About Smog Testing
ABOUT CALIFORNIA SMOG CHECKS
Some Information for You…
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Note: The information below is strictly provided as a courtesy and for informational purposes only. It may or may not be completely current. For more information, click the links below.
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Why are Smog Checks Mandated?
The Smog Check Program has greatly reduced air pollution created by millions of cars in California. According to the California Air Resources Board, the program removes about 400 tons of smog-forming pollutants from California’s air every day.
Vehicle Age
Your vehicle needs a Smog Check if it is more than six model years old and the model year is 1976 or newer. (This does not include diesel vehicles, motorcycles, electric and hybrid vehicles, and two-cylinder engine vehicles.)
Frequency
California vehicles must get a smog check certificate every other year. A smog check is also required when you sell your vehicle if it’s more than 4 years old for its particular model.
Your auto registration renewal will indicate whether you will require a smog test for that year.
Gross Polluters
When a vehicle exceeds state emission limits by over 200%, it is classified as a “gross polluter.” Such “high emission profile” vehicles may be subject to random testing. Owners will receive notification by mail and be directed to a test only station.
Smog Test Only Stations
Some smog check stations do smog tests only. This means that Smog Checks are their specialty and therefore will usually be quicker. They are usually very experienced and well versed in your vehicle model.
All of our smog test stations do smog checks only. We take pride in offering you quick and friendly service. : )
Some Test-Only stations are licensed Smog Check stations that are only allowed to test cars.
Passing Your Check
Make sure your perform proper and regular maintenance on your vehicle. Make sure not to tamper with the emissions control equipment – this is key to obtaining your smog certificate.
Abatement Programs
If your vehicle does not pass the smog test, there are abatement programs to assist you in getting your car repaired. These programs offer financial assistance in the form of
Repairs
In order to complete your registration, you will need to obtain the repairs necessary for it to pass its Smog Check retest. Before beginning repairs, find out if you are eligible for our Consumer Assistance Program (CAP).
The Consumer Assistance Program (CAP)
The Consumer Assistance Program, for the State of California, provides financial assistance to help repair or retire a vehicle that fails a Smog Check.
If your DMV renewal notice requires a Smog Check at a Test-Only or Gold Shield station, you may qualify for up to $500 in repair assistance once you pay the first $100 in repair costs. You may also qualify if your income is within certain levels, regardless of where you got your Smog Check. If you qualify based on income, a $20 co-pay is all that you need.
Vehicle retirement — If you feel your car is not worth repairing, the State may buy the car from you for $1,000 and have it scrapped at a local dismantler.
To get a CAP application visit www.smogcheck.ca.gov or call (800)952-5210. www.smogcheck.ca.gov.
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- When a Smog Inspection is Required
- Counties That Require a Smog Inspection for the Registration Renewal
- Check the Smog Test History of a Vehicle
- Find a Smog Test Station
- Vehicles That Qualify for a Smog Exemption
- The Biennial Smog Inspection
- What to do When Your Vehicle Fails the Smog Inspection
- Bureau of Automotive Repair’s Consumer Assistance Programs
- Paying Registration Fees Without Having the Smog Inspection
- Who is Responsible for Smog Inspection When Selling a Vehicle
- Family Member Transfers and Smog Inspection Requirements
- What You Need to Know About Buying an Out-of-State Vehicle
- Information About Air Resources Board Vehicle Buy Back Program
- Military Exemption From the Smog Inspection
- What are Clean Air Stickers and How do I apply
- Specially Constructed Vehicle Emission Control Program
- What are ZEV Stickers and How do I Apply
- Smog Impact Fee Refund Information
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