need a favor from a California GT owner


T

tmctguer

GT Owner
Jan 11, 2010
130
dana point, CA
On the VIN sticker on a GT that was purchased and registered in California, do the words "legal for sale in California" appear? Or do they just say "complies with Federal laws"?

The reason I am asking is that I am likely going to buy a GT with less than 7,500 miles and CA has strict registration laws for new cars purchased out of state. If the CA DMV does not see that phrase on the VIN sticker, they might assume the new car is a "49 state" vehicle.

Hence my question on VIN language for CA purchased and registered cars.

Thanks.
 
You are all good !!

The emissions control info sticker attached in the engine compartment states..
" This vehicle conforms to U.S. EPA regulations applicable to 2006 model year new passenger cars and is certified for sale in California. ULEV qualified in California. ODBII certified"

This is on my '06

Good luck!
 
I bought my GT with 400 miles on it in Virginia, registered in Ca. with no problems about 3 years ago.
 
The car should have a sticker like this in the engine compartment above and behind the drivers seat.
 
Also "Caution. May go like snot and scare your neighbours."
 
I purchased my white '05 GT out of Minnesota with 6.8 miles on it and had no problem registering it in California. I have also brought in a '06 Mini GP with 2000 miles and had no problem. Both are "50 state cars". As Black Ice has shown with his picture the GT was/is 50 state compliant. The problem with registration comes up when you have a "49 state" car with under 7500 miles.
 
You are right to worry about this and I would definitely make sure it is there before you go down to the DMV. Mine had been peeled off by the detail guy out of state and when I went to register it after it came in the State, they acted like I had committed a felony and threatened to make it so my car could never be registered in California:eek. It was very stressful even though it is a seemingly minor detail. I got it back on and no further problem, but sheesh...:willy
Ford did it right, all of the GTs, as I understand it, have this from the factory. This is not so with many other cars. I ordered a Corvette from out of state and you have to order the California option or the sticker will not have "California" printed on it and you will have a real problem with the DMV.
If at all possible, I now go to an Auto Cub location. They have been wonderful.
:thumbsup

The sticker is located inside the engine compartment directly behind the driver at the same level as the top of the seat.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for your replies. I assumed all new cars had the "legal in CA" language but before I go through DMV hell, I thought I would ask.
 
GM does have the California emmision option when you order a car, it's free, and all it does is add on the emission sticker to include compliance to the appropriate state (in addition to the 50 states), yes dumb. I ordered my ZO6 from an out of state dealer with the "Califonia" sticker, bought the GT from a dealer out of state and it had the "CA" sticker, had to smog both before registration at the DMV. However, I was required to get the "VIN verified" with the CHP or the local Police Dept, (someone need to check the actual VIN to the VIN on the paper). So then, the local police guy came out and looked at the VIN and said, this VIN does not look right :frown, alrighty then..., how do you know that officer, the VIN plate holding pins looks fraudulant, In addition you better take her right home before I get it impounded. At that point my blood started to reach its boiling point, and my blood pressure shot into the stratosphere. After I showed him the dealer paperwork (for the second time), he piped down but still refused to sign off on the VIN. I asked to speak with the seargent on duty, she came out, (you don't want to be in a fight with her:lol), she said it's best to take it to the CHP. Fair enough, so I went to the CHP office off the 22 FWY and Goldenwest, absolutly zero issues, 2 minutes later I was done, then back to AAA/DMV to complete the registration. If you want a good smog shop with the dyno in the floor, let me know and I'll take you there, the manager is my neighbour.
 
Just bought mine from Shelby in December. Registered about 3 weeks ago in San Diego. The guy walked out to the parking lot as the people with cell phone cameras clicked pictures. He asked "what is that?" I answered "an American made Picaso, A FORD" he replied "kick ass, here's your slip, take it inside and register it and enjoy" "thank you, I will"

easier than registering my 67 GT500, for sure...
 
There are some long threads on CA owners registering their cars bought out of state. Probably in the archives already, but lots of good info. Good luck.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Top Bottom