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HomeVehicle CodeDiv. 3Ch. 1Art. 2§ 4156 Temporary Vehicle Operation Permit

§ 4156 Temporary Vehicle Operation Permit

Vehicle Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 4156 Temporary Vehicle Operation Permit

Key Takeaways

  • •You can get a temporary permit to drive your car if you pay a fee, but the DMV decides how much and how long it lasts.
  • •If your car fails a smog check, you might get a temporary permit, but only if you show proof of the failed test. You can only get one of these every two years, and it lasts 60 days.
  • •If your car’s registration is denied for other reasons, you might get a temporary permit, but you can usually only get one ever. It lasts 90 days.
  • •These permits are only for special cases, and the DMV has the final say.

Example

Your car fails its smog test, and you need to drive it to work while you get it fixed.

You can ask the DMV for a temporary permit to drive your car for 60 days, but you have to show them proof that your car failed the smog test. You can only do this once every two years.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 4156 Temporary Vehicle Operation Permit

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, and except as provided in subdivision (b), the department in its discretion may issue a temporary permit to operate a vehicle when a payment of fees has been accepted in an amount to be determined by, and paid to the department, by the owner or other person in lawful possession of the vehicle. The permit shall be subject to the terms and conditions, and shall be valid for the period of time, that the department shall deem appropriate under the circumstances. (b) (1) The department shall not issue a temporary permit pursuant to subdivision (a) to operate a vehicle for which a certificate of compliance is required pursuant to Section 4000.3, and for which that certificate of compliance has not been issued, unless the department is presented with sufficient evidence, as determined by the department, that the vehicle has failed its most recent smog check inspection. (2) Only one temporary permit may be issued pursuant to this subdivision to a vehicle owner in a two-year period. (3) A temporary permit issued pursuant to paragraph (1) is valid for either 60 days after the expiration of the registration of the vehicle or 60 days after the date that vehicle is removed from nonoperation, whichever is applicable at the time that the temporary permit is issued. (4) A temporary permit issued pursuant to paragraph (1) is subject to Section 9257.5. (c) (1) The department may issue a temporary permit pursuant to subdivision (a) to operate a vehicle for which registration may be refused pursuant to Section 4000.15. (2) Only one temporary permit may be issued pursuant to this subdivision for any vehicle, unless otherwise approved by the State Air Resources Board. (3) A temporary permit issued pursuant to paragraph (1) is valid for either 90 days after the expiration of the registration of the vehicle or 90 days after the date that vehicle is removed from nonoperation, whichever is applicable at the time the temporary permit is issued. (Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 20, Sec. 21. (AB 115) Effective June 27, 2017.)

Last verified: January 21, 2026

Key Terms

registrationcompliancepossessionvehicleexpirationnonoperationthe departmentevidence

Related Statutes

  • § 4156.5 Temporary Vehicle Operation Permits
  • § 4853 Alternative Registration Devices Pilot
  • § 1656.2 Financial Responsibility Notice Requirements
  • § 1673.2 Smog Fee Refund Process
  • § 1677 Mature Driver Course Fees

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 4156.
View Official Source