Is an SR20DET legal?

[braz_det]

Ok, I am a newbie and there seems to be two groups here... SR and KA. I would choose the SR simply because I would prefer a factory stock turbo. But what about passing a smog? Or getting pulled over and your VIN checked, which presents a problem because JDM engines dont have one right?
Just wondering if anyone has actually registered one and drives it legally... it would suck getting popped and hooked up with a sniff test. Those Cali cops, they'll pull anyone over with an exaust and are very pesky.
Thanks for any replys.

[Yoshi]

Unfortunately for us, SR20's are NOT legal.
They can pass smog, but not visual inspection (obviously), and they've gotten enough press by now that CHP undoubtably would recognize one.  They are not DOT approved and not street legal.

So for whatever info that's worth, there u go.

[tzonni]

there not legal everywhere or just not legal in cali?

[Yoshi]

I could be wrong, but i'm 99% sure that DOT = federal. So not street legal anywhere, as far as I know.

[S13CRAVE]

the SR is street legal is many states but in some states like Cali the emissions are terrible(smog, visual inspection, etc) here is PA there is no smog test, no visual, only the test at the tail pipe.  they can pass in a bunch of states especially those that dont have emissions.  whenever you see some place selling an SR they have to say it is for offroad use but they all know we are gonna drive it every day.  so basically in cali you are screwed unless you pay off someone to make you pass.  good luck