SR20 swap legal if I keep my Florida License Plate?

[kieffer]

Hello there everybody, I was very interested in swapping out my KA24 for a SR20 (as most 240sx owners do). However, I just wanted to ask if anybody knew the technical details on the legal matters of it. Also, I don't need any smart comments. Just wanted to ask for advice.

I live in Florida now but I'm going to be moving back to California next year. So if i swap my engine for a SR20 but kept my car registered in Florida, would I have to do emission testing still, and more importantly, would I get in trouble if I got pulled over? By the way my driving license is Cali but the plate would Florida, don't know if that makes a difference. So would anyone know the specifics? Thank you in advance.

[ca18tt1978]

I think if your licenced in Cali your car has to be registered there as well . As far as getting pulled over the low in the state your in over rides the law in the state your from . So if you get pulled over in Cali for a break light out and they pop your hood you will 1) have your car taken . 2) get a s*** load of tickets . Thats my .02 cents

[Rex]

Most states require residents to register their cars within 30 days.

It might work for awhile, but I think eventually it would catch up with you and could cost you a ton in fines.

[pauliedrft]

You can get away with it if you own land in the other state and don't sell it .Ive got buys who come from other states with 5% tint all around and have been pulled over tested and fined until they went to court and proved they lived in another state but was her on business .It can be done .Burt why go to a bank rupt state , not a good plan imo!!!

[kieffer]

kool thanks for the advice you guys. Anyone else know the details on this? By the way, is it just as bad if the cops catch u turboing your ka compared to having a Sr20 in there? But of course please dont get off topic. Any more on if it's legal or not to try to keep a florida license to not get emission tested in cali?

[ewok_sammich]

I'm not entirely sure about other states, but here in IL we write tickets for failure to transfer plate and/or license to reflect your current residence. Just depends on how often you get pulled over I suppose.