So me an the ol lady were thinking about taking a trip with my buddy and his wife and two kids next winter to San Diego, driving of course to see the sights along the way an what not, with 6 people though the only logical thing to do would be to take my 97 crew cab. I was talking to some guys at work about it and they tell me that I wouldn't be able to get in the state of California with my truck and if I did I would face serious fines for emissions. I do have a chip and straight pipe and I know I couldn't live there with it or I wouldn't be able to license it but I didn't think those rules applied to Non-resident Non-commercial folks just there to visit. Can anyone who has some real experience with this scenario shed some light?

 

Um, hate to say it, but he doesn't know what he's talking about. Ask me how I know.

 

That's like driving into a state where you have to get an inspection. Never got pulled over in PA for not having a sticker.

 

Ridiculous. First, there's nothing to say you can't drive a federal vehicle through, that privileges and immunities right there.

Second, no emissions testing on diesels in california older than 98. My dads truck is a federal truck and he gets registration just as easily as I do with a cali truck.

 

That's what I thought bit didn't want to drive 1500 miles and get told to turn around

 

Uh yeah, your co-workers are smoking some California export... Now there _are_ "inspection stations" on all the Interstates at the state line. My co-worker, who used to live in SD, tells me they're only checking for importation of fruits that contain bugs. When we crossed in from AZ on I-10 last summer, it was a Sunday afternoon and the station was unoccupied, so IDK what they would have checked. But no, it has nothing to do with emissions from your out-of-CA vehicle.

 

No, no no... You can drive in Cali just fine, there wont be an issue...

 

Agreed, as others have said, no smog for diesel's 97 and older, also to register an out of state vehicle in CA, it needs to have the original equipment the vehicle was built with so as long as the vehicle has whatever emissions stuff was on it from the factory, it is fine. It does not to have CA emissions crap. Only new vehicles sold in CA need to have CA emissions equipment.

 

Only COMMERCIAL vehicles with a GVW of 14,001lbs+ have to worry about that. And IIRC you have a 24hour window to get in, do you business and get out

 

Well that's what I was thinking.... I do have 18,000 lb playes bUT I'm not commercial. ... I just want to see the Pacific down south where might actually be able to get in the water. I've been to the Pacific before up in seaside Oregon but it was cold and windy the day I was there

 

Just make sure you go in the dead of summer, preferably August. It'll still be 70-72,which is cold for most people. I always trunked it from June to December, but I am used to it. Avoid June if you want to see the sun much. We call it "June gloom" for a reason. The marine layer comes and stays. It can feel like winter even though it's 70* out.

 

What's it like in san Diego in december or first 1/2 of January?

 

The water will be 60-62 and the air temperature can be anywhere from the mid 30s at night to the mid 70s during the day

 

I just drove thru CA yesterday and the border stop is a joke, they just wave you thru. What a waste of money!

 

Assuming you're coming for a visit (not moving here), there are no smog/emissions equipment inspections for non commercial vehicles. That being said, the CHP may ticket you if you're blowing clouds of smoke. They'd call you a "gross polluter". Other than that, there will be no surprises coming to CA, except the fuel price! No kidding, it'll be at least 50 cents a gallon higher the moment you cross the border. GasBuddy.com is your friend here.

Have fun,

Curt