How Long Does a Smog Check Take?

Curious how long a smog check takes? At JOE'S DRIVE THRU SMOG CHECK™ Star Station in North Hollywood, the inspection itself usually takes 8 to 10 minutes per vehicle. It varies from vehicle to vehicle. Once it is your turn at the bay, you are in and out in that window, and you stay in your car the whole time. Wait time before that depends on how many cars are in line ahead of you.

Quick facts

Address: 10909 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, CA

Phone: (818) 760-0703

Hours: Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-2, closed Sunday. Holidays: check Google or Yelp hours (our site calendar is retired).

Price: $60 out the door, certificate and electronic DMV transfer included

Walk in: No appointments

Vehicles: 2000–2026 gasoline or hybrid light duty only. No diesel.

Pay: All major cards plus Apple Pay and Google Pay, no card fees

STAR station: Yes, JOE'S DRIVE THRU SMOG CHECK™ Star Station

Find us: North side of Burbank Blvd, one block east of Vineland, next to Cleon Ave, across from Berkley Pet Hospital and Group Repertory Theatre

How long the inspection itself takes at Joe's

At this station, the smog inspection usually runs 8 to 10 minutes per vehicle. Some cars finish a little faster; some take a bit longer. It depends on the vehicle.

That is what you can expect once you are at our bay at JOE'S DRIVE THRU SMOG CHECK™, not a statewide average from somewhere else. We are talking about the lane right here on Burbank Blvd.

Drive-through means you stay in the car

This is a real DRIVE THRU SMOG CHECK™. Pull into the lane, stay in your seat, and we handle the test while you wait in the car. Once you reach the bay, you are typically in and out within that same 8 to 10 minute window.

No climbing out. No wandering the waiting room. Just drive through, get checked, and go.

More on how the lane works: Drive Thru Smog Check

Wait time in line

Honest answer: wait time depends on how many cars are ahead of you. Midday can be quieter; late afternoon and Saturday mornings can stack up. We do not quote a fixed wait because the line changes.

What we can say: once it is your turn, the inspection itself is usually 8 to 10 minutes. Walk in anytime during open hours, no appointment needed.

What is included

Your $60 out the door covers the inspection, the certificate, and the electronic transfer to DMV. No surprise add-ons for that transfer at our counter.

Cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are welcome with no card fees. We serve 2000–2026 gasoline and hybrid light-duty vehicles only  - no diesel.

If your car does not pass, ask us about No Pass, No Pay

After you leave

Passing is only half the story. After you leave the lane, the report still has to show up for DMV renewal, and timing differs if you renew in person, online, or at a kiosk.

We spelled that out on a separate page: After Your Smog Check

FAQ

How long does a smog check take?

At JOE'S DRIVE THRU SMOG CHECK™ Star Station in North Hollywood, the inspection usually takes 8 to 10 minutes per vehicle. It varies from vehicle to vehicle. Wait time before your turn depends on how many cars are in line.

How long does a smog test take in California?

Statewide timing can differ by station and vehicle. At this DRIVE THRU SMOG CHECK™ lane, once you are at the bay, the inspection is usually 8 to 10 minutes per vehicle. Stay in your car.

Do I stay in my car?

Yes. This is a drive-through. You stay in your car for the test.

Do I need an appointment?

No. Walk in during open hours. Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-2, closed Sunday. For holidays, check Google or Yelp hours.

How long is the wait at Joe's?

It depends on how many cars are ahead of you. We cannot promise a fixed wait. Once it is your turn, the inspection itself is usually 8 to 10 minutes.

Ready when you are. Call (818) 760-0703, grab directions, or check hours (holidays on Google or Yelp). Serving North Hollywood and nearby drivers from our home base on Burbank Blvd. Joe's Smog Check.

Joe, your friendly smog guy at Joe's Smog Check Star Station