I should have pointed out that California does have a provision in the law that allows you to pay a $10 fee (in advance only) to put a car into "inoperable" status, this will keep the penalties from building up indefinitely. The previous owner had neglected to do that. Dick Benjamin ----- Original Message ----- From: Mike Pittinaro <mechimike@xxxxxxxxx> > > two years ago and discovered that there was over > > $2500 in penalties due > > because of his letting the plates expire for 3 > > Even though you were the new owner! That's > incredible! What an age we live in! Can't you at > least get the car registered out of state and then > bring it in? > --Mike Pittinaro