Bahrain Export License Plate

[Socal-Cop]

Hey all. I have a Nissan 350z parked on the street with a "Bahrain Export" license plate on it. I run the VIN and it comes back no record on file. Anyone have any experience with plates like this or why it wouldn't come up with a record at DMV? I haven't called the DMV yet.

The VIN conforms according to CARFAX.

Thanks

[L-1]

First thought is call CHP and ask to talk to one of their grizzled old sergeants. They are fairly well versed in dealing with stuff like this.

The fact that the vehicle is unattended makes it difficult to deal with. If someone were in attendance there are a couple of things you might look at.

First is 43151 H&S, which prohibits importing vehicles into California with less than 7,000 miles on the odometer that do not meet the Clean Air Act standards. Given that the car was manufactured for sale in a foreign country it was probably never intended for use in the United States. Odds are it may not meet our smog standards and cannot be driven here.

Next, if the car has been on the street for more than 20 days you might want to look at 4000.4 CVC as the owner might now be considered a California resident. Considering the vehicle has an Export plate, that signifies the vehicle is not returning to its country of origin and intends to remain here, requiring permanent California registration .

Take a look at https://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/reg_hdbk...t_vehicles.pdf which is the DMV handbook on dealing with such matters. Perhaps it will be of some help, but an old time CHP sergeant will probably do a lot better for you.

[Iowa #1603]

Anyone have any experience with plates like this or why it wouldn't come up with a record at DMV?

My guess would be that it is not registered in Western Hemisphere..................


Either DMV or CHP would be the place for you to go..........................

but an old time CHP sergeant will probably do a lot better for you.

Too bad Tom isn't around anymore

[mdrdep]

How long has it been there?

[Socal-Cop]

It had been parked there for about 2 weeks.. I marked it for 72 hrs and sure enough.. the next day it was gone.. Maybe one day I'll see it driving around

[L-1]

If it's not in the DMV system when you run a 28, ask to see the Customs import papers if you ever run into it.