Which situation does not require a smog check certificate upon change of ownership in California?

In California, certain transfers of vehicle ownership are exempt from requiring a smog check certification, and understanding the specific scenarios is essential for compliance with state regulations.

When ownership is transferred between siblings, from a parent to a child, or in situations involving lessors and lessees without a change in operator, these transactions do not necessitate a smog check certificate. This exemption is designed to simplify the process for family transfers and situations where there is no true change in the vehicle's operation or use.

In family transfers, such as between siblings or from a parent to a child, the state recognizes that these transfers typically do not alter the vehicle's emissions performance from what it was under prior ownership, thereby avoiding the unnecessary requirement for a smog check.

Similarly, in the case of lessor and lessee agreements, if there is no change in the person primarily responsible for operating the vehicle, the emissions standards continue to apply under the existing registrations, hence a new smog check certificate is not necessary.

These exemptions are important regulatory measures that reduce the burden on individuals in specific circumstances while still maintaining overall environmental standards.