Most vehicles manufactured for sale out of state have emission systems configurations different than California. However, any used vehicle which is either California emissions certified or 49-state only, can pass the California smog test and receive registration here. "Used Vehicle" means a vehicle with over 7500 miles on the odometer. Note, a new vehicle on the other hand, can not be registered (or pass smog) in California if it is not California emissions certified.
In this specif case you mention the vehicle was originally from California. This leads us to believe the vehicle is California emissions certified, and assuming it is in good shape (no check engine light illuminated, no tampered emissions components, and required readiness flags set), the vehicle should have no trouble passing the smog test.
The smog inspection for 2000 and newer vehicles consist of a visual and functional inspection of the vehicle's engine emissions system. So long as the engine's emission system has not been tampered with, the check engine light is not on, and the emission monitors are ready, the vehicle can pass the smog test without any emissions modification; no smog parts need to be added. Since the vehicle you plan on buying is 2000 and newer, it will not need to undergo the tailpipe portion of the California smog inspection.
posted by SmogTips Support
