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danaeb
Senior Nomad
Posts: 991
Registered: 11-13-2006
Location: San Diego; El Centenario
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Mood: groovy
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CA Smog Exemption - I found the vehicle code
Last year when my smog test was due, I went to AAA, filled out form 256 and was out the door with my tags in 5 minutes. This year, AAA gave me a hard
time because the car is in Mexico and according to their interpretation, wouldn't qualify for the exemption.
I know from posts on Nomads and other Baja boards that there is specific language in the vehicle code regarding exemptions for out-of-state vehicles.
For the last week, I've scoured the internet looking for the specific section of the Vehicle Code. Eureka! I found it!
Here's the online link. Scroll to page 12, code section 10.60.
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/reg_hdbk_pdf/ch10_RENEWALS.pdf
The language is black and white. If the vehicle is out of state, except for specific cities in Nevada and Mexico, the vehicle is exempt. I just
submitted the paperwork today. Let's see what happens.....
Experience enables you to recognize a mistake every time you repeat it.
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
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Nice job. Obviously the listed cities are all bordering California. Just wondered why Mexicali isn't on the list.
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El Camote
Senior Nomad
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Nice job. Obviously the listed cities are all bordering California. Just wondered why Mexicali isn't on the list. |
Probably the same reason the Imperial Valley is exempt. Too rural.
Although, on second thought, most days the air in Mexicali can be cut with a knife. If there was ever a need for smog laws...
[Edited on 8-5-2010 by El Camote]
Knowledge is good. - Emil Faber
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
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And just consider the vast urban environment around Tecate.
Mexicali is a very large city. It dwarfs towns on the US side. It just doesn't make sense to me that it would not be on the list.
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danaeb
Senior Nomad
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Registered: 11-13-2006
Location: San Diego; El Centenario
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bajahowodd
And just consider the vast urban environment around Tecate.
Mexicali is a very large city. It dwarfs towns on the US side. It just doesn't make sense to me that it would not be on the list.
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Make sense??? You're talkin' about the DMV.....
Experience enables you to recognize a mistake every time you repeat it.
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
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I guess I forgot!
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bajalou
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4459
Registered: 3-11-2004
Location: South of the broder
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| Quote: | Originally posted by danaeb
| Quote: | Originally posted by Bajahowodd
And just consider the vast urban environment around Tecate.
Mexicali is a very large city. It dwarfs towns on the US side. It just doesn't make sense to me that it would not be on the list.
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Make sense??? You're talkin' about the DMV.....
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Imperial County CA - across the border from Mexicali - does not require the bi-annual smog checks. So why be concerned with cars with address in
Mexicali.
No Bad Days
\"Never argue with an idiot. People watching may not be able to tell the difference\"
\"The trouble with doing nothing is - how do I know when I\'m done?\"
Nomad Baja Interactive map
And in the San Felipe area - check out Valle Chico area |
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
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Didn't know that. So, places downwind aren't affected? Don't want to rant here, but just seems to me that as a nation, as a planet, the total of
hydrocarbon emissions counts.
And does that mean I could get a PO box in Calexico and never again have to worry about smoggng my 12 year old clunker that has a perpetual Check
engine light on?
[Edited on 8-5-2010 by Bajahowodd]
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danaeb
Senior Nomad
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Location: San Diego; El Centenario
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Actually, if you scroll up in that DMV document a couple of pages, it shows a list of the counties that have to comply, and counties in which only
certain zip codes apply. Go figure......
Howodd - I think you may be on to something, but I think it would have to be a physical address not a PO box. Have any relatives in Imperial county?
Experience enables you to recognize a mistake every time you repeat it.
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Russ
Elite Nomad
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Location: Punta Chivato
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The DMV in SanClemente has given me fits the last time I paid my registration I did it on line and they sent the registration but noted I had to get a
smog cert. before it would be valid and get the sticker. So last time up, in March I went in and of course I had a problem. I told them I knew there
was something for those that live below the boarder and they said if the address on the registration is in Calif. I had to have it smogged. Well, I
didn't do it and so I guess I'd illegal. I just made a copy of the part the excludes me and I'll try again. They'll probably make me pay the late
charges. Any way thanks for the info I'll give'er a try.... again.
Bahia Concepcion where life starts...given a chance!
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fandango
Senior Nomad
Posts: 549
Registered: 1-30-2006
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read page 4. it is easy to do:
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=42863&pag...
what do you say pacside?
sbwontoo
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k-rico
Super Nomad
Posts: 2079
Registered: 7-10-2008
Location: Playas de Tijuana
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If you live in Mex, get Mex plates. Either import your car or sell it and buy a car with Mex plates. I sold my old old Ford F-150 with CA plates (to a
Mexican here in TJ) and bought a new old Ford F-250 with BC plates. Glad I did. It's nice not having to go to the US for smog checks, or anything else
for that matter.
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Russ
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6742
Registered: 7-4-2004
Location: Punta Chivato
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| Quote: |
I just renewed the registration at the Auto Club in San Clemente, CA on my 1993 PU. The truck is in Mulege and would have required a smog check. I
filled out a statement of fact that the truck was in Mulege, paid the registration fee and walked out with the sticker for the plate. I was not asked
for Mexican insurance or anything. The agent told me if the vehicle is far enough into Mexico you are not required to bring it back to California for
a smog test. This is the second time I have done this. |
It didn't work for me and I talked to the supervisor
Bahia Concepcion where life starts...given a chance!
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mtgoat666
Select Nomad
Posts: 18392
Registered: 9-16-2006
Location: San Diego
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Mood: Hot n spicy
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| Quote: | Originally posted by danaeb
The language is black and white. |
guidance manual language seems to be gray
i looked at citations at top of page, and they do not link back to identical tex in regs and laws (one citation seems to be incorrect?),... so could
not see source of city listing. guidance manual is not same as regulation and law.
and did you read the code sections re insurance for CA-plated cars kept in mexico and requirements based on where you "declare" your residence?
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mulegejim
Nomad
Posts: 470
Registered: 9-4-2006
Location: San Clemente, CA/Mulege, BCS
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Russ
The DMV in SanClemente has given me fits the last time I paid my registration I did it on line and they sent the registration but noted I had to get a
smog cert. before it would be valid and get the sticker. So last time up, in March I went in and of course I had a problem. I told them I knew there
was something for those that live below the boarder and they said if the address on the registration is in Calif. I had to have it smogged. Well, I
didn't do it and so I guess I'd illegal. I just made a copy of the part the excludes me and I'll try again. They'll probably make me pay the late
charges. Any way thanks for the info I'll give'er a try.... again. |
I have been to the AAA in San Clemente and have had no problems with a truck I leave in Mulege as far as smog checks go - you fill out a form that
indicates the vehicle is in Mexico and pay the registration fee and receive the tags. I believe the requirement is that the vehicle is at some
distance from the border - my truck is in Mulege which is more than a one day drive to California. Hope this helps. Jim
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bajalou
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4459
Registered: 3-11-2004
Location: South of the broder
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bajahowodd
And does that mean I could get a PO box in Calexico and never again have to worry about smoggng my 12 year old clunker that has a perpetual Check
engine light on?
[Edited on 8-5-2010 by Bajahowodd] |
Yes you can.
No Bad Days
\"Never argue with an idiot. People watching may not be able to tell the difference\"
\"The trouble with doing nothing is - how do I know when I\'m done?\"
Nomad Baja Interactive map
And in the San Felipe area - check out Valle Chico area |
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bajalou
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4459
Registered: 3-11-2004
Location: South of the broder
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It's really pretty clear to me at least - I quote
"When the registered owner's mailing address is in a biennial inspection area but the vehicle is garaged outside the biennial inspection area, a smog
certificate MUST BE submitted for renewal"
If you want to have a San Diego mailing address, you need to get the smog cert.
If you change to a Mulege mailing address, they won't mail the renewal card to you so you just have to keep up on when to do it yourself.
Of course with all this, you must keep your Calif. insurance or they will cancel the registration.
No Bad Days
\"Never argue with an idiot. People watching may not be able to tell the difference\"
\"The trouble with doing nothing is - how do I know when I\'m done?\"
Nomad Baja Interactive map
And in the San Felipe area - check out Valle Chico area |
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Russ
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6742
Registered: 7-4-2004
Location: Punta Chivato
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by mulegejim
| Quote: | Originally posted by Russ
The DMV in SanClemente has given me fits the last time I paid my registration I did it on line and they sent the registration but noted I had to get a
smog cert. before it would be valid and get the sticker. So last time up, in March I went in and of course I had a problem. I told them I knew there
was something for those that live below the boarder and they said if the address on the registration is in Calif. I had to have it smogged. Well, I
didn't do it and so I guess I'd illegal. I just made a copy of the part the excludes me and I'll try again. They'll probably make me pay the late
charges. Any way thanks for the info I'll give'er a try.... again. |
I have been to the AAA in San Clemente and have had no problems with a truck I leave in Mulege as far as smog checks go - you fill out a form that
indicates the vehicle is in Mexico and pay the registration fee and receive the tags. I believe the requirement is that the vehicle is at some
distance from the border - my truck is in Mulege which is more than a one day drive to California. Hope this helps. Jim |
I did do it on a 92 Explorer so I knew it could be done and told the stuidvisor at DMV that and she wouldn't have any part of it. Now I have a copy
of the reg. After like 40 years I let the AAA membership end. I'm only in the States about 1 month total a year.
Bahia Concepcion where life starts...given a chance!
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pacside
Nomad
Posts: 316
Registered: 1-16-2006
Location: N. Cal
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This is what I wrote a while back when renewing my truck located in BCS with AAA office in Los Gatos, CA. Couldn't of happened soon enough; as I was
parking to wait for my friends to arrive at the SJD airport a police officer zoomed up and asked me for registration...I smiled and said glad you
asked I have them right here..he smiled back and said ok I don't need to see them just don't park here more than 5 minutes because its illegal.
*******************************************
Ditto for me this morning. Took all of 2 minutes.
I was considering paying for and providing CA liability insurance but I thought I would try with the mx insurance first. The AAA lady said mx
insurance will suffice as they will notify DMV that I provided "proof of insurance"...I assume she meant they do not specify it is MX insurance just
that I provided proof. My concern was that if I didn't have CA liab insurance then my registration would be invalidated as a previous poster
mentioned.
My DMV renewal notice said I was required to provide smog certificate and liability insurance. AAA accepted the statement of facts stating vehicle was
out of CA (thus no smog required) and mx insurance as liability ins. So at this point not sure why folks go the South Dakota route if they are able to
just pay the CA fees. Are South Dakota renewal fees less expensive? I paid $147usd for CA dmv reg renewal. Also, a bare bones CA liability insurance
quote from Wawanesa was $147 per year but as stated previously I did not purchase it as it seems at this point it wasn't needed. By the way is $147 a
fair price for minimum CA liability insurance in case I do need to buy this in the future?
Oh one more thing, I cancelled my CA insurance on this vehicle that is in Baja several months ago and still received my renewal notice but it did
request I provide proof of liability insurance. So using deductive reasoning I assume they received the electronic communication from my CA insurance
company of the cancellation but did not invalidate my registration but did require proof of liab ins for new tags.
Hope this info helps.
pacside
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Salsa
Nomad
Posts: 174
Registered: 2-4-2003
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| Quote: | Originally posted by bajalou
It's really pretty clear to me at least - I quote
"When the registered owner's mailing address is in a biennial inspection area but the vehicle is garaged outside the biennial inspection area, a smog
certificate MUST BE submitted for renewal"
If you want to have a San Diego mailing address, you need to get the smog cert.
If you change to a Mulege mailing address, they won't mail the renewal card to you so you just have to keep up on when to do it yourself.
Of course with all this, you must keep your Calif. insurance or they will cancel the registration. |
It appears to me that the above section refers to Vehicles located IN Kalifornia. The section referred by danaeb specifically says Vehicles located
OUT OF Kalifornia.
Don
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