Understanding Fix It Tickets in California

In California, if you receive a 'fix it ticket' for not having an exhaust system but then sell the car, the responsibility for the violation doesn't automatically transfer to the new owner. The ticket is still associated with the period when you were the owner of the car. This means that you are still accountable for resolving the issue.

What Is a Fix It Ticket?

A 'fix it ticket' is a citation that gives you two options: pay the ticket or fix the vehicle and bring a verification to the court. If you choose to fix the issue, you can get a law enforcement officer to verify the repair and present the verification to the court clerk, along with a small fee. However, the legal requirement to fix the exhaust remains your responsibility until it is proven that the issue has been addressed.

Certifying the Fix

For a fix to be considered valid, the following conditions must be met:

You must either have a valid smog certificate that shows the exhaust system was in compliance before the sale. If the vehicle was junked, you need proof of that. Alternatively, if you have fixed the issue and the new owner is cooperative, you can get the verification now. You can also opt to pay the ticket and avoid further verification.

Ignoring the Ticket

Ignoring the ticket is not a viable option. Non-compliance can result in an arrest warrant and potential charges for failure to appear in court. This could also jeopardize your driver's license and the vehicle's registration.

Transferring Responsibility

The only way to potentially transfer the responsibility to the new owner is by selling the car with a valid smog certificate. If you sold the car without such a certificate, you and the new owner would both be liable for the violation, as the new owner would not be able to legally register the vehicle.

Consulting the Courts

To avoid complications, it's best to address the situation by contacting the court clerk. Bring any proof of sale, such as a signed transfer of ownership document and a copy of the valid smog certificate, if applicable. The clerk will review the documents and decide whether the issue is resolved.

If you have proof of the fix or a valid smog certificate, presenting these to the court can help you avoid further penalties. However, you will still need to deal with the court, regardless of whether you have fixed the issue or not.

Correctable Violation and Renewal Issues

A 'correctable violation' ticket remains outstanding on your driver#039;s license and the vehicle#039;s VIN/license number, even after you sell the car. This means that:

Registering the vehicle would be problematic. Renewing your driver#039;s license may also be affected.

To ensure smooth transactions and avoid legal troubles, it is crucial to resolve the issue before selling the car and to follow up with the appropriate legal channels if the issue arises after the sale.

Contact the Court Clerk

The best advice for anyone in this situation is to contact the court clerk directly. They can provide you with specific guidelines and help you navigate the legal process. If you provide proof of sale and, if applicable, a valid smog certificate, the clerk might accept this as evidence that the issue has been resolved.

Ignoring the issue or assuming it will be resolved automatically is not recommended. Addressing the situation promptly can prevent further complications and ensure compliance with California's vehicle regulations.