Clown Duck at Joe’s Drive Thru Smog Check in North Hollywood: How a Montréal Circus Cousin Found Positive Duck at a STAR Smog Check Near Me

The latest numbers are in from the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Smog Check Executive Summary Report for May 2026. Statewide, the average cost for an initial smog inspection is $68.84 (based on nearly 945,000 tests). That's very reasonable for the peace of mind and clean air benefits we all share

On my April 15th birthday the only gift at Joe’s Drive Thru Smog Check was a mystery box of vacuum filters. Then Mrs. Ramirez pulled in for a smog check. I opened the hood of her red Honda Civic… and a giant furry New York rat named Rocco stared back! “Ey! Watch da hood, pal! Fuggedaboutit! Happy Birthday, Smog Joe!” he yelled in full cartoon Brooklyn accent. Rocco heroically fixed a loose wire, then led me on a wild Magic Broom chase around the drive-thru bay.

Searching for smog check near me in Los Angeles? Explore the Smoglandia podcast by Patt Morrison, the full history of California’s Smog Check program, and how OBD-II testing works today. 25-year veteran Joe at Joe’s Smog Check shares insights from his Drive Thru facility, home of Don’t Pass, Don’t Pay®.

DIDN’T PASS? DON’T PAY® The Longest, Funniest, Most Trademark Protected Smog Check Blog in the Entire San Fernando Valley (Competitors: This Is Your Official "Hands Off" Notice)

The most efficient, no hassle smog check in California at Joe’s Drive Thru Smog Check with Joe's famous Pass or Don’t Pay®