California Smog Check

How often does my vehicle have to get tested?

California Smog Checks are required biennially (every other year) on vehicles more than six model-years old. Furthermore, a Smog Test is required if you market a car that is more than just four model-years old and if registering an off-road car for the very first time in California.

How do I help my vehicle pass a California Smog Check?

Performing routine and proper maintenance according to your owner’s guide rather than tampering with the emissions-control gear will aid in improving your vehicle’s odds of passing a California Smog Check. If the “Check Engine” light comes on, take your car to a certified repair station when you can to have the issue diagnosed-do not await the automobile ‘s next scheduled Smog Test. A blinking or flashing light indicates a malfunction which should be addressed promptly to prevent serious damage to the engine or emission-control systems. Check your owner’s guide for repairs which might be covered under your car or truck maker ‘s emissions guarantee.

Which are the elements of a California Smog Check?

• California Smog Checks are designed to measure the quantity and type of pollutants that your vehicle is emitting. A Smog Test may include any of the following evaluations:
• Visual examination of emission control systems and components
• Functional inspection of the vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system
• Tailpipe emissions inspection

What vehicles need a California Smog Check?

Gasoline-powered vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and alternative-fuel vehicles that are model year 1976 and newer need a California Smog Check, together with the following exceptions:

• Four model-years and newer don’t need a change-of-ownership inspection.

For instance, a 2010 model-year vehicle will initially be subject to a biennial Smog Evaluation in 2016 (2010 6 = 2016) plus a change-of-ownership Smog Test at 2014 (2010 4 = 2014).

Diesel-powered vehicles 1998 and newer with a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 lbs and less need a Smog Test.

Is the California Smog Check Program biased against older vehicles?

No. While California law requires that the Smog Test Program to concentrate on high-polluting vehicles, the California Smog Check Program also doesn’t require older vehicles to meet the very same emissions standards as newer vehicles. Smog Test emissions standards take under consideration the age, make and model of each car, to ensure a car is never held to a standard which applied if the vehicle was originally manufactured.

I have a car that is six model-years old. My DMV registration renewal note states it should have a California Smog Check, but I thought it was exempt from the biennial Smog Test condition.

A gas-powered vehicle is excused from California Smog Check until it’s seven model-years old. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) computers are made to recognize that the exemption and process your renewal accordingly. Contact DMV in case you believe there’s an error. If you cannot resolve the issue with DMV, a state Referee facility could be able to provide help.

What’s an Enhanced Area?

An improved Area is an urban area characterized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rather than being in conjunction with national health standards for ozone. Vehicles enrolled in an improved Area are subject to a treadmill emissions test on a dynamometer and might require testing at a STAR-certified station.

Have California auto emissions standards changed?

Yes. BAR periodically adjusts some standards to raise their fairness. Because of this, some standards become marginally more stringent than they were previously and a few slightly more lenient. California’s emissions standards consider the model-year, vehicle make and model, and gross weight of the vehicle. Older cars have significantly less stringent standards than newer ones. No older vehicle is held to the very same standards as a newer, more technologically advanced car or truck. Allowances are made for normal wear and tear at a vehicle’s emissions control system as it ages. The previous alteration occurred in 2010.