California Emission Certificate

[RetiredSubVet]

I purchased my 2017 Ram 3500 DRW in Indiana. My DW and I want to travel and visit some of the National Parks in the northern part of California. I understand that my truck is required to have some sort of emission testing certificate and it will be checked upon entering the state. If I don't have the certificate, it will have to be done immediately and can be very expensive. Can anyone provide some insight on this and if you have had this completed before going to California, how expensive was it and is it required to be tested more than once? Thanks for your input!

[1retired06]

If Indiana does not require an emissions test, then to the best of my knowledge, California only enforces rules and regulations associated with the state the vehicle is registered in. For example, California may not require a safety inspection on an RV, but if Indiana does, California could issue a citation for non-compliance if they inspect your rig.

We were in California two years ago, and nobody checked anything. We have traveled throughout the states, and have never been cited for anything. Wonderful California did stop us 7-8 years ago, escorting us to a truck stop to verify we were not overweight.

Some years ago, we lived in VA, and emission tests were required as part of tag renewal. Been a few years, don't remember the exact cost, but at that time $50-$60 comes to mind for the inspection.


Guess I would check with California DMV to be safe. If in fact, anybody coming in to California with out of state plates is required to be compliant with California law, they can kiss their tourist business goodby.

[fatcatzzz]

I live in California and the only time I have been asked for a emissions cert was when paying license fees. Pretty sure you will be fine.

[Carl n Susan]

Despite the continuing rumors, the SMOG Nazi is not sitting at every border waiting for an out of state licensed vehicle to enter. Not only would it be impractical, it would cause a revolt.

Many parts of CA *DO* require a SMOG test as part of the CA vehicle license renewal process. Even that is only every 2 years. You would be subject to it only if you moved to CA and then registered your vehicles there.

Your vehicle is already CA SMOG compliant. The difference is CA tests that compliance periodically where as many states do not.

You can join the hundreds of thousands vehicle crossing in CA each day without worry. Enjoy your visit!

[waynemoore]

2X what Carl said. I would not be surprised if your truck is CA compliment. I think they all are just not smart to make a special truck for just CA and another for the rest of the states. May make big inventory problems. Plus problems for owners moving from state to state.

[mlh]

I'll bet mine isn't complaint anywhere, no DPF, 600+ HP. Na don't think so but she'll pull a camper.
Lynwood

[mhs4771]

Doubt the smog test, but you may be stopped and checked for Fruits and Veggies. I know we were a couple of years ago coming down from the North.

[cpaulsen]

If it is not registered n Ca.-----you do not need a smog certificate.