California emissions loophole? (Transfer vehicle between family members)

[dbchun]

So I was reading up on the emissions laws for California and came across this section on the website (bottom of page):

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/vr/smogfaq

A family member gave me a car. Is a smog inspection required?

If you acquire a vehicle that is currently registered in California from a spouse, domestic partner, sibling, child, parent, grandparent, or grandchild, you are entitled to an exemption from the smog inspection. Other family members or relations are not exempt and are required to obtain a smog inspection certification.

For more information read "Transfer a Vehicle Between Family Members."

Does this mean if a vehicle is transferred between qualifying family members that the new owner is exempt from emissions testing? So if a parent originally registered the vehicle and was transferred to their child, they could theoretically run DPs?

Sounds too good to be true...

[Suprgnat]

Originally Posted by dbchun

So I was reading up on the emissions laws for California and came across this section on the website (bottom of page):

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/vr/smogfaq




Does this mean if a vehicle is transferred between qualifying family members that the new owner is exempt from emissions testing?

Sounds too good to be true...

Only until the next time smog is it is due...

[NihonX]

Originally Posted by Suprgnat

Only until the next time smog is it is due...

+1 Unfortunately