CA DMV question!

[idkfreddy]

Couldn't find the answer i was looking for without getting confused.
If I'm going to buy a car from a "friend" private party. They said they paid the tags but needs a smog does this mean I need to smog it to get the stickers?
Also if the person owes parking tickets and stuff who pays them? me or the other person?
Thanks!

 

[Mr. Jollypants]

Per California DMV:

The seller is required to provide the buyer with a valid smog inspection certification at the time of the sale or transfer. Smog certifications are good for 90 days from the date of issuance.

The inspection is not required on a transfer if a biennial smog certification was submitted to DMV within 90 days prior to the vehicle transfer date (a vehicle inspection report may be required for proof of certification).

Parking tickets:

If unpaid parking tickets are accrued on a vehicle it doesn't appear as though the transfer of registration will go through. That is, you will not be able to transfer legal title of the vehicle as the system will send up a "red flag" indicating that unpaid parking tickets exist. Until they are cleared up this customer service agent told me that the vehicle would not be able to have a finalized sale.

If the sale does go through and finalize the parking tickets will still be owed by you, not the new owner. The tickets are owed by the registered owner at the time the ticket is issued.