California Code, Vehicle Code - VEH § 40210

(a) If the affidavit of nonliability is returned and indicates that the registered owner served has made a bona fide sale or transfer of the vehicle and has delivered possession of the vehicle to the purchaser prior to the date of the alleged violation, the processing agency shall obtain verification from the department that the registered owner has complied with Section 5602.

(b) If the registered owner has complied with Section 5602, the processing agency shall cancel the notice of delinquent parking violation or violations with respect to the registered owner.

(c) If the registered owner has not complied with Section 5602, the processing agency shall inform the registered owner that the citation shall be paid in full or contested pursuant to Section 40215unless the registered owner delivers evidence within 15 days of the notice that establishes that the transfer of ownership and possession of the vehicle occurred prior to the date of the alleged violation.  If the registered owner does not comply with this notice, the processing agency shall proceed pursuant to Section 40220.  If the registered owner delivers the evidence within 15 days of the notice, the processing agency shall cancel the notice of delinquent parking violation or violations with respect to the registered owner.

(d) For purposes of subdivision (c), evidence sufficient to establish that the transfer of ownership and possession occurred prior to the date of the alleged violation or violations shall include, but is not limited to, a copy of the executed agreement showing the date of the transfer of vehicle ownership.

(e) This section does not limit or impair the ability or the right of the processing agency to pursue the collection of delinquent parking penalties from the person having ownership and possession of the vehicle on the date the alleged violation occurred.