(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.)