It's true, there is a difference with California legal and Federal legal
emission requirements. And, for the most part California is stricter.
However, a USED vehicle which has all the Federal required emission
components, (such as in this case with the 2004 Mazda you plan on buying)
can pass the California smog inspection process and be legally registered in
this state. It is true that California cars have different and in some cases
more emission components then Federal cars, but this does not mean that
these cars can't be registered in California. A vehicle which is equipped
with the necessary Federal Emission Components is eligible for California
registration as long as the vehicle's exhaust emissions fall within
California's limits.
posted by SmogTips Support
