Renew registration without software update

Recalls (usually) have no bearing on the state registration.

 

I've never heard of this before.

You might be able to find a sample recall notice for the recall in question on safercar.gov, if you click on Associated Documents.

Yep.

I do believe new car dealers are required to perform recalls on new cars before they're sold. But, it doesn't apply to used car dealers.

 

I found the following

10.065 Emission Recall Program (H&SC §43009.5)

Doesn't seem to apply as it isn't emissions-related.

 

On the second page, the recall notice states:

What if you live in California and don't have this Safety Recall Campaign performed?
The State of California requires the completion of Safety Recalls/Service Campaigns on emission related parts prior to vehicle registration renewal. In addition, the State requires that every vehicle must pass an emission test (SMOG Check) every two years and before it is sold. Without the completion of this no charge Safety Recall Campaign the California Air Research Board (CARB) will not allow your vehicle to be registered. State of California regulations require Toyota to provide the Department of Motor Vehicles with a record of all vehicles that have not had the Safety Recall Campaign completed.


So I'd guess that there will be some period of time until Toyota reports what vehicles have not had the update yet - so maybe next year, you'll be forced to. Or maybe they won't care, who knows?

 

Bureaucracy takes time. This recall hasn't been out very long.

 

What Prius recalls have been emission related?

 

That's my question too. It's a stretch to call the most recent E0E recall campaign emission-related but I guess the DMV also cares about safety (power loss), not just smog.

 

Notice their (CA) wording "...Safety Recall Campaign...", ie: nothing about 'emissions', just two simple words: "Safety" and "Recall."

 

The recall is a safety recall, but the California requirement applies to any recall for "emission related parts". On the Prius, this includes a large part of the drivetrain, including the battery, inverter, MG, etc. So because this recall applies to the inverter and hybrid control module, it falls under the CARB requirement that it be performed prior to re-registration.

In general, that's because many emission-related parts can fail without rendering the vehicle inoperable - but rather having the emissions system not performing adequately. In this case, it doesn't really affect the emissions, but by the letter of the law, it has to be applied anyway.