My wave runner is registered in Cali, because I thought it had to be in order to use it.

Anyways, the timing of the thread is interesting because I got pulled over here for the first time on Friday night, coming back from a car scene, no less. I was on some farm road going 75 in a 55, guilty as charged. The officer pulled me over and the first thing out of his mouth was, "Are you aware of the emission laws in california?" I said, "Yes, sir. I am. However, I am military and my car is registered in Florida."

He asked a few more questions and then told me to slow down before letting me go. So, at least I survived my first encounter, but he was obviously being kind to not write me any ticket.

 

[CobraBob]

Stay within the laws when you drive, and if you see an officer go easy on the throttle to keep the exhaust note as low as possible. That alone will be your best action of prevention. JMO.

 

[Fox Fan]

Should I keep the electric cutout closed? ;-)