Non-California vehicles in California

[Johnny_L.A]

There’s a model of Vespa, and the Royal Enfield motorcycle that are not sold in California (presumably because of California’s emissions laws).

I’m now living in Washington, but am planning to move back to L.A. If I were to have one of these vehicles, would I be allowed to take it to California?

[Mr.Blue_Sky]

Wouldn’t it have to eventually have to pass emmission inspection?

[Johnny_L.A]

@Mr. Blue Sky

Wouldn’t it have to eventually have to pass emmission inspection?

AFAIK motorcycles do not have to have smog tests (though they apparently do need to meet emissions regulations before being sold in California).

[Mr.Blue_Sky]

This site says:

The Bottom Line

If you are a California resident and acquire a new car, truck or motorcycle from another state, it must be certified to meet California smog laws in order to be registered here.

Is the model you’re looking at new (being defined as haviung less than 7500 miles)?

[Johnny_L.A]

Aha! From the link:

Does This Apply to Someone Moving to California?

If you are moving to California from another state, you may register a new federally certified vehicle in California if it was first registered by you in your home state, or for military personnel, in your last state of military service. When applying for vehicle registration in California, you must provide evidence of your vehicle’s previous registration and that you were a resident of the other state when you acquired the vehicle.

So if I were to buy one of these motorcycles (which I’m not planning to BTW) and register it here before I move back, then I could take it with me.

Thanks.