Smog check rules when you sell a car in California
California requires a passing smog check for most private car sales. Here is who is responsible and which vehicles are exempt.
Who is responsible
The seller gets the smog check before the sale and gives the buyer a copy of the vehicle inspection report. The passing result is sent to the DMV electronically.
How long it lasts
A passing smog certificate is good for 90 days. For a private-party sale, the car must have passed within the last 90 days.
Vehicles that don't need one for a sale
- Gas, hybrid and alternative-fuel cars four model years old or newer. No smog check, but the buyer pays a smog transfer fee to the DMV.
- Gas cars model year 1975 and older.
- Diesel vehicles model year 1997 and older, or heavier than 14,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.
- Electric vehicles.
- Motorcycles.
- Transfers between immediate family members.
Diesel vehicles from model year 1998 on, at or under 14,000 pounds, do need a smog check.
Can the buyer agree to handle the smog?
The law puts the duty on the seller. Selling a car "as is" does not move that duty to the buyer.