There is a difference with 49-state emissions legal systems and 50-state (California) emissions however a USED 49-state emissions equipped vehicle, such as in the case of an out-of-state 2009 Hyundai Elantra, can pass the California smog test and receive registration in this State. The smog inspection for 2000 and newer vehicles consist of a visual and functional inspection of the vehicle's engine emissions system. So long as the engine's emission system has not been tampered with, the check engine light is not on, and the emission monitors are ready, the vehicle can pass the smog test without any emissions modification; no smog parts need to be added. A new vehicle, on the other hand, can not be registered (or pass smog) in California if it is not California emissions certified.
Furthermore, since the vehicle is newer than 1999, it will not need to undergo the tailpipe portion of the California smog inspection. The vehicle will only have its emission system electronically checked. We mention this because using a fuel additive to better the chances of passing the smog test will not be necessary.
posted by SmogTips Support
