RE: Moving to CA

["Shubin, Pete" <pshubin@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

The answer to both of your questions is, call the proper authorities.  You
will hear many different interpretations of these laws.  Just be sure you
tell the DMV your Scout has the stock engine if they ask.  They typically
don't look at the SMOG exempt years unless you give them a reason.  I
registered my Scout sight unseen after it had been erased from the DMV's
records due to being unregistered for so long.  If you are an AAA member you
can register vehicles at their offices and avoid the DMV.  You should call
and make sure they will do this for vehicles coming into the state.

Child seat laws in California are far over reaching and constantly in flux.
They used to have a 4/40 rule, are currently at a 6/60 rule, and are
discussing a 8/80 rule where booster seats would be needed for every child
less than 80 pounds or under 8 years of age but it has not gone into effect.
I suggest that you  call the CHP and ask.  They are very helpful in
explaining the details in the law and I believe they give out bulletins too.
Every time the law changes we call the CHP and check.  The tickets are very
expensive.



-----Original Message-----
Date: Wed, 06 Aug 2003 16:04:36 -0600
From: me <ewalter@domain.elided>
Subject: Moving to CA

We are planning to move to California in about 5 months.  I have a 73 
Scout, which has had the engine replaced with a newer one (by a couple 
of years I believe.)  Does California check to see if the engine is 
correct, because as a 30 year old vehicle it shouldn't have to go 
through emissions (unless, like when I called they said if it has a 
newer engine it has to pass - but do they check to know if the engine is 
newer?). 

Also, does California do any type of safety inspection, one time or 
annually? 

And, if anyone has kids, do you have to use a booster seat for children 
over age four if you do not have shoulder belts?  (Booster seats usually 
come with a 5 point harness, but that is only usable until the child is 
40 lbs.  After that a shoulder/lap belt is supposed to be used with the 
booster seat.)  I have found info for harnesses that can be used in 
school buses and would work in the back seat of the Scout, but I hate to 
spend the money if I don't need to.

Thanks,

Cheryl