Not all vehicles must get a Smog Check. Additionally, some vehicles only need a Smog Check when they are being sold or being registered in California after previously being registered in another state. Whether or not a vehicle needs a Smog Check depends on the type of vehicle, the model-year, and the area in which the vehicle is registered.
Some vehicles are exempt from the Smog Check program
Legislation enacted during 2004 made several changes in motor vehicle Smog Check exemptions that will become effective next year. Following is a summary of the revised exemptions and the effective date of each change:
Beginning January 1, 2005, vehicles 6 or less model-years old are exempt from the biennial Smog Check inspection requirement.
Beginning January 1, 2005, vehicles 4 or less model-years old are exempt from the Smog Check inspection requirement upon change of ownership and transfer of title transactions with DMV.
Beginning April 1, 2005, the 30-year rolling exemption has been repealed. Instead, vehicles 1975 model-year and older will be exempt. Therefore, 1976 model-year and newer vehicles will continue to be subject to biennial inspection indefinitely.
Beginning April 1, 2005, vehicles being initially registered in California that were previously registered in another state are exempt if the vehicle is a 1975 and older model-year vehicle. Newer vehicles, the first 6 model years, are not exempted upon initial registration in California. These vehicles are required to undergo a Smog Check Inspection.
Vehicle Exemptions
Yes, I need a Smog Check
Change of Ownership Areas vs. Basic and Enhanced Areas
Most areas of the state require vehicles to have a Smog Check performed every two years, when being sold, and when being initially registered in California. These areas are referred to as the state's Basic and Enhanced Areas. However, Change of Ownership Areas only require a Smog Check when the vehicle is being sold or initially registered in California. You can determine the Smog Check area you are in by calling the Department of Consumer Affairs/Bureau of Automotive Repair toll-free at 1-800-952-5210 or by checking the ZIP Code Locator on this web site.
Yes, I need a Smog Check
How do I know if my vehicle needs a Smog Check?
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will note on your DMV Renewal Notice whether a Smog Check is required to reregister your vehicle. In addition, an information insert explaining the Smog Check Program requirements should be included in that mailing.
No Smog Check required on sales within immediate family
Section 4000.1 (d)(2) of the California Vehicle Code exempts from the change of ownership Smog Check requirement vehicles being sold or transferred between certain family members, such as parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, siblings, or spouses.
Current law exempts vehicles 30-model-years old and older from the Smog Check program.
The Consumer Assistance Program is available at participating Gold Shield stations for motorists who need assistance (up to $500) in repairing a vehicle when it fails a biennial (every other year) Smog Check. Click here to learn more about the Consumer Assistance Program and to obtain an application, or visit us a www.smogcheck.ca.gov.
Why do I have to go to a Licensed Test-Only center?
The High-Emitter Profile
What is a Licensed Test Only?
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Test-Only Directed Vehicles |
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In order to comply with state law, the California Department of Consumer Affairs/Bureau of Automotive Repair (DCA/BAR) directs a portion of the vehicles registered in Enhanced Smog Check Areas to Test-Only stations. Enhanced Areas are those parts of the state with "serious," "severe," or "extreme" ozone pollution problems.
What is a Test-Only? Test-Only facilities are licensed Smog Check stations that, by law, are only allowed to test cars; they cannot repair them. Any needed repairs must be performed elsewhere at either a Smog Check station designated as a Test-Repair or Gold Shield station. To learn more about the various station types, and what station best fits your Smog Check needs, click here.
High Emitter Profile - The majority of vehicles directed to Test-Only stations are selected by application of the High Emitter Profile (HEP), which identifies the vehicles most likely to fail their Smog Checks. The High Emitter Profile (HEP) uses data from several different sources. Some of it comes from the state Vehicle Identification Database (VID), which collects data from each Smog Check performed in California. The VID is used by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), BAR, and other government agencies. In addition, general vehicle data such as make, model-year, vehicle miles traveled, and engine size help define the HEP.
This information is used to determine which vehicles are most likely to fail their Smog Checks, especially at Gross Polluter levels--at least two times the emissions level allowed for a particular vehicle. No single factor identifies a vehicle for a Smog Check to be done at a Test-Only station. The data is weighted and vehicles selected using this computer profiling of vehicles most likely to fail their Smog Check. DCA/BAR has gradually increased the number of vehicles directed to Test-Only stations to meet the air quality improvement goals of the State Implementation Plan (SIP). The SIP is a blueprint outlining the methods California will use to meet federal air quality standards.
Two Percent Randomly Selected - As required by State law, two percent of the vehicles in the Enhanced Areas are also directed to Test-Only stations for their Smog Checks. These vehicles are selected randomly to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the Smog Check Program.
How Motorists are Notified - The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) notifies owners of vehicles that have been selected to have their Smog Checks performed at Test-Only stations. The registration Renewal Notice sent for these vehicles will say "Smog Certification Required at Test-Only Center".
Consumer Assistance Program - You may qualify for up to $500 in financial assistance to repair your car if it requires a Smog Check at a Test-Only station and failed that test. Click here for more information on the Consumer Assistance Program or visit our Web site at www.smogcheck.ca.gov. |
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How can I get ready for my Smog Check?
Car Care Tips
Clean Air Car Care Tips Fact Sheet |
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The California Department of Consumer Affairs/Bureau of Automotive Repair (DCA/BAR) recommends that you refer to your vehicles owner’s manual for information on how often to service your car. We hope you'll consider the following tips that will help save gas, keep California's air clean and help your car pass its Smog Check:
#1. Change engine oil and air, oil and fuel filters at manufacturer's suggested intervals.
#2. Perform all other service and maintenance at manufacturer's suggested intervals.
#3. Check tire pressure frequently.
#4. Check tire condition for abnormal wear patterns.
#5. Inspect hoses, wiring and belts regularly.
#6. Service engine promptly when warning lights appear.
#7. Do not modify your vehicle's emission control system.
Consider a Pre-Inspection Test
If you're not sure whether your vehicle will pass its Smog Check, you can ask a licensed Smog Check technician for information about a pre-inspection test. A pre-inspection helps diagnose any potential emissions-related problems, giving you a chance to make necessary repairs before your vehicle undergoes an official Smog Check inspection.
The Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) is available at participating Gold Shield stations for motorists who need financial assistance making repairs (up to $500) to their vehicle when it fails its biennial Smog Check. Click here to learn more about the Consumer Assistance Program and obtain an application, or visit our Web site at www.smogcheck.ca.gov. |
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What kind of test do I need (ASM/TSI)?
Smog Check Program Areas
Who can do that kind of test?
Smog Check Stations
Where can I find that kind of station?
Smog Check Station Finder
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Help, I Failed My Smog Check! |
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If your vehicle failed its Smog Check, in many cases you will need to get it repaired, retested, and certified in order to complete your registration.
You do not need to have the repairs or retest done at the same station that failed the vehicle originally.
However, if you were sent to a Test-Only station for your vehicle’s initial inspection, it must be retested and certified at a Test-Only station, or a Gold Shield station. Test-Only stations are prohibited by law from selling diagnosis or repairs. If you are directed to a Test-Only station on your DMV Registration Renewal Notice, you may qualify for repair assistance.
In addition to performing regular Smog Check inspections and repairs, Gold Shield stations:
- Are authorized to issue certificates to Gross Polluters
- May perform state-subsidized repairs
- May perform the "after repairs" certification test on vehicles that were directed to have their Smog Check at a Test-Only station, and failed that test, provided that the vehicles were repaired at the Gold Shield station.
The Consumer Assistance Program offered at Gold Shield stations is available to motorists who need assistance (up to $500) in repairing a vehicle when it fails a biennial (every other year) Smog Check. Click here to learn more about the Consumer Assistance Program and to obtain an application. |
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