my car might not pass smog before registration deadline. If I pay for planned non-operation before registration deadline do I have to pay regular registration and penalties because I only paid the non-operational fees before deadline?

If you pay the non-op fee you still have to pay the registration after it passes smog. It's a little less due to the fact you already paid non-op.

I would contact them directly just to be sure.

No penalty as long as you register it before deadline.

Hi Carole, if your car doesn't pass the smog, why not retire it and get paid by the state for it? Tom answer your question, you can pay the $20 NonOp fee and not get the smog or drive the vehicle by the deadline.

Not completely sure on that I'd call them and ask