California Seller Evades Smog Certification | Community in Upheaval
A vehicle auction on Bring a Trailer has sparked controversy as a California seller claims he won’t provide a smog certification, raising eyebrows on legal compliance among potential buyers. The seller insists the responsibility for a smog test falls on the buyers before registration, conflicting with state laws and causing confusion.
The Legal Landscape for Sellers
California mandates that sellers must provide a valid smog certificate unless they meet specific exemptions. A community member pointed out, "It’s literally a condition for sale at the DMV," stressing that a transfer of registration is legally untenable without proper certification.
Growing Concerns Uncovered
Discussions on forums have highlighted several key points regarding the seller's obligations and transparency:
Seller Requirements: People emphasize that sellers must supply proof of emissions compliance.
Transparency Issues: Users call for clearer guidelines from BAT regarding the responsibilities of sellers in auction listings.
Doubts About Vehicle Condition: Concerns arise over why a seller would avoid a simple $49 smog check, with some suspecting deeper issues with the vehicle.
Interestingly, one user mentioned, "I don't recall the website, but for CA you should be able to enter a VIN and it will show all the previous pass/fail smog checks," reinforcing the need for transparency. Another person shared their experience with a prior seller's agreement regarding smog compliance, illuminating pathways to enforce legal obligations.
"California law requires that if I sell my vehicle, I must provide a valid smog certification to the new owner," a user stated, echoing the serious implications for buyers in this scenario.
Implications for Buyers
As the auction date approaches, potential bidders face heightened risks. If a vehicle doesn’t pass the smog check, buyers may struggle to obtain a clear title, complicating future sales. Furthermore, one commenter advised, "If the seller who knows the law is being shady about a smog certificate, then what else are they hiding?"
Community Insights:
🌟 "It’s likely it won’t pass. So bid as if you have to repair it."
🛑 "This seller is a POS! Any legit seller on BaT would have no issue providing a $50 smog check."
📝 "If a seller is unable or unwilling to smog it, they need to inform BAT during the initial submission phase."
The current situation raises serious doubts about the vehicle's reliability, reflecting broader concerns over seller accountability in the automotive market.
What’s Next?
With this ongoing debate, will BAT implement stricter policies to ensure seller compliance? Only time will tell as prospective buyers weigh their options under this cloudy regulatory environment.