Registering out-of-state vehicle (sales, home, purchase)

[minitruth]

Let me start by saying I've spent a few days combing through Google / CA DMV / message boards. I understand how to register my car in CA, and I don't think the system is THAT complicated.

What I want to know is... The DMV site states that if the vehicle has been purchased out-of-state within 365 days (1 year), registering it in CA requires the owner to pay the difference in sales tax between the home state and CA. I bought the car in Nov 2008, with no scheming about cheating California out of tax (I drove here from New England). I personally think that a year-long window is absurd. My question is: What if I just wait until Nov 2009 to register my car?

I know that the police might stop me (I've read alot of forums about this topic). I know that someone might turn me in. I know that it would probably be simpler to just register now and be done with it. But doing so would cost me an additional $500! (I used to fee calculator on the DMV site to estimate) My girlfriend moved here 2 and a half years ago and she STILL has her out-of-state plate, and has never been hasseled. I don't mind switching my plates, but paying $500 extra bucks to do so seems rediculous to me, when I could just wait a few months.

Any thoughts on this?

[cruitr]

Don't sweat it. Just make sure your current plates have up-to-date registration stickers. And try real hard not to get a ticket of any kind.

[dawnthetemp]

If I purchase a new car out of state and bring it in, have smog done (it does have CA standard emissions), pay the registration and licensing fees, can I put off paying the sales/use tax as long as I pay it within the tax year it was purchased? Wishful thinking? Thanks, Dawn

[moved]

You have to pay everything at one time. DMV likes their money.