Catalytic Converters Law

[CAM09]

Im sure this has been talked about b4....

My question is if im from another state and the car is reg in another state can I still get impounded if my state dont have the same law?

If I can still get in trouble will high flow cats work under the law?

 

[moonltgold]

You need the stock cats when you first get inspected.

 

[CAM09]

aw shit, I dont own stock cats lmao....what to do hhhmmmm

 

[Krwy]

Once you register your car in CA, it will need to be smogged. Smog test consists of a visual inspection, looking for EGR, CATS, and running codes. Then it goes on the rollers and a sniffer is put into one of the tail pipes. You MUST use CA legal cats. If you bought a hi-flow catted pipe before the law change, and you can prove it, you're okay. A quick swap back to the stock mid isn't that hard. The stock mid really isn't a horsepower sponge like you think it would be. I can't tell power loss/gain with/without it.

I believe you have 30 days to register your car in CA once you permanently move here.

I'm sure there are a few members with the stock h-pipe laying around if you need to get tested.

If you're running around with an O/R x/h-pipe and stupid loud LM1 mufflers you will be pulled over and cited. If you get sent to a referee, you're in for a bunch of BS. A guy I know had an '01 Cobra, o/r x-pipe, LM1 catback. He got popped, and was sent to a smog ref. His car went back to 100% stock, and it was still to loud for CA. Would not pass the dB portion of the inspection with stock cats and stock mufflers.

If you don't drive like a dickhead, honestly, you have nothing to worry about.

 

[CAM09]

Wow, I dont plan on registering my car in CA, it will stay registered in OH, and Im running o/r H-pipe with flowmasters car is not loud to me at all.

 

[Krwy]

I think if you're a resident, your CA license needs to match your registration. I could be wrong though.

 

[O4COBRA]

It's gonna be a little hazy on the law. But technically I don't think they can give you a hard time about cats if it's registered in another state that doesn't require them?? But then again who knows. Depending on what part of California you end up in, I'm sure one of us could help you with stock cats if needed...

 

[arc00ta]

If you are the state for more than 90 days, you technically have to comply. Even if your vehicle is registered out of state. The same goes for military that get stationed here (I'm one of them, thats how I found out).

Also, tampering with emissions devices is a FEDERAL crime, not state, so no matter where you are illegal is illegal, its just a matter of how hard the local law enforcement looks into it. For these cars that can make crazy power with the stock H pipe still on, I would consider using it. Better safe than a $10,000 fine.

That being said, I've been running completely illegal cars for years now here, and never got pulled over once. It seems like the majority of CA, if you don't drive like a moron you will be fine. They target loud imports a lot more than loud domestic cars. Also, you have to be careful of roadside smog stations. They are voluntary but if you choose not to do it the police that accompany them may want to take a look at your car since it is suspicious.

 

[CAM09]

Well thats my plan anyways, not sure what ima do. But thank you for everyones comments, and Ill post again if I need any help guys, hope to meet alot of you next year.

 

[CAM09]

If you are the state for more than 90 days, you technically have to comply. Even if your vehicle is registered out of state. The same goes for military that get stationed here (I'm one of them, thats how I found out).

Also, tampering with emissions devices is a FEDERAL crime, not state, so no matter where you are illegal is illegal, its just a matter of how hard the local law enforcement looks into it. For these cars that can make crazy power with the stock H pipe still on, I would consider using it. Better safe than a $10,000 fine.

That being said, I've been running completely illegal cars for years now here, and never got pulled over once. It seems like the majority of CA, if you don't drive like a moron you will be fine. They target loud imports a lot more than loud domestic cars. Also, you have to be careful of roadside smog stations. They are voluntary but if you choose not to do it the police that accompany them may want to take a look at your car since it is suspicious.

OMG....you guys are scaring the shit out of me, do the have my smog test trucks that just roll around here and there?

 

[moonltgold]

If you are living and WORKING in CA, it is a really quick check for CHP/police to see if you have a CDL (CA Drivers License) and register your vehicles in CA. The check is made with CA EDD (where all W-2 info is kept on working people). CA starting cracking down on ths about 20-25 years ago because rich people living/working in CA would buy their luxury cars in Oregon (no sales tax) and then return to CA while driving around with the OR license plate. They stick out like a sore thumb and then get hit with a large penalty/fines. CHP/police target out of state vehicles first.

 

[SciFiHiFi]

California is eager to fine you a lot of your hard earned money.
As moonlt said, the state got wise a long time ago to everyone that was registering their cars in AZ to take advantage of their lenient smog laws.

OMG....you guys are scaring the shit out of me, do the have my smog test trucks that just roll around here and there?

Mobile smog checks do happen and the CHP are trained on what kind of emissions equipment should be on your car. If you are sent to a referee they will have their way with you and not even use lube.

 

[01trublue cobra]

If you are in the Military you don't have to register your car in the state you are currently stationed at. Also you can have Hi-flow cats, but I suggest switching to the stocker for emissions test. Only the idiots who run catless midpipes and loudmouth or magnapack get busted. I run a SLP x-pipe w/cats and regular magnaflow mufflers.

 

[CAM09]

Also you can have Hi-flow cats, but I suggest switching to the stocker for emissions test. Only the idiots who run catless midpipes and loudmouth or magnapack get busted. I run a SLP x-pipe w/cats and regular magnaflow mufflers.

See and B4 I even knew I was coming to Cali I was thinking about Mac LT's, o/r X or pro chamber and Magnaflow Magnapacks LMAO...how are they on Tinted plates and Tinted windows?

 

[01trublue cobra]

See and B4 I even knew I was coming to Cali I was thinking about Mac LT's, o/r X or pro chamber and Magnaflow Magnapacks LMAO...how are they on Tinted plates and Tinted windows?

If you are in the military you don't have to worry about smog. I would never advise on an off-road mid-pipe, at least use one with high flow cats, your just asking to get pulled over with that exhaust setup. As far is tint goes if it's not darker than 33% on the driver and passenger window you shouldn't get any crap about it, I never do. Don't even bother with tinted plates you will get pulled over and the cops will then look for everything they can find wrong. I have no problems with 33% tint on my driver window and high flow x-pipe with cats and regular magnaflow catback. I don't see why people must have their car stupid loud with an off-road mid-pipe and bullet style mufflers such as loudmouth and magnapacks.

 

[CAM09]

For the REC im not military. If I do still bring the car Ill try and have something I like but safe as far as the law goes.

 

[CAM09]

Also how are they on Front Plates, I dont have one and have been pulled over atleast 2 times for this I was thinking about getting the motor kind that flip down what you guys think?

 

[whtcobra1998]

I don't run front plates and are fine-still illegal. as for some of these people saying high flow cats is legal is tecnically wrong. it is illegal to change your cat forward exhaust in any manner except stock as in original equipment. anything that has a carb number is legal-ex as in ford racing racing shorty headers, if any part does not have a carb number its illegal on the car- even the intake needs a carb number. carb- california air resource board, aftermarket parts legal for sale and use in california.

 

[CAM09]

I don't run front plates and are fine-still illegal. as for some of these people saying high flow cats is legal is tecnically wrong. it is illegal to change your cat forward exhaust in any manner except stock as in original equipment. anything that has a carb number is legal-ex as in ford racing racing shorty headers, if any part does not have a carb number its illegal on the car- even the intake needs a carb number. carb- california air resource board, aftermarket parts legal for sale and use in california.

I understand but then again you kinda lost me lol.....but I catch your drift on that, I did not know that. This thread is starting to make me dis-like Cali lol JK. But I refuse to put stock cats on my car unless its for testing, High Flow Cats it is.

 

[Black*Death]

If you are in the military you don't have to worry about smog. I would never advise on an off-road mid-pipe, at least use one with high flow cats, your just asking to get pulled over with that exhaust setup. As far is tint goes if it's not darker than 33% on the driver and passenger window you shouldn't get any crap about it, I never do. Don't even bother with tinted plates you will get pulled over and the cops will then look for everything they can find wrong. I have no problems with 33% tint on my driver window and high flow x-pipe with cats and regular magnaflow catback. I don't see why people must have their car stupid loud with an off-road mid-pipe and bullet style mufflers such as loudmouth and magnapacks.

You do have to worry. In So Cal, any cars 5 years or older need a California

smog to get a base sticker....I think it was to appease the tree-huggers

complaining about Military not being smog legal or the socialist state

of California. If you don't need a new DoD sticker likely GTG...until it expires..