Carmichael Smog Check

How frequently does my vehicle have to get examined?

Carmichael Smog Checks are required biennially (every other year) on vehicles more than six model-years old. Additionally, a Smog Test is required if you sell a vehicle that is more than four model-years old and when enrolling an out-of-state vehicle for the first time in California.

How can I assist my automobile pass a Carmichael Smog Check?

Performing routine and appropriate maintenance according to your owner’s manual and not tampering with the emissions-control gear will aid in improving your car or truck ‘s chances of passing a Carmichael Smog Check. If the “Check Engine” light comes on, then take your vehicle to a certified repair station as soon as possible 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 avoid significant harm to the motor or emission-control systems. Check your owner’s manual for repairs which may be covered under your car or truck manufacturer’s emissions warranty.

Which are the components of a Carmichael Smog Check?

Carmichael Smog Checks are designed to measure the quantity and type of pollutants your motor vehicle is emitting. A Smog Test can include any of the following evaluations:

• Visual inspection of emission control components and systems
• Functional review of the vehicle’s check engine light, ignition timing, exhaust gas recirculation system, fuel evaporative system, and gas cap
• Functional review of the vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system
• Tailpipe emissions review

What vehicles need a Carmichael Smog Check?

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

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

As an example, a 2010 model-year automobile will initially be subject to a biennial Smog Evaluation in 2016 (2010 6 = 2016) and also a change-of-ownership Smog Test in 2014 (2010 4 = 2014).

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

Motorcycles and electric-powered vehicles are currently exempt from the Carmichael Smog Check Program.

Is your Carmichael Smog Check Program biased against older vehicles?

No. While California law requires the Smog Test Program to focus on high-polluting vehicles, the Carmichael Smog Check Program also doesn’t demand older vehicles to meet the very same emissions standards as newer vehicles. Smog Test emissions criteria take into consideration the age, make and model of each vehicle, so that a vehicle is never held to a standard which applied when the vehicle was originally manufactured.

I have a vehicle that is six model-years older. My DMV registration renewal note says it must possess a Carmichael Smog Check, but I thought it was exempt from the biennial Smog Test condition.

A gas-powered automobile is excused from Carmichael Smog Check till it’s seven model-years older. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) computers are designed to recognize the exemption and process your renewal accordingly. Contact DMV in case you think there’s an error. If you are unable to solve the issue with DMV, a state Referee facility could have the ability to help. Telephone the Referee Call Center in -LRB-800-RRB- 622-7733 to schedule an appointment.

What’s the Enhanced Area?

An improved Area is an urban region designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rather than being in attainment with federal health standards for ozone. Vehicles enrolled in an improved Area are subject to a treadmill emissions test on a dynamometer and may require testing in a STAR-certified station.

Have California auto emissions standards changed?

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