Reader’s Question:

If I have a vehicle that I do not use, do I have to put insurance on it? I live in California.

Sam

Los Angeles, CA

The state of California has guidelines for inoperable vehicles. California law requires cars to have current registration if they are driven, stored, towed, parked on public streets or highways or parked in an off-street public parking facility at any time during the registration period.

If you have an inoperable car in CA and it will not be in any of the places listed above, you may apply for non-operational status on the car and pay a planned non-operation (PNO) fee. Once this status is put on a car’s record, it stays until you decide to operate the car and pay full registration renewal fees.

Check with California Department of Motor Vehicles to verify what state laws permit for in your situation. Do not remove insurance without contacting your DMV and likely turning in your plates and registration. If you do remove insurance without turning in your plates and registration then the state may cite you and penalize you for a lapse in insurance.