Smog inspection for out-of-state registration? (San Diego, San Francisco: lease, transfer, DMV)

[A.Typical.Girl]

I have a 2011 SUV that's registered in CA & the tag sticker expires in Jan 2018. However, I'll be in FL until mid-Feb, before returning to CA. If I'm not mistaken, since the car will be 7-yrs old in Jan, I'll need a smog inspection this time 'round, rather than just paying registration fees for the sticker, or do I?

According to the DMV site, San Diego Cty (where I used to live) only requires certain zip codes to obtain 2-yr smog inspections (I lived in 2 zip codes that required it... STAR inspection, in fact). There's a link where you can punch in your zip & it will let you know if you're included. The problem is, I will be getting an apt after returning & am also interviewing for a job in San Francisco, so don't know which zip to use as I don't yet know where I'll be.

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1...smogfaq#BM2539


"The registration renewal notice mailed to you by the department will indicate if a smog certification is required. If a smog certification is required and you have not had a smog inspection, you may still pay your registration fees to avoid any late fees. However, you will not receive your new registration or year sticker until the smog information has been received by DMV."


With the above being the case, as I'm making my way back to CA, do I risk being pulled over & ticketed for driving a car with an expired sticker?

Thanks very much.

Further inspection info for the zips I used to live in (called Enhanced areas), but I'm unsure if that's just when transferring ownership?

https://smogcheck.ca.gov/FormsPubs/F...ram_Areas.html

Enhanced Areas: These areas do not meet federal or state air quality standards for ozone and carbon monoxide. Biennial Smog Check inspections are required in these areas, in addition to the change of ownership and initial registration inspection requirement. Additionally, a portion of the vehicles in Enhanced Areas must receive their biennial Smog Check at a STAR station. In order to measure NOx emissions, specified model-year vehicles in Enhanced Area are subject to an ASM (Acceleration Simulation Mode) emissions test.


I can call the DMV, but I sound as confused as I do here, so will do that as a last resort. Maybe it's just me.

[loveautumn]

Is the car with you in FL right now?

[hitman619]

It's doesn't matter about the Zip code, just pay the Registration fee and save the receipt. When you get back to California smog the car ASAP. They will send you your new stickers in a week.
That's all you can do at this point. If you get pulled over you can at lease show the officer you have paid the registration fee And that, you're headed back to CA to Smog the car. I Would also call the CA DMV and see if they have a better Answer 1-800-777-0133
Good luck

[loveautumn]

I gather what happened is that you moved to Florida and didn't register your car there. Now you might be returning to CA. I assume The address on your CA registration is no longer a valid address so if you renew your registration the address where the car is located is no longer is true and you would be submitting inaccurate information to the DMV. This is probably a common issue with all the snowbirds in FL. I'd call the CA DMV and explain your situation.

[A.Typical.Girl]

Originally Posted by hitman619

It's doesn't matter about the Zip code, just pay the Registration fee and save the receipt. If you get pulled over you can at lease show the officer you have paid the registration fee. I Would also call the CA DMV and see if they have a better Answer 1-800-777-0133

Yes, thanks Hitman, I understood that part of it, which is good. I'll give them a call.


Autumn, LOL, nah, you're wrong on all counts, but that's okay... never heard of snowbirds defined as those who go from San Diego to FL.

[hitman619]

Originally Posted by A.Typical.Girl

Yes, thanks Hitman, I understood that part of it, which is good. I'll give them a call.


Autumn, LOL, nah, you're wrong on all counts, but that's okay... never heard of snowbirds defined as those who go from San Diego to FL.

No Problem

[loveautumn]

What I meant by my snowbirds comment is that Florida has many drivers who probably don't register their cars there because they only live there part of the year and aren't required to. And yes you could be pulled over for an expired tag, although I think that rarely happens But if you're in an accident, speeding, etc.

then it could be an issue.

[A.Typical.Girl]

Originally Posted by loveautumn

What I meant by my snowbirds comment is that Florida has many drivers who probably don't register their cars there because they only live there part of the year and aren't required to. And yes you could be pulled over for an expired tag, although I think that rarely happens But if you're in an accident, speeding, etc.

then it could be an issue.

Thanks, Autumn. I know... I was teasing you!

To be on the safe side, I'll call them. Just thought someone might have gone through the same recently & could save me from customer service annoyances & the nightmare of phone trees.