Friends,


I purchased my 04 2500HD in North Dakota while visiting my wife's parents. We flew one-way and drove our new rig home. I ran ND plates here in CA for a few months until I got a citation for going straight through a right-hand only stop sign. Traffic school is taking care of the ticket, but I got DMV papers telling me I need to register the vehicle in CA.


No problem--I went down there and after waiting in line for too long, learned that I needed to pay "use tax" (basically sales tax) for the vehicle, registration fees, and penalties for not registering my out-of-state vehicle within 20 days. After stroking a $2,000 check, I had peace of mind that my rig was finally a CA vehicle and I would no longer drive in fear of being questioned about my out-of-state registration. I have new CA plates and stickers.


Then, I get a packet in the mail from the DMV with questions about the mileage on the truck and whether it meets CA emissions standards. I looked at my EPA sticker under the hood, and it meets Federal EPA standards, but no mention of CA. After looking under the chassis, I noticed it does not have a catalytic converter, either.


I just called DMV to ask what I need to do now and how much will it cost? I did not like the answer. I'm waiting for a call back from a manager, but I was told I may need to get a temporary registration on the vehicle that will only allow me to drive it out of state, where I will have to sell it!!!


I told her I would be happy to add whatever gear is necessary to get it CA legal. I reminded her it was a diesel, that CA doesn't require smog certs on diesels--I tried everything. She said new cars (less than 7,500 miles when purchased) that are not CA certified may not be imported unless they meet one of 3 exemptions (I don't meet any of them). She said any such vehicles not meeting CA standards may not be configured to meet CA standards. The only option may be to sell the truck (after I drive it through the DMV office in 4-low). I simply cannot believe this.


If anyone has had any experience with registration on these trucks, please give me a hand. What should I try? I think I'd rather eat a bullet than sell my new baby (not to mention take the huge financial hit of selling a brand new truck with 6,000 miles on it) and buying the exact same truck back from a CA dealer.... I need to go vomit...


~Terel

I think I'd find a way to sell to your in-laws, and then "borrow" it for a year or 2. you'd have to find a way for them to finance it and you'd have to be on there insurance. then buy it from them after a while. I'd also check with the techs on this board and see if you have the new LLY engine. that might be 50 state legal not 49. the cat if you have one is way up front of the tranny crossmemberEdited by: painter

Mostly you are stuck.


I have some experience litigating with the CA DMV.


If it was my truck, I would drive to the nearest no-sales-tax


state, sell the truck to a friend or dealer, and then buy it back.


The trip back and forth to Oregon will use up that 1500 miles.

Well, that sucks ....


I think painter has the best idea .... Otherwise get an ND license, Hope your friends and neighbors, co-workers aren't rats and avoid the law ...


That would mean tickets .... I got nailed without of state plates also do to a speeding ticket infraction .... Had nothing to do with emissions just property tax ...


Mac http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif

Nope ~ not gonna work either. He is a CA resident. The 7500mile thingy is for non residents moving into the state (like military etc). If you could find a native w/the CA certification on the fan cowling ~ borrow it for the inspection ~ BUT your truck has been flagged already ~ If you transferred it to you relative, still, when it came time to import it (you still CA resident) it will be the same story. This was my nitemare when I when to ID to pick mine up ~ you didn't say what yr yours is ~ but just a long shot, what did the window sticker say about smog? The 90lb DMV clerk couldn't find my certif and finally accepted the window sticker ~ actually on mine, the certif was found on the module on PS valve cover after the fact.


In theory ~ one of your relatives that just happens to wanna move into CA ~ could bring it w/him then sell/transfer it later. To summarize, the 7500mile is for incoming non residents ~ I know, I know there are several on this forum that got by w/it (DMV has their problems also) but in that your case is already under scrutiny ~ terrible thing to fall into the hands of a buracracy http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Broken Heart.gif

get "Awnold" to drive down to the DMV in his hummer with you, this should take care of it. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

If you move on paper for a year and then move back would that work? You have to go on line to http://www.dmv.ca.gov/ and look for a loop hole. There has to be one in there.

If they are successful in forcing you to remove it outside the State bondaries ~ I would think you could ask for your use fee (sales tax) back


Ask & ask & ask & ask ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Final thot would be to give up your CA residency for 6 mos, establish residency in N Dakota ~ (have 6mos of decent wx before the sno flies again), then move back to CA bring it w/you.

Although I have never done it I've realized that registering a vehicle out of California is more hassle than it's worth espically since our fees were re-lowered when Arnold took office. Not only are you having to hassle w/ DMV but if they really wanted to stick it to you registering a vehicle out of state and residing within California more than 50% of the time is a Misdemeanor offense. Not worth it even if you do save a couple thousand.

All I've got to say is, Is this Russia, This is the United States. What Happened to Freedom. I lived in Cali for a couple of years when I was in the Marine Corps. Its like a different country inside the good old USA. Man I feel for ya lets us know what ya end up having to do. If all else fails move back into the USA.

Here is a guy that found out about the CA diesel problem before buying his truck. The info he (PureDrifting) found out is about 4 posts down from the top.


Is it possible to put 7500 miles on your truck, sell it to someone out-of-state, have them register it out-of-state, then immediately buy it back as a used vehicle? There would probably be another sales tax.


http://www.campingworld.com/cforum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/13534471/gotomsg/13560726.cfm#13560726Edited by: Lakedaisy

That's why I'd never live in a rat state like CA. Move to AZ, all the diesel and guns ya want.

Guys,


Thanks for all your thoughts and sympathies. I may call the CARB as well. Right now, I'm waiting for the manager at DMV to call me. Maybe by working up the chain, I can get an exemption or at least get them to let me modify (add a catalytic converter, etc.) mine to get around this.


I have an uncle who lives in Arizona. Arizona does not charge sales/use tax on USED vehicles. Maybe I can have my uncle buy the truck from me. He'll pay off my loan and carry the note. I'll pay him the monthlies, the increase in his insurance, and the dmv fees each year. Technically, he'll own it. Practically speaking, I'll own it. And after it's paid for or several years down the road, I'll "buy" it from him. By then, the value (at least what I declare it is on the bill of sale) will be substanially lower, so if I take a CA use-tax hit at that time, it will be much lower than what it would be today.


The only part of this plan that I'm unclear on is whether there is some CA rule saying you can't borrow a family member's car? If I get pulled over for some reason, the registration (and plates) will show it's registered to my uncle in Arizona. I provide my drivers license and proof of insurance (uncles policy) and explain that I'm borrowing the truck from him. Are there any obscure rules you're aware of that would foil this plan?


~Terel

I just can't say enough about my thoughts on California laws...... If it wasn't so sad, it would be funny. I hear one horror story after another...

Man the California envirocrats http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Evil Smile.gif have everything messed up out there. I feel for you having to deal with those people. We have our problems here with the envirocrats http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Evil Smile.gif too. Makes me feel like BIG brother is watching.


Good luck and keep us posted.


CorsairEdited by: Corsair

That's why I'd never live in a rat state like CA. Move to AZ, all the diesel and guns ya want.


Ditto.


I don't understand the point behind a catalytic converter on a diesel anyway... Don't diesels burn the fuel much more completley than a gas engine, meaning less hydrocarbons (if any)? All the converter does is convert the hydrocarbons to "inert" gasses and water, right?

Welcome to Kalifornia. Land of $600,000 dollar 2 bedroom condos that are 20 years old. Land of 2.25 gallon diesel, land of stupid DMV workers.


If all else fails get your new congressman/senator involved.

My friend did it and it got solved right away.

Well pc might have a point I hadn't thought of. Been a long time, but I had an Olds 442 that wouldn't meet CA emissions so my Dad owned it and it had Utah plates the whole time I was in CA. So your AZ plan sounds the most feasible.


As far as converting it, that's not a reasonable alternative since you'll need EGR as well as the CAT and all the control module changes as well. Then they still wouldn't take it unless GM certified it, which I doubt they'd do.


The CAT and EGR, on a diesel reduces one of the emissions, IIRC NOX? It's the stuff that aggravates PM10 and PM2.5, by 50% according to the General's web site.


Hope you get it worked out....http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gifEdited by: Zeeb

We are thinking of maybe moving to AZ in a few years and I read that AZ requires diesels to have smog tests (unlike here in WI). That may be a hassle if you have to bring it back every year for the test.


Insurance might not be a problem too if insured in one state and garaged in another?





I do feel bad for you, as a CA native I remember the fun of those smog tests, especially on cars that were modified. I have not lived there since 95 and I'm sure it has not gotten any easier to smog cars there. At least here they smog test is free for gassers and not required on diesels.Edited by: bigdog

Ah, yes... The Peoples Republik of Kalifornia... y'all sure do things differently out there.


Basically, you're hosed. The environmentalist-whackos have seen to it that unless you are willing to sell the truck to someone outside the state, have them kick it up over 7500 miles and then buy it back - you may, in fact, lose it. How's that for bureaucracy?


And tell me that doesn't suck...


Keep us posted...


Chris in enviro-friendly (for the time being) NC

Since you have ND plates, you already paid the sales tax in North Dakota, didn't you? At least it is my understanding that you HAVE to pay the sales tax on a new vehicle to get license and registration in ND. Doesn't Kalifornia have something on the books that if you paid the tax in another state and have proof of it, that you don't have to pay it again?


I know in ND that if you purchase something in a state that doesn't charge sales tax that you are SUPPOSED to report it on your taxes and pay the sales/use tax on it at that time. Like that ever happens!!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Evil Smile.gif

The exception to the rule is 7500 miles and above is concidered a used vehicle. You will need to take the vehicle out of state for 7500 miles then reregister back in CA. The DMV should refund the sales tax you have paid if they will not allow you to register it and you should only have to pay the difference in the CA tax and what you paid in ND not the full CA tax, that's the law. The law was put in place for those who were buying new vehicles out of state to avoid the sales tax. There is no date or time limit on the books so once it has 7500 miles on it you can leagally register it here. I have owned several out of state vehicle and have had no problems with them as long as you bring it in with more than the 7500 miles.

The original post here sounds like a great reason (if you really need one) to get off the left coast & move out of Ca.

Thank goodness I am allowed to leave florida tags on my truck in california..gotta love soldiers and sailors act. I say get a ND license and screw california by not giving them any money.

Try sell to wife parents then buy back.


She said new cars (less than 7,500 miles when purchased)that are not CA certified may not be imported


you said [quote](not to mention take the huge financial hit of selling a brand new truck with 6,000 miles on it)[quote]


put on 1500 more miles then you have more than the 7500 miles Round trip to ND and back has to be more that 1500 mile

Thanks to all for your ideas. I appreciate the empathic brainstorm effort!


I played voicemail tag with the DMV manager today. It's her turn again, so I've yet to speak with her. I'm going to ask a variety of things:


1) Is there an exemption for this rule for diesels (after all, CA doesn't even require us to smog them). Maybe this is the simple out.


2) Can I modify my truck to meet standards (or for that matter, just get it smogged "as is"--maybe it would pass without modification? Even my Edge Juice/Attitude monitor has a low boost fueling option (1-2) which says CARB (California Air Resources Board). I'm assuming that when the Attitude is set at one of these two levels, the vehicle should pass.


3) If I sell the vehicle, can I buy it right back and get it registered if it has more than 7,500 miles (I want to hear this from her--I'm not sure if this rule applies only to non-CA residents moving to CA or if it also applies to CA residents importing 49 state vehicles). I'm hoping this option will help her to realize the folly of the system and maybe she won't force me through the hassle and expense of selling and repurchasing.


4) The vehicle almost has 7,500 miles at this point. I might just ask her this--since my application for registration was denied, and it's technically still registered in ND (her computer didn't even pull up my truck with the license plate numbers they issued me), then can I just re-apply with the mileage truthfully stated as being over 7,500 miles?


We'll see. I'll keep you all posted. This has been (and may continue to be) a real pain in the A$$, but hopefully others can learn from my learning experience.


Cheers,


Terel

BURN THE DAMN THING Then Get a new one Your State laws S**Khttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

3) If I sell the vehicle, can I buy it right back and get it registered if it has more than 7,500 miles (I want to hear this from her--I'm not sure if this rule applies only to non-CA residents moving to CA or if it also applies to CA residents importing 49 state vehicles). I'm hoping this option will help her to realize the folly of the system and maybe she won't force me through the hassle and expense of selling and repurchasing.





It applies to CA residents. The DMV has a web site that lays it all out. If all else fails I would not suggest, asking if you could do this. I would just do it! My "89 Sub is a 49 state. When I bought it, it had 30k on it, truck was in Northern Oregon and I lived in CA. No problem registering it here in CA. Sell it to a trusted relative, then buy it back once it has 7500 on it. I don't think there would be anything they could do. You sold the truck out of state like they told you to, then bought a nonCA truck with over 7500 miles on it. Just my 2 cents

Here is what you need to do

1) Jack both rear tires in the air

2) Start truck, place into drive

3) Place brick on gass pedal (after you remove the 98mph speed limiter with a tuner box)

4) Wait for truck to reach 7,500

5) return to dmv.

God I love this board.

Seriously though, I considered buying an out of state truck just to get the 6speed transmission (NOT offered in California) glad I didn't go that route, good luck.

I doubt you would be able to modify the engine in a cost effective manner to meet CA emission regulations. There are too many differences between the Federal emission package and the CA emission package. The CAT is the easiest part. The EGR would be the real nightmare. There are way too many parts to change and add. (vacuum pump, exhaust gas cooler and plumbing (both water and exhaust gas), egr valve and solenoid, ECM programming, a whole lot of extra vacuum lines, and the list goes on.

Not to mention the reprogramming to address the ECCU module and different heads ~ yes, different heads. Still, wondering if you could 'borrow' a friends certificate (some rec'vd the CA cert after the fact and mounted them on the fan cowling) and undergo a physical insp hoping that they don't look for the CAT. I know they didn't look for the CAT on mine ~ they just wanted to see the placard/certif under the hood or on an emission component.


Wish you the best ~ hopefully the 7500 will work for you as it had for a few others (alledgedly) but reading of the DMV directive makes it very clear that its directed to prevent those moving to the state from purchasing new vehicles to avoid associated CA costs/taxes. Me thinks we can thank the auto dealer lobby for this'un. Prior to this there was simply a one time $400 environment impact fee ~ later overturned in court.

Here's an update:


I spoke to the DMV manager. She was actually trying to be helpful (Imagine that!).


As it turns out, the 7,500 mile thing won't work. She said if I re-apply with over 7,500 miles, it won't matter--they look at the original date of application for registration. Damn.


I asked her what I should do next. She said the truck needed to be shipped from the factory meeting CA requirements. Post factory modifications aren't allowed. Damn.


She suggested I call the dealer I bought from and explain I'm having a difficult time registering in CA. Tell him you need the placard that says it's CA legal--(believe it or not, she actually said this. I think technically, she meant I needed the "hardware" necessary to get it registered in CA, but I think she was winking to me over the phone).


So, I called the dealer in North Dakota and explained the self-adhesive metalic label under the hood. I asked him if he could order me one with the CA verbiage and mail it out to me. He's looking into it and will get back to me. I hope this one works.


When I re-apply, I suspect I'll need another visual inspection. Last time they didn't look for the cat--just the label. I hope it's the same next time. I'm a little worried about what the clerk will say/ask. i.e why are you having to re-apply? What was the problem last time? Oh, CA EPA requirement...did you modify the truck? What gives, mister?


I suppose my approach will be to play dumb to a degree. Don't offer any information. Only answer what is asked of me. I could get lucky and the forms could speak for themselves and have no tough questions to answer. I realize that these forms are submitted with my signature and that the penalty for lying is perjury. Not interested in jail time over this. However, my fall back will be to be totally honest about it, explain what the MANAGER at DMV told me to do. So I did it.


What do you think, guys?


~Terel

Terel,


I almost bought mine out of state, but what I had to go through when I bought my last car out of state (and it was CA legal) I didn't.


I would say if the dealer in ND can't help you out with the CA sticker, then "attempt" to make him buy it back!!!

I think you're going to have to sell the truck and have it registered in another state. The CARB website is pretty clear that the vehicle must be removed from California, and that driving it for the purpose of exceeding 7500 miles is not allowable. It is, in fact, illegal to operate the vehicle in California so if they wanted to be real jerks I suppose they could require proof that you had it hauled out of the state.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif

Does anyone know of a problem with this plan:


Sell to my uncle in Arizona (they don't pay sales tax on used vehicles there).


He pays off GMAC, receives the title. He owns the car and has it legally registered in AZ. He adds me and the truck to his insurance.


I pay the extra premiums. I pay the AZ registration renewal each year. I set up a loan with him to pay him back for the truck.


After several years, I've paid him for the truck, but we keep it in his name until it's only worth $10,000 or so, or until I want to sell it. Then, I buy it back from him (on paper, since I will have already paid for it). Then, I will be buying a used vehicle from out of state with well over 7,500 miles. I should not have a problem getting it registered in CA at that time. And because we will have waited several years for me to repurchase it, I won't get hit with exorbitant sales tax fees when I register it in CA (on account of it's depreciated value).


The only potential catch is what happens if I get pulled over here in CA during the next several years. I'm driving a truck with AZ plates. It's legally owned by my uncle. I carry proof of insurance with the vehicle. And if asked, I just explain to the officer I'm borrowing it from my uncle.


Anyone know of any problems with this plan?


Thanks so much for your help, guys.


~Terel

One potential problem is that AZ does smog test diesels. (I read that on their DOT site as it is a place we are thinking about moving to) I can't remember how often it is tested but you will need to take it back to AZ for testing to get the tags renewed.

Big Dog,


These are the kinds of tips I was hoping for. Thank you. Alternatively, I could just buy it back from my uncle as soon as AZ asks for a smog (probably after two years).


I guess this plan would require an initial trip down there to get it registered in AZ, though.


I hope I can just end up with a CA emissions label from the dealer I bought it from.


Thanks,


Terel

I don't really know how often AZ require a smog test on them. (something I will have to find out too if I end up there). I remember having to do it every other year when I lived in LA and the fun that was. At least here in WI they are free (and not needed on diesels).





Good luck with getting your sticker from the dealer. My truck is federal too so I'll make sure if I move back there it has 7500 miles on it.

Why don't you register it in Arizona, all you have to do to register it out of state is leave it there for 90 days. A ton of guys who live in CA, have there RV's and boats registered in Arizona and don't live there. They do this to avoid sales tax, use your uncle's address.

terel,


I have one of those stickers. I have a 2002 and probably a year after I bought it, GM sent me one of those stickers because the one from the factory was difficult to see. I never put it on, felt if someone really wanted to know if it was CA emission legal they could stick their head deep in the engine bay and look. I wish I had a sticker that said 49 state so I could take off that dern CAT. If your plans don't pan out, give me a PM.


LA DMAX

Hi Terel:

I feel for you, sounds like you are going through a typical California nightmare.

I am the guy on the Campingworld board that the first page refers to. I can tell you a few things that I have gone through but I doubt if that will help you much...

1. I bought this truck used in Arizona two weeks ago. A dealer in Phoenix. I did pay 6.3% AZ sales tax, it's right on the contract. I don't know who told you that there is no AZ sales tax collected on used cars. I was in Phoenix on the 23rd of March and I paid it from a dealer.

2. I did call the ARB before I purchased the truck. I was told by the employee at the ARB (or CARB as you call it) that as long as the vehicle was used (registered to a private or business owner) with over 7,500 miles on it, I was good to buy it and register it in California.

3. Forget about trying any of the modifications, ain't gonna happen. If you are caught, bad news.

4. As far as the registration gimmicks in AZ, I have a friend who's dad worked out at San Miguel Island, off the coast of California, but lived in Laughlin so his truck was registered in Nevada but more often driven in California. My friend's dad gave him this truck eventually (a little Isuzu gasser) and my friend drove it for years but when he was ticketed or pulled over, he was given the third degree on why his license said he was a California resident so why was his truck registered in Nevada. Major hassle!

5. I went to the DMV today to register the truck. They charged me the difference between the 6.3% sales tax I paid in Phoenix and the 7.25% sales tax here in Ventura County where I reside. I paid the $250.00 registration fee. I was given a temporary registration for the window. I was told I have to go and get the truck weighed at a certified scale. Once Arizona DMV mails me the title for the truck and I have the weight cert, he said to come back to the DMV for the VIN# to be verified, then they will issue plates and a registration sticker. The key is that this truck had 16,991 miles on it when I bought it in Phoenix. It's used. I don't think that there is any easy, straightforward way to get around the law here. You bought a new truck so you are going to get hassled by the man. I feel for you, it sucks, it's stupid. My truck is no different than your truck, but yours is new and mine is used, that's our state government in action.

6. The guy from the ARB told me to make sure that the truck I bought was a U.S. model, not for the Canadian or Mexican markets and that it was EPA certified and I was good to go. My brother works at a GM dealer so he ran the original invoice for me and it is definitely a U.S. model.

I will repost to let you know how things turn out but as of right now, I have temp registration and will be getting new plates as soon as the title shows up and I go to the scales.

Good luck to you!

Dan

Youre in a fix. Heres a story...Without incriminating myself...


I got mine in Colorado. Brought home to CA with lets "say" over 7500 miles...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif Didnt know about the emissions stuff. Spoke to an "aquaintance" at the DMV, and she alerted me of troubles ahead.


I called the selling dealer in Colorado, and had some temp tags sent out ASAP. Drove it until there were "way over" 7500 miles on it. Took it into the DMV, and registered. Saved sales tax.


If you wait 90 days to register a vehicle brought into this fine state, you save sales tax. You are not supposed to bring it into the state. If you do, you would need to register ASAP to avoid penalties.


It worked so well, I did it again with the TDI...


I would reccomend that you sell the truck to a relative. Buy back after appropriate miles are on it. Not to mention those ever important 90 days.


Best of luck...

This is why you should slap the next Greenpeace hippie you see

I have to say something on this one................


MOVE FROM CA !!!!!!!!!!


If everybody started leaving the state then maybe the politicians would wake up.


They got some weird rules.


As nice as CA is........won't ever catch me moving to that state !!!





Thttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gifNY

This is why you should slap the next Greenpeace hippie you see


Say that when you come over the Cajon pass into SanBernadino, and smell the smog and all that crap. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Dead.gif Its disgusting, unhealthy, and the rest of the nation gets it after so cal is done with it. (Blows from west to east) We need to be more environmentally aware.


GM should have made all the trucks the same. VW did that with the TDI, and it really simplifies things. Not to mention that less smog everywhere cant hurt...


The hippie freaks are extremists, as are the folks that dont care. In the middle is the way to go.

Okay, I called the dealer in ND where I bought the truck. Told 'em I couldn't get the truck registered in CA and asked if he could order the metal emissions placard for me that would allow me to get registered (one that says CA approved). He looked into it and noted that it would only cost about $11 for the part, but he needs a VIN to order the part. The VIN obviously needs to be from a truck that IS CA legal.


Now a brother needs a hand...anyone willing to help?


My other option, which I've not ruled out, is to see if my Arizona uncle will buy the truck from me.


Supposing I can get a CA emissions label, I'm a little concerned about going back to the DMV to get the truck registered. They're going to ask questions. If they do their physical inspection and see that the truck DOES meet CA, they're going to look at the first set of forms I submitted and wonder why they indicate otherwise. The implication is that either the first inspector mis-read the label, or that I had it modified. I don't want to get in trouble over this.


Advice?


~Terel

I really think you are screwed.


I assume that the VIN needed to make the label would have to match the VIN of your truck.


Sell it to the relative. Wait for 3 months and 7500 miles, and bring it back in. You will have to pay sales tax in his state, but if you wait those 90 days to bring it in after you record the sale with him, you wont have to pay sales tax 2 times...


Good luck...

Move to FLorida. No emissions inspections. No State Income Tax. No Earthquales and Lots of Sun.

Me thinks it is illegal for the selling dealer to have sold you a truck that would violate CA laws (or at least its that way in ID). Perhaps there could be some remedy on that end ~ Suppose you could make cursory/informal contact their state atty generals ofc to chk it out. I believe there are some legal beagles that frequent this site. Edited by: ShumDit

Me thinks it is illegal for the selling dealer to have sold you a truck that would violate CA laws (or at least its that way in ID). Perhaps there could be some remedy on that end ~ Suppose you could make cursory/informal contact their state atty generals ofc to chk it out. I believe there are some legal beagles that frequent this site.


The way I see it, the dealer did nothing wrong. It appears as though he bought the truck off the lot. ND vehicles only have to meet federal emissions standards, which this truck does. Since this would have been one off the lot, there isn't a dealer in ND that would order one with CA emissions.

The way I see it, the dealer did nothing wrong. It appears as though he bought the truck off the lot. ND vehicles only have to meet federal emissions standards, which this truck does. Since this would have been one off the lot, there isn't a dealer in ND that would order one with CA emissions.





So it would seem. However, some states have laws to prevent sells to people that can not legally use/consume/operate the merchandise. Simplistic examples would be tobacco/alcohol to minors? Firearms to ex cons? In this case, a vehicle in violation of a states emission laws/standards. When I purchased mine in ID, I was informed that their laws left me w/no choice. They could only sell me one w/CA emissions certification (which was ok w/me as I had done my homework before purchasing and knew I didn't want to battle city hall).


I would think that in this case the seller owes something more than a simple brush-off. In that it did take both to create the situation then it would seem reasonable that they share in the resolution. Surely there is something that they could do to help ~ and I believe he did solicit ideas/suggestions and it is looking like the bottom of the barrel in that department right about now.Edited by: ShumDit

Terel, The vin # has nothing to do with the tag or label you will recieve from GM, and in fact it is customary nowadays for most part orders to be submitted with a vin number. Order the tag....what do you think most body shops do after an accident repair???...they order a new label and afix it to the upper fan schroud or core support area. You can go to your local dealer, the parts counter, and order it then afix it in the stock location. While you are there look a another unsold vehicle for all minor details. Get it registered asap, as the time element is better sooner rather than later......more time , more chance for questions. Use your uncle plan as a last resort, if all else fails. After all you are only following instructions given to you by DMV. In any case good luck.


Sir-col

The dealer didn't do anything wrong. They are not located in CA (or one of the few other states that have tigher emission standards) so as long as it met the Federal one, it was legit. Mine is only federal and not for sale in CA and those 3-4 other "problem" states. After growing up in LA, I'm just as happy it's not a CA smogged vehicle.

terel,


I have one of those stickers. I have a 2002 and probably a year after I bought it, GM sent me one of those stickers because the one from the factory was difficult to see. I never put it on, felt if someone really wanted to know if it was CA emission legal they could stick their head deep in the engine bay and look. I wish I had a sticker that said 49 state so I could take off that dern CAT. If your plans don't pan out, give me a PM.


LA DMAX





I think this is your best bet right now.


Gar

So it would seem. However, some states have laws to prevent sells to people that can not legally use/consume/operate the merchandise. Simplistic examples would be tobacco/alcohol to minors? Firearms to ex cons? In this case, a vehicle in violation of a states emission laws/standards. When I purchased mine in ID, I was informed that their laws left me w/no choice. They could only sell me one w/CA emissions certification (which was ok w/me as I had done my homework before purchasing and knew I didn't want to battle city hall).


I would think that in this case the seller owes something more than a simple brush-off. In that it did take both to create the situation then it would seem reasonable that they share in the resolution. Surely there is something that they could do to help ~ and I believe he did solicit ideas/suggestions and it is looking like the bottom of the barrel in that department right about now.





If you take note from the original post, he licensed the vehicle in ND. The problem came when he then tried to get it licensed in CA. It's just too bad he didn't have over 7500 miles on it when he went to the DMV.Edited by: Darin Billing

I need to get some replacement stickers too as mine are coming off, including the one on the door frame with the VIN on it.