Yes, you can only drive certain cars in California, primarily due to the state's stricter emissions standards. The main restriction applies to registering a new vehicle purchased from out-of-state; it must be certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). This is often indicated by an emissions label under the hood stating it conforms to "California standards." Additionally, all vehicles, regardless of origin, must pass a smog check (emissions test) during registration renewal. There are no restrictions based simply on a car's age or brand, but its emissions system must comply.
The cornerstone of this policy is CARB, which sets standards often more stringent than the federal EPA's. For used cars, the rule is straightforward: if a vehicle is from model year 1976 or newer, it must be California-certified to be registered there. This is a critical step in the used car evaluation process for buyers importing a car. Diesel vehicles face even stricter Particulate Matter (PM) regulations. Furthermore, California is actively pushing for Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) adoption, aiming to phase out new gasoline-powered car sales by 2035.
Here is a comparison of key standards:
| Regulation Area | California (CARB) Standard | Federal (EPA) Standard | Key Impact |
|---|
| New Vehicle Certification | Required for registration | Not required for out-of-state cars | Limits which new cars can be imported |
| Smog Check Frequency | Every 2 years for most vehicles (8+ years old) | Varies by state; some have no testing | Ensures ongoing compliance |
| Diesel Particulate Filter | Required on all new diesel cars since 2009 | Required since 2007 | Reduces soot emissions significantly |
| Zero-Emission Vehicle Sales | ~18% of new cars sold in 2023 (ZEV mandate) | No national mandate | Accelerates EV and hydrogen adoption |
| Warranty on Emissions Parts | 7 years/70,000 miles (major components) | 8 years/80,000 miles (catalyst, ECU) | Protects consumer from costly repairs |
Beyond emissions, your ability to drive a car is also affected by its condition. A car deemed a "gross polluter" or one with illegal modifications (like a defeat device for the emissions system) will fail inspection. When considering a car purchase, always verify its CARB compliance status to avoid costly registration issues.
