California has the strictest emission regulations in the country. Among other clean air requirements in the state, California registration renewal requires a smog check to ensure emission equipment on vehicles continues to function properly and have not been altered since the last inspection.
Some vehicles are not required to meet smog requirements. These include:
- Vehicles that are 1975 or older models that are powered by gasoline
- Vehicles that are 1997 or older models that are diesel powered and have a Gross Vehicle Weight of 14,000 lbs. or more
- Vehicles that are natural gas powered with a Gross Vehicle Weight of 14,000 lbs. or more
- Electric vehicles
- Motorcycles
Vehicles that are gasoline-powered, hybrids, and alternative-fuel vehicles that are 1976 and newer model years require a Smog Check, with two exceptions:
- Six model-year and newer vehicles do not need a biennial (every other year) inspection
- Four model-year and newer vehicles do not need a change-of-ownership inspection
What is California’s Smog Check program and what does it entail? What happens if your vehicle does not meet smog requirement and can you renew registration without smog?
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What is the Smog Check Program?
The Smog Check program is a statewide program administered by The California Department of Consumer Affairs’ Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). Vehicles are inspected at more than 7,000 licensed and independent service stations throughout California.
The purpose of the Smog Check inspection is designed to identify cars that are producing excess emissions so they can be repaired to meet statewide standards.
Pricing of Smog Check inspections will vary according to the site selected, however, each will include an $8.25 certification fee that funds the program.
A Smog Check is usually completed in 20 to 30 minutes.
What Happens if Your Vehicle Does Not Meet Requirement?
If your vehicle does not meet standards, you will be given an opportunity to get the repairs done that will bring your vehicle into compliance. Once re-rested after repairs, and if the vehicle passes the Smog Check, it will be certified compliant.
Can you renew registration without smog?
It is important to keep in mind that if your vehicle either has not been inspected or has failed its Smog Check test, you can still start your California registration renewal either online or in person.
This allows you to avoid any associated late fees. It is equally important to remember that you will not receive your renewed registration or your updated year sticker until the DMV has received your Smog Check verification.
The point is, even if you haven’t completed the required Smog Check or if your vehicle didn’t pass the test, you can and should renew your registration in a timely fashion to avoid penalties. You should also remember that your Smog Check certification is valid only for 90 days following inspection.
The State of California has an entire website devoted to the Smog Check program. There is a complete section dedicated to Smog Check frequently asked questions.
6 comments
I have a 2000 Honda accord se and the catalyst converter needs changed but California doesn’t allow me to buy it so how am I supposed to pass my smog if you guys made it impossible to do so now.
Hello Violet. You will need to contact the DMV in California to get more information about the status of your vehicle and what alternative actions you need to take to meet the smog check requirements.
I just changed my address for my vehicle online and have to wait 3 days to update it in the system. Do I need to wait till it’s updated in the DMV records to go get my smog
Hello Andrew. The address needs to be updated prior to posting registration fees for it to appear updated on the registration card. The smog has no correlation to this situation.
Thanks for this article about renewing without smog. it’s good to know that there’s a chance to get repairs if your vehicle doesn’t meet standards. I’m interested to learn if these repairs need to be accomplished in a certain time frame or not.
Hello Taylor. You must make any repairs prior to the expiration of your registration. You’ll receive a registration renewal notice stating the time you need to pass another inspection so you could plan ahead.