How Does Smog Check Work In California?

These counties have different criteria based on where you live. Pages below to find a DMV or emissions testing location in your area. For private transactions, make sure the seller provides a smog certificate if their vehicle is four or more years old. Also get the vehicle title signed by the both of you, the purchase price stated and a statement of the odometer reading for any vehicle that’s less than 10 years old. Remember, you must register the vehicle within 10 days of the purchase date or you will face a penalty.
Given that a smog check at a STAR station can be time-consuming, it’s good to make sure your vehicle is capable of passing inspection on the first try. A good first step for preparing your vehicle for a smog check inspection is to assess your vehicle’s check engine light status, as an illuminated check engine light constitutes an automatic failure on the smog check. Ensuring your engine is functioning properly and efficiently is key not only for vehicle inspections but to keep the driver, and other motorists, safe. Next, it’s good to drive the vehicle at highway speeds for at least a few minutes before the inspection in order to warm up the vehicle so the inspector can properly assess the vehicle’s torque. Let us perform the repairs or maintenance required to get you compliant once again. We welcome all vehicle makes and models for emissions testing and repairs—you don’t even have to set an appointment!

Performing regular and proper maintenance according to your owner’s manual and not tampering with the emissions-control equipment will help improve your vehicle’s chances of passing a Smog Check. If the “Check Engine” light comes on, take your vehicle to a licensed repair station as soon as you can to have the problem diagnosed-do not wait for the vehicle’s next scheduled Smog Check. A blinking or flashing light indicates a malfunction that should be addressed immediately to avoid serious damage to the engine or emission-control systems. Check your owner’s manual for repairs that may be covered under your vehicle manufacturer’s emissions warranty. Once your vehicle passes the smog check, the smog station will send electronic proof of certification to the DMV. A Vehicle Inspection Report will be provided to you upon completion of the smog test and regardless of whether your vehicle passes or fails the inspection.
The founder was 25 years old with an entrepreneurial dream and parents who believed in him when he opened the shop. Over many years, he built the business with the help of his family and friends. Although he has since retired, you can still find his daughter, her family, and their long-time manager working hard to help customers with all their automotive needs.

At Liberty Smog Check, we recommend that you have your car smog inspection every fall and spring to ensure that your car is in great condition during the coldest and hottest months of the year. Liberty Smog Check is your local one stop Smog Check & Test Only Center. Located in Cathedral City, on Ramon Road, just west of Date Palm. So if you need a Smog Check, Emissions Test, Bi-annual Smog certification, or a smog check for a change of ownership, then visit us in Cathedral City. We are ASE Master Certified Technicians, locally owned and ready to serve you.
Simply bring in your car when it’s most convenient for you. Diamond Bar, Calif. (Dec. 6, 2005) - The California Bureau of Automotive Repair has published its policy  for Smog Check certification of specially constructed vehicles . Publication was prompted by discussions with SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, and officials with the state Attorney General's office.
Some climate change simulations indicate the global warming impact on California will be an increase in the frequency of hot daytime and nighttime temperatures. The climate change simulations also indicate that drying in the Sacramento area may be evident by the mid 21st century. The California sea level has risen at about 7 inches per century, but this trend could change with global  warming. While all sectors are vulnerable to rising sea-levels, 70 percent of those at risk are residential areas.

The removal of the panel is mandated by the Bureau of Automotive Repairs and allows for the shop owner to charge an additional labor cost to perform the service. It is a requirement however that the shop owner have these additional charges displayed in plain view to the public. Panel removals are not too common and usually only required on some vans and a few exotic vehicles. A Smog Check is not required for electric, diesel powered manufactured before 1998 or weighing over 14,000 lbs, trailers, motorcycles, or gasoline powered vehicles 1975 or older. In April  2015, hybrid vehicles became subject to smog check requirements.
The Smog Check Program is a vehicle inspection and maintenance program designed to improve the air we breathe. The program identifies vehicles with excess emissions so they can be properly repaired or retired. It has greatly reduced air pollution created by millions of cars in California.

The Obama administration has proposed setting a national standard for greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, which could potentially increase fuel efficiency by an average of 5% per year from 2012 to 2016. STAR station, one that meets the BAR's higher performance standards. Some STAR stations are test-only stations, while other STAR stations are test-and-repair. The five gasses monitored during a smog check are hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide , nitrogen oxides , carbon dioxide , and oxygen . Renew your vehicle registration online and review guidelines and requirements.
But during deliberations, board member Gideon Kracov, an attorney and member of the South Coast Air Quality Management District Governing Board, proposed more frequent testing in later years of the program. Construction and agricultural equipment such as larger chainsaws and brushcutters used for fuel management and wildfire preparation Emissions Test are exempt. “Purchasing all new in addition to the batteries may be burdensome. However, landscapers using may realize net cost-savings within the first few years of purchase due to decreased fuel and maintenance costs,” staff reported. Most cars coming from out of state seeking registration in California need to be tested.