This is a question for the American car owners on here, maybe more specifically those that live in LA. How does car registration work in America?
I am going on holiday there shortly for a couple of months and me and my mates want to get a cheap car to cruise around in. Do you have to pay for registration yearly? Do you need an inspection? We just want a beater that can get us around the place, how much would a car with a couple months rego be? We are landing in LA but wana go to Mexico, is American car rego ok for in Mexico? What about other Central American countries? And finally, are the police tough on road users? I mean for stuff like dodgy panels or old tyres. Thanks!

Interesting. Never thought about it from a non-resident perspective.
Search the Dept of Motor Vehicle site for "non resident" registration, etc.
Also, this site should keep you entertained...California Vehicle Code

I don't know about CA rego in Mexico. I don't think Mexico cares. Your insurance may not cover you.

Regarding the police, if you drive an "invisible" car like a Toyota Corolla, no one will notice. That is, of course, if you stay on the right side of the road.

Talking on a cell phone, not wearing a seatbelt, loud exhaust, bald tires, burnt lamps and no front license plate could get you pulled over.

yes, i hear europeans do this. Buy a car in america, drive it for two weeks, then give it away or take to wrecking yard.

* Almost none of the 50 states have inspection any more
* insurance is required, perhaps your home insurance will cover it
* Urban areas in California require smog testing for 1974 or newer
* You will pay for one year's registration, and possibly can get a refund on unused months
* Police don't hassle cars much. Unless they look like street racers...

But not sure about non-citizen registration. Maybe you can get a 30 day reg or something. Perhaps a smog exemption too.


I hear Mexico does not care where it is registered, but requires insurance, and a Bond when you enter to ensure that you don't try to sell the car. Probably going to border towns it is not required.

By the way, Mexican border towns are considered dangerous the last couple of years due to the drug wars. A guy I talked to this summer from Tijuana said don't visit. But I've also heard that if you stay about of the bad areas, no problem. Don't stay til the bars close, that's when people get mugged.

Mexico and central america are very particular about illegal drugs. Even a little bit will land you in jail for months with a slow justice system. Earlier this year 80 year old man from Seattle was put in jail after his grandson took a photo of two teenage girls outside a store, and it took a congressperson to help get him out of jail. The grandson is still in the Mexican jail. So be on good behavior if you go to Baja California. Story.

Thanks for the info. Mexico does sound rough! Over here a car is inspected then registered in the users name, in NSW 12 months. So a car can be sold with road legal rego that isnt transferred. You do have to pay a fee when you transfer late though. Is this the same as America? Can i buy a car with residual registration?

I though it was like in the movies, you steal a car and run to Mexico hearing the eagles in the car stereo...

Lol just kidding...

Quote:
Remember that each of the 50 states have their own rules. However I'm pretty sure that most states require new registration, in the new owner's name, on each sale.