Once a car is registered as planned non-operation (PNO) in California, it cannot be driven, towed, or parked on a public highway or roadway for the entire year of registration.
If an owner plans to sell a PNO status vehicle in California, they will need to fully register it if they want potential buyers to test drive it or take it out on the road.
- A car listed as PNO in California cannot be parked on public roads or highways and must be parked in a private area. This means someone cannot test drive a vehicle with PNO status in California.
- If the vehicle is found operational or parked in a public area and the owner is cited, complete registration plus penalties for that year are due.
- Off-highway vehicles (OHV) must file for PNO status before the registration expiration date.
What is a planned non-operation (PNO) vehicle in California?
According to the California DMV, PNO status means the vehicle is non-operational. The California certificate of non-operation requires that the car not be driven, moved, towed or parked on public roads or highways for the entire registration year.
“A PNO is intended for vehicles that will not be operated or parked on public roads for a certain period of time, usually if a vehicle is not being used, being restored or in storage,” says Lauren Mckenzie, senior agent with A Plus Insurance in Liberty, South Carolina.
The DMV says that if the vehicle is operated or parked where it may be subject to citation at any time, then total registration fees and penalties for that year become due.
Can I sell a car that is on PNO status in California?
Yes. You can sell a car listed as PNO, but it cannot be parked on a public street or test-driven by a potential buyer.
However, although the vehicle is in non-operational status, you may still be able to move it for one day under certain conditions. You can obtain a Vehicle Moving Permit (REG 172) from a California DMV office. Reasons for the one-day permit include a vehicle or smog inspection, a repair or alteration, permanent wrecking, or movement to a new storage space.
The one-day permit bypasses the need to reinstate full registration and no additional fees are required. That said, none of these purposes are related to someone test-driving a car in PNO status in California for potential purchase.
What steps do I need to take to sell my PNO car in California?
In order to sell a vehicle, a buyer must apply for a title transfer from the DMV and pay the transfer fee. A change in registered owner is considered a change in ownership and must be updated within 10 days with the DMV. A statement of facts (REG 256) is required for a transfer only if the vehicle is still non-operated.
Can a PNO vehicle be sold without removing the PNO status?
The vehicle may be sold but cannot be driven or parked on public roads.
How does the buyer register a PNO car in California after purchase?
Transfer fees are due within 10 days of the sale, and penalties are assessed if payment is not submitted to the DMV within 30 days of the sale. The DMV will accept PNO filings up to 60 days before registration expires or up to 90 days after registration expires. Make sure your address is up-to-date in the DMV’s system. Gather information like the license plate number and last five digits of the VIN. Fill out the form on the California DMV website.
You will also need a Certificate of Non-Operation (REG 102). If the vehicle is still not being operated or has only been moved on a permit, “current” should be entered in the “to: month, day, year” box on the REG 102 form.
Is a smog certification required to sell a PNO vehicle?
No, a smog check is not required for PNO vehicles in California. However, the new owner will be charged a smog transfer fee.
Can I drive a PNO car to the buyer or for a smog check?
No. PNO vehicles cannot be operated or parked on California roadways.
Check out our experts’ recommendations on what’s the cheapest car insurance in California.
Can the buyer of a PNO vehicle drive it away immediately after purchase?
If you plan on selling a vehicle to someone who wants to test drive it and then drive it away from where it is stored, you must remove the PNO status with the California DMV. This requires you to register and insure the car to be back on the road legally.
In other words, selling a car isn’t considered use of the vehicle, but the activities related to selling the car may be regarded as use.
If you want to allow someone to test drive a vehicle you intend to sell, contact the California DMV to find out what steps are needed to remove the PNO status.
Sources
State of California Department of Motor Vehicles. “Reporting Vehicle Status.” Accessed April 2024.
State of California Department of Motor Vehicles. “Planned Nonoperation Filing.” Accessed April 2024.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura is an award-winning editor with experience in content and communications covering auto insurance and personal finance. She has written for several media outlets, including the USA Today Network. She most recently worked in the public sector for the Nevada Department of Transportation.
Ask the Insurance Expert
John McCormick
Editorial Director
John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Leslie Kasperowicz
Managing Editor
Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Nupur Gambhir
Managing Editor
Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.