Registering my 2005 Smart Car in California - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

pre2008smart · 03-07-2009, 06:25 PM

Hello Everyone,

My wife purchased a 2005 Smart from Nevada. This is what they call a Grey market car. I went to register in California after having the car for a year and CA DMV said the car is "illegal" in CA. Has anyone ever dealt with this issue before? Does anyone have any recommendations on what to do?

Thank you for your help.

fpage77 · 03-07-2009, 06:45 PM

I thought all the 450s that were imported were modified to be legal in the USA (last time I checked California was part of the USA unless they succeeded thus the issue).

Smart Bob · 03-07-2009, 07:09 PM

I would contact Tony's Title Service in El Monte. They are located on Peck Road. See if you can speak to Diane if possible. They specialize in registration issues like yours and usually can get this resolved for a reasonable fee.

Let everyone know the outcome.

Cheers,

Smart Bob

24-42 · 03-07-2009, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pre2008smart

Hello Everyone,

My wife purchased a 2005 Smart from Nevada. This is what they call a Grey market car. I went to register in California after having the car for a year and CA DMV said the car is "illegal" in CA. Has anyone ever dealt with this issue before? Does anyone have any recommendations on what to do?

Thank you for your help.

The top of your speedo probably has a G&K printed.
The G&K below is the same company. They CAN and will take care of you

Contact G&K in Santa Ana, they are the ones.
2530 So Birch , Santa Ana 92707
(714) 545-9503 Eddie or Avo

Donald LaFavor

micmou · 03-07-2009, 09:27 PM

Time of purchase. Here a link to Ca.DMV Before Buying a Vehicle From Out of State—Be Sure You Can Register It in California (FFVR 29)

ssppxyz · 03-08-2009, 12:39 AM

Get a P.O. box in Ehrenberg, AZ (it's where the 10 freeway crosses the Colorado river). They are outside the smogged areas of AZ and most locals there only have P.O. boxes.

I got one due to the rate increases in CA...

pre2008smart · 03-08-2009, 09:10 AM

Thank you for responding. I will check out and follow-up on all of the suggestions below. I agree with you, I shouldn't have this issue, but it is CA.

pre2008smart · 03-08-2009, 09:11 AM

Thank you for your suggestion. I will follow-up on your suggestion.

pre2008smart · 03-08-2009, 09:12 AM

Thank you for your suggestion. I will follow-up with G&K.