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 1976 Austin Mini can't get smogged

 Created by: jnemini
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 Posted: Jun 23, 2016 12:31AM
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US
There are ways to get around the technicalities.  The laws are written kind of arbitrarily for convenience of enforcement; there is no physical difference of any consequence, between a 75 and 76 Mini....one is no more of a threat to safety or emissions than the other, yet the law only allows the 75 to be driven here.  one of your options is to Just get someone in one of the smog exempt towns,(Anza, Descanso, etc) to allow you to use their address for registering your Mini at.  There are folks in these towns that actually make a small covert business out of it.  Some will forward your yearly renewal paperwork to you. 
  You may also look up one of the "black market" smog stations who will smog it for a higher fee....they are around. you just need to ask the right people.  These are not "legal" options of course, but they do work for many people who otherwise would get screwed by the far-from-reasonable Ca. system.  I would guess that about a third of the classic Minis in Ca. are not registered according to the rules.  Whatever you decide, keep in mind that there are actually people who read this forum, who would take the side of the law over reason, and bring you great grief over any trivial transgression. 

Retired manufacturer of VTEC/Mini performance conversion kits

 Posted: Jun 20, 2016 08:50AM
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Thanks everyone for the input. Seems that I am stuck with this Mini. It looks like I will be putting it up for sale. I thought I was ok with buying one that has been driving around California and registered. Chuck it up to life lesson.

 Posted: Jun 17, 2016 02:40PM
 Edited:  Jun 17, 2016 02:47PM
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There are counties and areas in CA that do not require smog. Since your car already has a CA title and the prior owner had registration, you could move to an area where there is no smog requirement. Or find a friend who lives in a no smog area and have him rent you a room to reside in.

I'm not sure if the smog requirement during transfer of ownership would apply, though.

But it's an option.

[edit: information added below]
//smogcheck.ca.gov/FormsPubs/Fact_Sheets_and_Brochures/Program_Areas.html

//smogcheck.ca.gov/pdf/Program_Map.pdf

Change of Ownership Areas: These more rural areas of the state require Smog Check certification only when an affected vehicle changes ownership (with the exception of gasoline vehicles four or less model-years old), or is initially registered in California. Vehicles within specified model-years registered in the Change of Ownership Areas are subject to Smog Check only upon change of ownership or initial registration in California. Vehicles registered in this area must receive a TSI (Two Speed Idle) Smog Check.

 Posted: Jun 17, 2016 09:42AM
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You can still get a Title Only, if you want to put it in your name for resale. 

George

 

 Posted: Jun 17, 2016 08:37AM
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I think your stuck with selling it out of state. If the last proposed roll back for smog check had past you'd have been ok but it didn't so your screwed I'm afraid

Mini's are like buses they come along in a bunch

 Posted: Jun 17, 2016 08:18AM
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Oh yes indeed!  In California, 1976 and later Minis make fine yard art!  The only explanation for it being previously registered in California is that someone lucked into a less than knowledgeable DMV Clerk, or perhaps was related to one!! 

 Posted: Jun 17, 2016 08:03AM
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Hello Everyone,

I have been looking into this topic but I need help. I recently purchased a 1976 Austin Mini that has a clean Title and has been registered since at least 2009 in California. Thinking that I was ok I went to DMV to get the name changed and I was told to get a smog test and everything would be ready to go. The only problem now is that my smog guy says that I would not be able to get it smogged because it is a gray market car. Went to the referee and he said the same thing. Now I am stuck with a car that is titled in California but one that I can't register. I need help. Please has anyone gone through this?

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