1991 Volvo 240 (gasoline-non turbo) wagon registered in Canada last

So I am somewhat of a Volvo Wagon enthusiast and I have seemingly found a winner. The only problem is this car came from Canada and has not been registered in the US. The current owner has contacted the DMV a couple of times and gotten different information each time. He was told once that all he had to do was get it smogged and all would be fine, and another time he was told that this was next to impossible to do. I have done a little looking around and found that by 1991 volvo pretty much had all their cars up to speed for emissions in the US but I haven't dealt with anything like this before. I may have a doner car to get a catalytic converter or whatever from if need be but I figured I would ask someone who may deal with this type of thing more than myself.

Answer:

Vehicles from other countries are less likely to meet U.S. specifications. Vehicles that were not built to meet U.S. specifications must be imported as gray-market vehicles. This can be extremely expensive and time consuming. The costs for a laboratory to modify and certify the emissions and safety equipment on a gray-market vehicle are considerable. You will need to contact the California Air Resources Board for its brochure on gray-market vehicles. The ARB number to call is (800)242-4450.

You must verify the Volvo is equipped with US required emissions equipment. To do this, you must inspect the Volvo's "emissions label". This label is located on the bottom of the hood. Inspect this label and confirm it states "This vehicle is 49 state emissions legal" or This vehicle is 49 states and California emissions legal". Either of these remarks will ensure you can import it o California and pass the smog test.

posted by SmogTips Support