California Smog Check

When Is Smog Check Necessary?

Inspection is mandatory for cars which are registered in places which observes the biennial smog certification program. In these counties, vehicles go through smog inspections once every 2 years. A smog certification is necessary for an owner to renew the car’s registration. 

You can find the list of areas where smog check is mandatory for car registration renewal here. 

Meanwhile, a new rule has been implemented in 2019 involving vehicle models which are not over 8 eight years old. Instead of undergoing inspection bi-annually, owners just have to pay a smog abatement fee yearly for the initial 8 registration years. 

How would you know if you need to get an inspection? It is going to be indicated on your registration renewal notice.

Vehicles that are changing ownership also need to be checked. The seller is expected to secure the car’s smog certification. But this rule is not applicable if the DMV was furnished a certificate not later than 90 days before the automobile changed ownership. It is also not observed for transfers involving vehicles which are not older than 4 model years and powered by gasoline.

Furthermore, subjecting the car to a smog check is not necessary when sale or transfer involves family members, i.e., a parent gifting the car to his child. The transfer should involve the following family members – grandparent, parent, spouse, domestic partner, sibling and child. Sales or transfers involving other family relations apart from those previously enumerated need to comply with the smog inspection requirement.

What to Do When Your Vehicle Fails the Smog Inspection

Often, the testing station provides a report containing some of the possible reasons why your vehicle didn’t pass the test. You can have your car checked and repaired before it undergoes retesting.

You can also contact the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) for advice and other concerns regarding your car’s smog inspection. 

You can visit this CA DMV page to learn more about smog check regulations. 

Click here to find out more about driving in California or sign up for California Drivers Ed or Traffic School Online.