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Smog Check: When you need one and what's required
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01.
Vehicles that need a Smog Check
Gasoline, hybrid, and alternative-fuel vehicles - model year 1976 and newer Diesel vehicles - model year 1998 and newer RVs, motorhomes, collector cars, and government vehicles that meet the above criteria also need a Smog Check.
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02.
When a Smog Check is required
Vehicle registration renewal A Smog Check is required every other year to renew your vehicle registration. Check your DMV registration renewal notice for one of these messages: “Smog Certification Required” “Smog Certification Required at a STAR station” Change of ownership A Smog Check is required when a vehicle changes ownership. If you're selling your vehicle, a Smog Check is required before you sell it. Be sure to give the buyer a copy of the vehicle inspection report. If you're buying a vehicle from a private seller, it must have passed a Smog Check within the last 90 days. Ask the seller for a copy of the vehicle inspection report. You can also check the vehicle's inspection history online. If you're buying a vehicle from a dealership, it must have passed a Smog Check within the past two years. If a family member bought you a vehicle, a Smog Check is usually required. Transferring a vehicle between immediate family members does not require a Smog Check. Registering a vehicle for the first time in California A Smog Check is required to register a vehicle for the first time in California. This includes vehicles purchased or previously registered in another state.
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03.
Model year exceptions
Gasoline, hybrid, and alternative-fuel vehicles generally need a Smog Check. But, there are exceptions for certain newer model year vehicles. These exceptions depend on the vehicle's model year and the specific inspection requirement. There are no model year exceptions for diesel vehicles. Here are the exceptions for gasoline, hybrid, and alternative-fuel vehicles: Eight model years and newer - do not need a Smog Check for vehicle registration renewal. Instead, California law requires a smog abatement fee. This fee is due with your DMV vehicle registration renewal fees. To determine when a vehicle will need its first Smog Check, add eight to the model year. For example, a 2020 model-year vehicle will need a Smog Check for registration renewal in 2028 (2020 + 8 = 2028). Four model years and newer - do not need a Smog Check for a change of ownership. Instead, California law requires a smog transfer fee. This fee is due to DMV to transfer the vehicle title.
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04.
How to prepare
Bring your DMV registration renewal notice, if available. This helps the station verify your vehicle information. If your vehicle's check engine light is on, get it repaired before your Smog Check. The check engine light indicates a problem with the vehicle's emissions system. A vehicle will not pass a Smog Check with the check engine light on. If you recently disconnected or replaced your battery, drive your vehicle for a week or two. This will allow the readiness monitors to reset before your Smog Check. If your vehicle's software is modified, restore it to the manufacturer's original settings. You may also restore it to a version approved by the California Air Resources Board. Modified or non-approved software will cause a vehicle to fail a Smog Check. Stations may offer a pretest (or pre-inspection). This may help identify potential issues before the official inspection. Stations must provide an estimate before performing this service.
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05.
What happens during the inspection
A Smog Check may include: Visual inspection of the emissions control system Functional inspection of the emissions control system On-board diagnostic system check (for most 2000 and newer model year vehicles) Tailpipe emissions test (for pre-2000 model year vehicles) The inspection usually takes about 30 minutes.
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We are STAR Certified and licensed by the California DMV to test any vehicle. We do emissions testing, smog checks, gross polluter certification. We smog test out of state vehicles, we do smog for change of ownership and for registration renewal.
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