Frequently Asked Smog Testing Questions
1. When do I need to get a smog check?
You need a smog check every two years (2) if your gas-powered car model year is eight years or older and 1976 or newer....this does not include motorcycles, electric and two-cylinder engine vehicles. As of the time of this writing (second half 2024); gas powered vehicle model years 2016 and 2017 are the newest ones that require a smog check.
2. Does my diesel vehicle require a smog check?
Yes, beginning January 1, 2010 diesel vehicles model year 1998 and newer require a smog check.
3. What if I sell my car?
If your car is more than four model years old, the owner is required to get a smog check before selling the car.
4. My registration renewal says that I have to go to a STAR station. What does this mean?
If your registration requires you to obtain a smog certificate from a STAR station, the test can be run at a STAR certified facility.
5. Is there a difference in the testing process between a STAR station smog check and a regular smog check?
No. It is exactly the same process. The only difference is that STAR certified stations can test both directed (by DMV) vehicles and non-directed vehicles, while the non-STAR certified stations can test only non-directed vehicles.
6. How will I know if I need to take my car to a STAR station?
You will be notified on your DMV registration renewal notice.
7. What happens if my car does not pass the Smog Check?
You will not be able to complete your registration renewal until you complete the repairs necessary for your car to pass a Smog Check retest.
8. I have Low Tire Pressure light on. Will that fail my smog test?
No. The only light that causes an automatic fail for California Smog Test is the Check Engine light.
9. I have ABS/Brake light on. Will that fail my smog test?
No. The only light that causes an automatic fail for California Smog Test is the Check Engine light.
10. My car failed a smog check, but I don't agree with the smog results. What are my options?
You have 2 options, below:
Option 1 - we can provide you with unbiased smog test at one of our smog stations.
Option 2 - you can contact the smog referee by clicking here. The referee program is administered by the Bureau of Auto Repair, a California State agency.
11. What can I do to improve my chances of passing the smog test?
In general, the answer is to perform proper and regular maintenance on your car and to not tamper with the emissions control equipment. Here are some tips to help you pass:
12. How long does a smog check take?
Below are the general guidelines depending on the model year of the vehicle:
13. What days are smog test stations generally open?
Smog testing facilities are generally open business hours Mon - Fri and half days on Saturday. Certain smog centers are open Sundays as well.
14. How much does a smog check usually cost?
It really depends on a variety of factors like location (rents), year make and model of the vehicle, specials, etc. In Los Angeles and Inland Empire, inclusive of certificate, you can expect smog test prices between $45 - $60 for model year 2000 and newer vehicles.
15. I got a quote from a smog station. It says $40 for smog check + $10 for certificate and ETF fees, for a total of $50. Is this quote legit; what is ETF fees?
There are several issues with the quote you received!
16. What do I need with me while getting a smog test?
a) Required - car to be tested; method of payment
b) Optional - DMV registration renewal notice (for faster paperwork processing); driver license (for faster paperwork processing)
17. Do you send the test results directly to the DMV?
Yes. The vehicle inspection report (VIR), also known as a smog certificate in case of a passing smog test, is electronically and automatically transmitted to the DMV. Smog stations are also required to print a copy for the consumer for their records. In addition, smog stations are required by the State to keep their certificate records handy and available to the respective customer for a period of three years.
18. Can you pay registration before smog in California?
Yes. If you do so, you will receive a "incomplete" renewal notice. However, it buys you time to get your smog check (or repairs) done as you will not incur penalties due to non-payment. You will receive the tags from the DMV only upon completion of both the smog check and the payment for registration.
19. Since you are a smog test only station, do you do Brake and Lamp inspection?
No. Brake & Lamp Inspection, as is required before placing a salvage vehicle in service, is performed by certain repair shops (not test only shops) that are licensed to do so. Additionally, effective July 8, 2024, the brake and lamp inspection program is wrapped under a new "Vehicle Safety Systems Inspections" program.
20. Do you charge different prices for diesel smog check or hybrid smog check?
No. Same prices as gas powered vehicles.
Please do not hesitate to call/email us in case you have further questions about the smog check program or our smog shops in particular...here to help.
You need a smog check every two years (2) if your gas-powered car model year is eight years or older and 1976 or newer....this does not include motorcycles, electric and two-cylinder engine vehicles. As of the time of this writing (second half 2024); gas powered vehicle model years 2016 and 2017 are the newest ones that require a smog check.
2. Does my diesel vehicle require a smog check?
Yes, beginning January 1, 2010 diesel vehicles model year 1998 and newer require a smog check.
3. What if I sell my car?
If your car is more than four model years old, the owner is required to get a smog check before selling the car.
4. My registration renewal says that I have to go to a STAR station. What does this mean?
If your registration requires you to obtain a smog certificate from a STAR station, the test can be run at a STAR certified facility.
5. Is there a difference in the testing process between a STAR station smog check and a regular smog check?
No. It is exactly the same process. The only difference is that STAR certified stations can test both directed (by DMV) vehicles and non-directed vehicles, while the non-STAR certified stations can test only non-directed vehicles.
6. How will I know if I need to take my car to a STAR station?
You will be notified on your DMV registration renewal notice.
7. What happens if my car does not pass the Smog Check?
You will not be able to complete your registration renewal until you complete the repairs necessary for your car to pass a Smog Check retest.
8. I have Low Tire Pressure light on. Will that fail my smog test?
No. The only light that causes an automatic fail for California Smog Test is the Check Engine light.
9. I have ABS/Brake light on. Will that fail my smog test?
No. The only light that causes an automatic fail for California Smog Test is the Check Engine light.
10. My car failed a smog check, but I don't agree with the smog results. What are my options?
You have 2 options, below:
Option 1 - we can provide you with unbiased smog test at one of our smog stations.
Option 2 - you can contact the smog referee by clicking here. The referee program is administered by the Bureau of Auto Repair, a California State agency.
11. What can I do to improve my chances of passing the smog test?
In general, the answer is to perform proper and regular maintenance on your car and to not tamper with the emissions control equipment. Here are some tips to help you pass:
- Make sure your engine is idling smoothly. If it is running roughly, have it repaired first.
- Visually check under the hood for anything that is disconnected or damaged.
- If your "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" light is on, fix it before you go in.
- If you have Approved Aftermarket parts, you must have the small silver sticker that came with the part. It will have the A.R.B. approval numbers (Example EO D-279-3).
- Make sure your car has NO engine coolant, oil or transmission fluid leaks.
- Warm up your car before you go in. If there is a wait, warm it up again before your turn.
12. How long does a smog check take?
Below are the general guidelines depending on the model year of the vehicle:
- 2000 and newer - 15 minutes
- 1996 - 1999 model years - 25 minutes
- 1995 and older vehicles - 35 minutes
13. What days are smog test stations generally open?
Smog testing facilities are generally open business hours Mon - Fri and half days on Saturday. Certain smog centers are open Sundays as well.
14. How much does a smog check usually cost?
It really depends on a variety of factors like location (rents), year make and model of the vehicle, specials, etc. In Los Angeles and Inland Empire, inclusive of certificate, you can expect smog test prices between $45 - $60 for model year 2000 and newer vehicles.
15. I got a quote from a smog station. It says $40 for smog check + $10 for certificate and ETF fees, for a total of $50. Is this quote legit; what is ETF fees?
There are several issues with the quote you received!
- First, ETF stands for Electronic Transmission Fees that every smog station incurs with regards to transmitting smog test data to the DMV. This fees is like paying utilities such as your light bill, and Bureau of Auto Repair PROHIBITS smog stations from passing that along to the consumers. Have you ever seen an additional charge for the light bill a business has to pay!
- The smog certificate is issued ONLY IN THE EVENT your vehicle passes the smog test. The certificate cost is exactly the same for all smog stations in California, and is $8.25 per. This is mandated to be a pass-through i.e. smog shops CANNOT mark-up certificate cost.
- At the time of payment, ask the smog shop manager to take out the ETF fees, as it is clearly illegal to charge that. If the manager refuses, file a complaint with the Bureau of Auto Repair at https://bar.ca.gov/complaint, and the BAR will guaranteed address the issue and have the smog shop issue you a refund.
- To summarize, there should only be two charges that a smog station quotes you - base smog check charge (varies by shop) and smog certificate charge ($8.25 for a passing smog test).
16. What do I need with me while getting a smog test?
a) Required - car to be tested; method of payment
b) Optional - DMV registration renewal notice (for faster paperwork processing); driver license (for faster paperwork processing)
17. Do you send the test results directly to the DMV?
Yes. The vehicle inspection report (VIR), also known as a smog certificate in case of a passing smog test, is electronically and automatically transmitted to the DMV. Smog stations are also required to print a copy for the consumer for their records. In addition, smog stations are required by the State to keep their certificate records handy and available to the respective customer for a period of three years.
18. Can you pay registration before smog in California?
Yes. If you do so, you will receive a "incomplete" renewal notice. However, it buys you time to get your smog check (or repairs) done as you will not incur penalties due to non-payment. You will receive the tags from the DMV only upon completion of both the smog check and the payment for registration.
19. Since you are a smog test only station, do you do Brake and Lamp inspection?
No. Brake & Lamp Inspection, as is required before placing a salvage vehicle in service, is performed by certain repair shops (not test only shops) that are licensed to do so. Additionally, effective July 8, 2024, the brake and lamp inspection program is wrapped under a new "Vehicle Safety Systems Inspections" program.
20. Do you charge different prices for diesel smog check or hybrid smog check?
No. Same prices as gas powered vehicles.
Please do not hesitate to call/email us in case you have further questions about the smog check program or our smog shops in particular...here to help.