own a 2002 TiiL stored presently in the UK and I need to bring it over to California... it's VIN number I am told by BMW states that it was built in June 1975 but it was not registered in the UK until Jan 1976.... for Smog exemption which date counts? I noted at the California DMV web site: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/appndxa/hlthsaf/hs44200.htm copy below: Health and Safety Code Direct Import Used Motor Vehicles 44200. For purposes of this chapter, "used direct import vehicle" means any 1975 or later model-year direct import vehicle not required to be certified as a new direct import vehicle pursuant to this part. For purposes of this section, the age of a motor vehicle shall be determined by the following, in descending order of preference: (a) From the first calendar day of the model year as indicated in the vehicle identification number. (b) From the last calendar day of the month the vehicle was delivered by the manufacturer as shown on the foreign title document. (c) From January 1 of the same calendar year as the model year shown on the foreign title document. (d) From the last calendar day of the month the foreign title document was issued. (Amended Ch. 859, Stats. 1989. Effective January 1, 1990.) the confusing sentence is "in descending order of preference".. does this mean that the VIN i.e. year of manufacture (a) supersedes the registration date (b)?... any collectors who are lawyers out there that might have some ideas would be great! Martin Smith

• VIN=JUNE 1975. Registration Jan 1976 what is it for Calif. smog? - martinsmith 2007-09-01 22:37:12 (320 views)