Calif 3500 owners, registration question

[MrFixit]

Doesn't it say exceptall those vehicles?

 

[Pavemen]

Doesn't it say exceptall those vehicles?

yes, it says our trucks are exempt FOR NOW as it explicitly allows for two more levels of testing based on our GVWR. I want to get into the upper GVWR so that it takes even longer to require smog, if it happens at all, which I am sure will happen.

first they will start with the diesel light duty trucks and passenger cars. if that works, which i think they will find a way to make it work so they can collect the fees, they will move to figuring out how to test 2500s (8500-10000 GVWR), which I think they will come up with some form of testing to collect fees. Then the 10000-13000 GVWR will be next.

Just becuase we are exempt now does not mean we wont be in a few years. Thy could be designing tests now and for all I know, we could be required to test in 2010 when the law goes into effect.

I just want my truck to not have to be smogged. With a registered wieght of 1500lb that I am trying to get corrected, I'll be liable for trying to smog my medium duty engine to standards a VW will likely barely pass.

 

[AKAMAC]

I belive there are still exempt zones. Try getting some property in the Lake Comanche area.

 

[Pavemen]

I belive there are still exempt zones. Try getting some property in the Lake Comanche area.

no problem, let me pull that $30,000 out of my backside and I'll get right on it.

i need reasonable solutions, thanks though

 

[JoeyJ]

My 3500 fees (commercial rating 6680 lbs) are based on my scale weight when registered it. I'm glad I have a '96 non CA truck my renewal fees are $300 plus and I too had to pay sales tax on all my vehicles I brought with me when I moved out here.

 

[Pavemen]

Got it all worked out with the DMV finally.

Had to get a certified weight slip, came in at 6760lb with no spare, 1/2 tank (by gauge) of fuel, one car seat, small bag of tools, and small misc stuff.

Had to go through verification at the DMV to change the body type from 4C (cab chassis extended 4dr) to pickup PK

Apparently the VIN decodes to 4C which is just a pickup for general law enforcement purposes. They verified VIN, body type, mileage, fuel type and I paid the new fees and was on my way.

With the 1500lb unladen weight the weight fee was $8 and the total cost with my personal plates was $123.

Now with the new weight and probably some new title fee and my personal plates its $348.

At least now I am legal. Costs me more but its less headache if the CHP or DOT wants to make a point with the low weight I had.

 

[MrFixit]

Great news. . glad you got it all worked out. So you are now PK instead of 4C?



Not sure I understood that part. I ask because Chrysler seems to put 4C's on all their pickups when they register them for you when you buy new.



Thanks

 

[Pavemen]

Great news. . glad you got it all worked out. So you are now PK instead of 4C?

Not sure I understood that part. I ask because Chrysler seems to put 4C's on all their pickups when they register them for you when you buy new.

Thanks

They were fine with changing to "pickup" as the ladies behind the counter told me they prefer the simplicity of "passenger", "flatbed", "station wagon", "pickup" and things like that.

 

[cksh8me]

The smog is for trucks with a gvw of 8500 or less. No Dodge diesels at least 2nd gens I know of were gvw 8500 or less.

 

[Pavemen]

The smog is for trucks with a gvw of 8500 or less. No Dodge diesels at least 2nd gens I know of were gvw 8500 or less.

Miss the part where my truck was tagged for 1500 lb? There is no way a 1500 lb unladen truck can have a GVWR of over 8500 lb. I didnt want any issues with either smog folks or with DOT/CHP for being overweight just being on the street.

 

[jandr]

Miss the part where my truck was tagged for 1500 lb? There is no way a 1500 lb unladen truck can have a GVWR of over 8500 lb. I didnt want any issues with either smog folks or with DOT/CHP for being overweight just being on the street.

Better to take care of it now. Dealing with the DMV is fairly easy IF you get the right person.



As I see it, the law states:

SEC. 3. Section 44011 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:

44011. (a) All motor vehicles powered by internal combustion engines

that are registered within an area designated for program coverage shall be

required biennially to obtain a certificate of compliance or noncompliance,

except for the following:



(8) (A) All diesel-powered vehicles manufactured prior to the 1998

model-year.

(B) All diesel-powered vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating

of 8,501 to 10,000 pounds, inclusive, until the department, in consultation

with the state board, pursuant to Section 44012, implements test procedures

applicable to these vehicles.



"vehicles", not just trucks. It looks like the Mercedes and VW's etc. are targeted first. But I also suspect that when they get their test procedures figured out, we'll be next. A lot of diesel trucks in Calif... ... ... I doubt if they will let it go for long.

 

[ABarry]

Well if diesel keeps going up I will just register INOP

 

[sam-eye-am]

Glad I found this thread

Moved to Ca from Va last fall. Haven't registered here since I am active duty. Got the renewal forwarded to me from VA. Something like $49. 00. Even though I hate VA, I guess I am sticking with the VA plates for now.

 

[MMichaels]

VA plates in CA

Be very careful about this. The CHP is always looking for local drivers with out-of-state plates, 'specially if they see you cruising around a lot. I've had active duty military people tell me that they've gotten hassled, too.



This used to be just a "fix-it" citation, but now - given the Golden State's endless need for cash - I believe there's a hefty fine attached...

 

[sam-eye-am]

I don't think it will be a problem.

Be very careful about this. The CHP is always looking for local drivers with out-of-state plates, 'specially if they see you cruising around a lot. I've had active duty military people tell me that they've gotten hassled, too.



This used to be just a "fix-it" citation, but now - given the Golden State's endless need for cash - I believe there's a hefty fine attached...

Well, thanks to $5+ diesel, I don't cruise the truck around. When I do hit the road, it has a slide in camper on it. And, I surely don't speed as that costs even more fuel $.



Legally, they can't site me for having out of state plates (because of the active duty military thing)... I doubt CHP would try to give me a fix it ticket. I'd say 9 times out of 10, if they pull over a vehicle from out of state because of the plates, you were already doing something else wrong or otherwise look suspicious.



My truck is bone stock except for the Firestone air bags and rancho 9000xl shocks, so it doesn't grab a lot of attention. VA plates are also white... so they don't grab as much attention as other states either. Chances are, if he is close enough to the front of the truck to see the VA plates... he can see the DoD decall on it too... and realize that it probably isn't worth pulling me over. And, should it go so far as to handing over license and registration, I am in uniform on my DL picture.



And when the truck doesn't have the camper on it, I am usually in areas with lots of other military... so lots of other out of state plates... therefore nothing out of the ordinary.

 

[Soot4Life]

OK, I could not resist rubbing this in: My ol 97 3500 in Texas registration is only $166. 00, which the good ol Texas government gives me totally FREE due to being a combat disabled veteran!

Mr. Don in TEXAS: On behalf of this fine nation... ..... THANK YOU for your service and your sacrifice. You are due far more than a freebie on your registration. My ball cap is off to you!