Crossing the California border with an un-registered car

[Lance-W]

Definately off topic but...........

I'm going this weekend to pick up a Willys MB jeep from my father-in-law that's been parked out in the "backyard" for a long time. I'm certain that it's not registered or has any paperwork whatsoever. It's near Salome/Blythe Arizona so I have to cross the border (not a big deal) and get thru the Agricultural checkpoint ( big deal?) into California to bring it home. If I can find any numbers on it I will have a bill of sale of course. It will be on a trailer (definitely doesn't run). Am I going to have any issues getting it thru the checkpoint? Am I doing anything illegal since it's not registered anywhere. I can't imagine that I am but I'd hate to have an issue with Mr. Lawman out in the middle of the desert with no way to resolve it.

Thanks, Lance

[Steven]

They will not care as long as you are not trying hide any forbidden agriculture. Hint, don't be chewing on an apple when you go through.

[6'9"Witha69]

These ag checkpoiints are ridiculous. They do nothing but MAYBE stop you to ask if you have any fruit.

[Lance-W]

These ag checkpoiints are ridiculous. They do nothing but MAYBE stop you to ask if you have any fruit.

Yup been thru them many times. I was really just wondering if there was some little known rule that was gonna cause problems.

[6'9"Witha69]

Nope. Brought a couople cars from AZ w/o tags. buddies who went to Diesel Mech school (UTI) in AZ would find a clean car to screw with while there and bring 'em back. No biggie.

[Twentyover]

If it's on a trailer, it's not a car...

[class67]

If they see CA. plates on your car as you approach the ag. check point...they will most likely just wave you through.

[fantasygoat]

Wow, there are actually internal checkpoints between states now?

"Papers please!"

[Twentyover]

Wow, there are actually internal checkpoints between states now?

"Papers please!"

Don't read more into this than is really there. California has a huge agricultural industry, and has had multiple infestations of alien pests w/ no local natural predators. In an effort to stem the entry of fruit borne pests, they have Ag Inspection stations at all major POE's. If you are driving a CA plate, you generally get waved through. If you are an out of state plate, they will ask from your point of original, and if you are carrying any friuts or veggies. If you answer yes, they genally ask you to surrender it, and it is disposed of. They don't disassemble cars looking for agri products, and really are pretty friendly.

I live in OC in th late 80's and early 90's, when the Medfly infestation was being attacked. Every Thusday night, we put plastic sheeting over the cars to protect the finish, then some time between 9 and 11 pm, Vector Control Helos would come in and spray malithion. A chevron of 5 helos would spray an area, directed by a 6th helo. Had to keep the pets indoors until an hour or two after the spray to prevent them from breathing the aerosol.

I don't like any type of insection station, but it does prevent the spending on 10's of millions of dollars in spraying poisons into the envirornment.

Ag Inspection stations are hardly new- have been in place since the first time I traveled to CA from OR in 1963

[Dayton]

These ag checkpoiints are ridiculous.

My feeling exactly.

[79-TA]

A real WWII MB??? Good find! My family has a CJ2A that's loads of fun. I suggest keeping it original. Maybe drop in a V6 if you really think you need power . . . I wouldn't want to drive one over 45 mph.

[tommycomfort]

Lance,
I'm not telling you what to do, but if you bought my neighbors house with 30+ acres here in central Indiana we could share a shop and have more projects and parts cars than anyone deserves...
Tom
:idea:

[zbugger]

Just went through this in August. Pulling an enclosed trailer, I had to hop out and show the person what was inside the trailer. No plates, and the car was/is just a shell. Just a glance inside, really, and we were off. You really shouldn't have any issue. Just don't be bringing any fruit across the border and back into the state.

[novaderrik]

"ag" checkpoints on borders with other states? that is just retarded, and i would think violates some sort of federal laws..