CA DMV Registration And Emissions Sticker

[HotIce]

So while waiting for the 2008 1098 to show up, I started planning for taking it to the DMV to register it in CA (was WA before).
I see one potential source of trouble, given the usual DMV process and typical wait times and rush.
The emissions sticker is under the friggen tank, and I would like to avoid to take that apart in the DMV parking lot, with DMV agent rushing for it.
The bike's official user manual has a section in it, stating that all Ducati after a long while ago, are CA emissions legal.
Do you think they might accept that as proof, or should I pack tools? 

[Speeddog]

There are "DMV Verifier" companies/people that will come out to you, look at the stickers, and fill out and sign the appropriate form so you don't have to take stuff apart at DMV.

[HotIce]

Thanks!
So you think that me showing them the statement on the official Ducati 1098 User Manual is not going to fly?

[Speeddog]

IME, the DMV personnel follow a very literal interpretation of the documentation requirements.
I don't think you'd get anywhere with it.

<true story>
Friend of my dad's went to DMV to get his moto license ~ 40 years ago.
He had a glass eye.
Part of the test is reading the eye chart.
DMV person told him to cover his left (good) eye and read the chart with his right (glass) eye.
He explained that it was a glass eye, and wouldn't be able to read it.
DMV person insisted.
He complied, and stated he couldn't read it.
DMV person check-marked that box, and moved on to the next part of the test.
</true story>

If you're not a member of AAA, it's totally worth the cost just to be able to do most DMV stuff there.

[krista]

Bringing street licensed vehicles to California have some rules & steps to be followed.
» Right now, there's no emissions test for bikes. Yay. OK, excitement over.
» Your bike has a federal emissions statement sticker on it somewhere. They need to see it. Even if it is on the inside of the tank cover, like on a MH900e.
» Your bike has an engine number stamped to the engine (bottom left on all the ones I've seen). They need to see it. Even if it is underneath the metal covers which the mh900e's sidestand is bolted to.
» Your bike has a VIN number stamped into the frame at the steering stem. They need to see it. Period.
» Your bike has an odometer. They need to read its number. Period.

The above steps are performed on all vehicles' first registration in the state to help verify ownership and validity for road use.

Last time I researched it, ALL Ducatis sold in the United States (save for the carbureted monster 600) are California Emissions legal. This will be reflected on the emissions sticker. And it can help prevent issues with registration. While you're moving from another state and it seems easy enough to prove, there's a "gotchya" about vehicles not being "used" until they have 7500 miles on the odometer. YOU should be able to "import" a Ducati with less than 7500 miles purely because it is CA emissions legal. You should be able to import all of your road-legal vehicles since you're moving into the state.

As an established citizen of this state, I however, cannot buy a new or used 49-state vehicle and bring to CA with less than 7500 miles on the odometer. The DMV flags that VIN and tells you to get it out of the state.

[HotIce]

The bike is a 2008 with 2750 miles on it, bought and imported from WA.
I might have to look into having DMV folks come to my place, instead of taking it apart on the parking lot.

[hbliam]

Just take it to the dmv without the fairings.

[krista]

Yeah, aforementioned MH900e was in the van. I asked the DMV lady if she wanted me to unload it but she volunteered to climb around to the wrong side to read the engine number.

[IZ]

If you're not a member of AAA, it's totally worth the cost just to be able to do most DMV stuff there.

Yes..do this ^^

Registering cars took about 20 min.  I'm sure bike is comparable.

[abby normal]

Yeah, aforementioned MH900e was in the van. I asked the DMV lady if she wanted me to unload it but she volunteered to climb around to the wrong side to read the engine number.

wow ... your're lucky.  the fat POS at DMV who 'inspected' my 1990 851 couldn't get
down on the ground to look at the case number, and her scrawlings made by clutching
the pen with nasty curved 5 inch nails looked like a 1st grader did it.  that incident colored
my opinion of DMV forever.  best of luck to the OP.

[krista]

The biggest thing I've learned is that DMV employees hate the rules as much as or more than we do. So I play as dumb as possible and give them every chance to "help me", which lets them feel like they made a difference. And I smile and thank them when I'm done. You'd be amazed at how bendable some rules are.

[Skybarney]

^^^ +2  If you can make a DMV employee laugh you can have your way with them.  I actually had one reach into their wallet and pay five dollars of my plate registration once.  Back when I was not such a nice guy I spend several months trying to not get a license p[late.....  She helped out after the third time I did not quite have enough cash.   Despite having the cash in my pocket I came back the next day and gave her the five bucks back

[HotIce]

If you're not a member of AAA, it's totally worth the cost just to be able to do most DMV stuff there.

Is AAA in CA handling registration and transfers of ownership for out of state vehicles?

[hbliam]

Is AAA in CA handling registration and transfers of ownership for out of state vehicles?

Last I checked, no. DMV only.

[HotIce]

Last I checked, no. DMV only.

Yeah, just checked. Look at the bottom:

http://calstate.aaa.com/help/what-dmv-services-does-aaa-offer