Buying and smogging a PNO car in CA

"PyramidHat" (pyramidhat)
12/30/2019 at 03:50 • Filed to: None

Right, then...

If the winds go my way, I’ll be buying my in-laws’ 2000 Z3 that’s been sitting for a couple of years (the negotiation is they want to give it to me and I want to pay them for it). . It’s PNO as they can’t drive it anymore - too low to the ground, ride is too rough and they can’t really drive stick due to joint issues. I don’t want them to be burdened with smogging and such, so I want to take care of that. D oes anyone have experience with buying a PNO car and then smogging it after the fact?

DISCUSSION (8)

farscythe - makin da cawfee! > PyramidHat
12/30/2019 at 04:35

im not sure you want to snog anything with pno...sounds infectious

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > PyramidHat
12/30/2019 at 05:44

I’m not from Cali, but my understanding is this: you get a one-day exemption permit to get it smogged and inspected if necessary, and then register it if it passes. Once it’s registered, the PNO goes away. Doesn’t seem to be a big deal as long as there’s no back registration fees or anything like that.

Merkin Muffley > PyramidHat
12/30/2019 at 06:47

Im in CA part time. The DMV d o have a process for a limited permit to get it smogged.

Id go online FIRST to make an appointment to discuss it. Take the title and with the VIN and assigned plate they can walk you through the process. There is a small fee but it’s better than 4 years of back DMV fees to clear.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > PyramidHat
12/30/2019 at 08:23

Just to add some credibility to Brian, from the California DMV site

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

If the vehicle is on PNO status with DMV and the vehicle needs to be operated for:

One Day -to move the vehicle from its current storage place to a new storage place, or for repairs, alteration, vehicle inspection, smog inspection, weighing, construction (for an incomplete vehicle), or for its permanent wrecking or dismantling. You may obtain a Vehicle Moving Permit (REG 172) at a DMV office without paying renewal fees.

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffvr01

sony1492 > PyramidHat
12/30/2019 at 09:55

Smog the car yourself, head into the dmv with the title that's filled out from the PO, pay your registration fees and your set

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > sony1492
12/30/2019 at 11:06

^^^This

been there done that too.

PyramidHat > sony1492
12/30/2019 at 11:25

Thanks! That’s what I figured but was not sure....didn’t want to wind up starting down this path then wind up having the car impounded....

CaptDale - is secretly British > sony1492
12/30/2019 at 14:25

^ Came to say the same thing