Who is responsible for a SMOG when coming from one state to another as a gift? 2001 Chevy Cavalier

I was given a 2001 Chevy Cavalier by my mother who lives in Nevada. The car passed SMOG in Nevada in April but is now failing in California due to an Evap System error. I'm not sure how much it will cost to correct the problem but I'm wondering who is responsible for the SMOG since it passed from one state to another and because it was a gift from a family member?

Answer:

When transfering title between family members of a vehicle registered in California no smog check is required. However when registering a vehicle in California from out of state, a smog check is required even if the previous owner is a family member. In this particular case it appears it will be your responsibility, as the current owner of this Chevy Cavalier, to obtain a California smog check since the vehicle is a Nevada vehicle and the actual transaction occured in Nevada.

posted by SmogTips Support