It appears that you and your friend both live in California. If that is the case, yes a car needs insurance on it in order to be registered and keep the tags valid. Evidence of valid liability insurance must be provided when obtaining or renewing vehicle registration in California.

The CA DMV notes that acceptable proof is a current identification card, issued to you by your insurance company. An alternative to meet this requirement is that you may post a bond as proof of insurance.

Effective October 1, 2006, per CVC 4000.38, vehicle registrations will be subject to suspension when:

• DMV is notified that a policy has been cancelled and a replacement policy has not been submitted within 45 days.
• Insurance information is not submitted to DMV within 30 days of the issuance of a registration card upon initial registration or transfer of ownership.
• The registration is obtained by providing false evidence of insurance

If you fail to maintain financial responsibility in California:

• Registration of you vehicle will be subject to suspension (effective October 1, 2006). DMV will begin the process to suspend the registration of your vehicle if liability insurance is cancelled and a replacement policy is not submitted within 45 days, or your insurance company has not electronically provided evidence of insurance within 30 days of a registration card being issued on a newly acquired vehicle, or if you provide false evidence of insurance.
• You may be cited. Failure to provide evidence of financial responsibility when requested by a peace officer may result in a citation with fines that could reach $1,000 or more. (DMV cannot clear or sign citations relating to financial responsibility. Only a court can clear or sign these citations).
• Your vehicle may be impounded. Failure to provide evidence of financial responsibility may result in your vehicle being impounded, in addition to any fines.
• You may be personally liable for damages. If you contribute to the cause of an accident and cannot provide evidence of financial responsibility, you may be forced to compensate the other party for any injuries and damages.

If your friend's California vehicle registration is suspended for any of the reasons listed above she can contact the Vehicle Registration Financial Responsibility Program at 1-866-664-4545.

As for the smog inspection it is required for all vehicles except diesel powered vehicles, electric, natural gas powered vehicles over 14,000 lbs, hybrids, trailers, motorcycles, or vehicles 1975 and older.

If a smog certification is required and you have not had a smog inspection, you may still pay your registration fees to avoid any late fees. However, you will not receive your new registration or year sticker until the smog information has been received by DMV.

For an affordable insurance quote in Oakland or other cities within California start here with us.For motorcycle insurance with our partner Safeco click here or call 1-800-936-0356.