Can I sell a car that doesn't pass smog in California?

In California, you CANNOT sell the car if it won't pass smog. Or rather, it's the seller's responsibility if it doesn't pass smog.
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Can I sell a car in California that won't pass smog?

Yes. If you are selling your car, you need to give the new owner a valid smog certification when you sell the car. If the car you are selling is less than four years old, you do not need to get a smog inspection. Instead, the new owner of the car will need to pay a smog transfer fee.
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Can you sell a car that wont smog?

You can legally sell a vehicle that is in Planned Non-Operation status; however, the buyer will not be able to operate the vehicle legally on state roads and highways until he or he gets the vehicle inspected and it is able to get a clean bill of health in the form of a smog certificate.
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What happens if your car doesn't pass smog in California?

If your vehicles smog check doesn't pass, you have two choices: repairing the faulty components or stop driving your car. Your DMV registration can't be renewed if your smog check fails. Now, your failed smog test might cost you in repairs.
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What can I do with a car that wont pass smog?

In California, if your car can't pass a smog check, you have to get it repaired and then try again. If the problem still doesn't go away after two tries, you might be required to pay for an emissions test. You do not need to worry about this law; the DMV will contact you if your car needs repairs or an emissions test.
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How to “legally” drive a car in California that won’t pass smog



Can I sell a car as is in California?

If you're trying to sell your car in California, chances are you're having a hard time getting rid of your vehicle. It doesn't have to be this way. You can sell your car in the Golden State quickly, and simply as is.
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Who is responsible for Smogging a car in California?

The seller is responsible for smog inspection

Section 24007 (b)(2) of the California Vehicle Code states it's the responsibility of the seller to provide a valid smog certificate before or during the sale of a vehicle.
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How do I sell a PNO car in California?

If you plan on selling it to someone who will test drive it and drive it away from where you have it stored, you will need to take the PNO off. This requires that you register and insure the car, so that it is back on the road legally.
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How much is an illegal smog?

While a legitimate smog check costs about $40, fraudulent smog certificates fetch up to $200.
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What is smog abatement fee?

A: The $20 smog abatement fee is due for registration renewal and a smog certification is due for the transfer. SMOG EXCEPTION: A vehicle that is four model years old or less is exempt from a transfer smog and an $8 fee is due in lieu of the smog certification.
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What counties in California do not require smog?

What Counties in CA Don't Require Smog Check? The countries in CA which do not require smog check are El Dorado, Riverside, Placer, San Diego, San Bernardino, and Sonoma.
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Can you sell a car with expired registration in California?

Vehicle registration is also needed to show proof of ownership at the time of sale. In addition to registration, a seller also needs the vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number and a clear title. Titles are valid until you sell your car, so you don't need to worry about an expired title.
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How does DMV PNO work?

Planned Nonoperation (PNO) means that the vehicle will not be driven, towed, stored, or parked on public roads or highways for the entire registration year. DMV will accept PNO filings up to 60 days before registration expires or up to 90 days after registration expires.
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How much does it cost to register a non operational vehicle in California?

Non Operational Car Registration

The non operation car registration charge is much less than the normal registration charges. In California it costs about $5 annually to get a non operation car registered and can be done at point of time by just paying the applicable registration fees.
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Does a 2014 car need a smog check in California?

Gasoline-powered vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and alternative-fuel vehicles that are model-year 1976 and newer require a Smog Check, with the following exceptions: Eight model years and newer do not require a biennial Smog Check. Four model years and newer do not require a change-of-ownership Smog Check.
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What zip codes in CA don't require smog?

Zip code 90704 (Avalon or Catalina Island) is exempt from smog requirements per Health & Safety Code §44044(A). It is the only exempt zip code in Los Angeles County (19).
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Does a 30 year old car need smog in California 2021?

The new law repeals California's current rolling emissions-test exemption for vehicles 30 years old and older and replaces it with a law requiring the lifetime testing of all 1976 and newer model-year vehicles.
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Can you sell a car in California without a catalytic converter?

All cars manufactured since 1975 have a catalytic converter. Without a catalytic converter, your car won't be able to pass the smog test in CA. If the certificate indicates that it passed the smog test, that could provide further evidence of fraud.
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Can I sell my car without a pink slip in California?

Can You Sell Your Car Without The Title in Hand? If you don't have the title, you can still legally sell it. You'll need to complete a Certificate of Title or Application for Duplicate or Paperless Title - REG 227, which must be signed by both the seller and the buyer.
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Should I remove license plate when selling car in California?

Do I remove my license plate when I sell a car in California? Usually, no. Most vehicles have sequentially issued "standard" license plates that remain with the vehicle when ownership is transferred. If the vehicle has a special interest or personalized license plate, these plates belong to the seller, not the vehicle.
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How do you cheat a smog test?

6 Proven Methods for Passing an Emissions (Smog) Test:
  1. Test a very warm car on a cool day. ...
  2. Use a specialized fuel additive. ...
  3. Inflate tires to the proper (high) level. ...
  4. Perform an oil change. ...
  5. Turn off your "Check Engine" light (if needed). ...
  6. Find a shop that offers a free retest.
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Do you need a Smog Check to transfer title in California?

Use tax and a smog certification are not required.
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Can you pass smog with a check engine light on?

Get Rid of Your Check Engine Light

If your check engine light is on, you'll automatically fail your smog test. In the State of California, your auto mechanic cannot refuse to test your car if they see the light on.
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Can you sell a car with suspended registration CA?

When your registration is suspended, no one can drive that car and you can't sell it. Some offenses such as not having auto insurance will lead to getting your registration suspended.
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