SMOG CHECK FAQS

In the state of California, only certain vehicles need a smog check.  Vehicles that need a smog check generally fall into these 3 categories.  Under California vehicle emissions control laws and regulations, you must get a smog check for your car in the following cases:

• 1) Your Registration Renewal Notice say "Smog Certification Required"
• 2) You are selling your vehicle
• 3) You are registering a Non-Resident Vehicle (Out-of-State Vehicle)

1) Since your vehicle has already been registered with the CA DMV, when it is time to renew your registration, you will will receive a notice that will either say "Smog Certification Required" or it will not.  If it does say it, then you will need a smog check.  The requirement is every other year.

2) During the sale of a vehicle in California, the seller is responsible for getting a smog certificate prior to completing the sale. 

3) An Out-of-State Vehicle needs a smog certificate prior to registration in the CA DMV.

1) For CA registration renewals, you will need to bring your DMV Registration Renewal Notice, your vehicle, and a form of payment. 

2) If you are transferring your vehicle, you will need to bring your CA Title or CA Registration Card, your vehicle, and a form of payment.

3) If you are registering an Out-of-State Vehicle, you will need to bring your State's Title or Registration Card, your vehicle, and a form of payment.

Our Certified Technician will connect a measuring equipment to your vehicle's OBD.  This equipment connects to the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) and the measurements are transmitted to the BAR and DMV.  

The results of this smog check will be printed on the Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) and given to you.  If your vehicle passes, you can use it to complete the DMV registration.  If it doesn't pass, then, you will need to correct the faulty issue and come back for a retest.  Our technician will go over with you on what you need to do to correct the fault.

If your vehicle passes, you may complete your vehicle registration. Please be sure to follow your DMV Registration Renewal instructions.

If your vehicle doesn't pass smog check for your registration renewal, you have several options to meet your smog check obligations.

• If your cycles have to reset due to a vehicle new battery or the check engine light was recently reset, then you need to drive it until the codes are gone.
• If it is a mechanical problem causing the smog check to fail, then you need your vehicle diagnosed and repaired at a licensed Test and Repair station.

If you choose to have your vehicle diagnosed and repaired, keep in mind that all emission related repairs to correct a smog failure must be performed by a licensed smog technician at a licensed station.

Hybrids are designed to meet strict emission standards and to provide improved fuel economy over conventional vehicles. However, hybrid emission control systems experience the same causes of long-term deterioration affecting other vehicles. Emission control system malfunctions on hybrids can cause emissions to sharply increase. By ensuring that hybrid emission-related problems are identified and then properly repaired, emission levels will remain low over the life of the vehicle.

Since their introduction to the California market in 2000, hybrid vehicles could not be properly tested on the BAR-97 equipment that was introduced in 1997. This equipment could not test the emissions of hybrids as the vehicles would switch into electric mode during an inspection. The new Bureau of Automotive Repair On-Board Diagnostic Inspection System (BAR-OIS), which is based on a visual inspection of emission control components and a scan of the vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system, has resolved this testing issue.

All hybrid vehicles will be subject to a Smog Check. Just like traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, hybrid vehicles six model-years and newer are exempt from the biennial Smog Check requirement. Hybrid vehicles four model-years and newer are also exempt from the change-of-ownership Smog Check requirement. 

The Smog Check procedure for a hybrid is similar to the procedure for model-year 2000 and newer gasoline-powered vehicles. This includes both a visual inspection of emission control components and a scan of the vehicle’s OBD system. However, the procedure for hybrids does not include a visible smoke test. This procedure is consistent with other hybrid inspection practices implemented in other states across the country. 

No. A tailpipe emissions test is not required for hybrid vehicles. 

Hybrids can only be inspected using the Bureau of Automotive Repair OBD Inspection System (BAR-OIS). The BAR-OIS is the only equipment compatible for testing hybrid vehicles in California. 

Yes. Hybrids with non-approved aftermarket equipment or devices will fail their Smog Check. However, hybrid battery enhancements, such as plug-in charger kits and increased battery capacity, are not cause for Smog Check failure. The only exception would be if illumination of the vehicle’s “Check Engine” light is caused by the aftermarket system.  

The same methods used to determine required emissions components for conventional vehicles will apply to hybrids, including, but not limited to the following:

• Under the hood emissions labels
• Emission control application guides

The same Engine Change Guideline applied to conventional vehicles also applies to hybrids. If a hybrid engine is changed to a different year or type of engine, the complete electrical and emissions control systems must also be changed. 

Engine changes on any vehicle subject to the Smog Check Program will require an inspection at a Referee Center. To make an appointment, consumers may contact the state Referee at 800.622.7733. 

Hybrid emissions warranties vary by vehicle manufacturer and model. Many 2005 and newer model-year hybrids are certified to California’s Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) standard. The PZEV standard requires an emissions system warranty of 15 years or 150,000 miles AND a battery warranty of 10 years or 150,000 miles. Model-year 2004 and older hybrids typically have the same emissions system warranties as traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. 

Technicians should encourage vehicle owners to check their owner’s manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer directly for emissions warranty information. This will help the consumer better understand the emission warranty coverage for their vehicle and whether any necessary repairs will be covered under the warranty.  

The new diesel smog test will apply to all 1998 and newer diesel powered vehicles under 14,000 GVWR. Diesel testing is implemented as a biennial program similar to the regular smog check program. 

1. Visual Test
2. OBD II Test
3. Visible Smoke Test

1. Crankcase Depression Regulator CDR) or Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV)
2. Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC)
3. Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
4. Nox Absorber
5. EGR
6. Fuel Injection
7. Temperature and Pressure Sensors
8. Wiring of Sensors/Switches/Computers
9. Vacuum Line Connections to Sensor/Switches
10. Other Diesel Emission-Related Components: Turbo/Supercharger, Exhaust/Intake, etc.

1. “Check Engine Light” (MIL) is Operational
2. MIL on/off
3. OBD Readiness Status Codes

1. Idle Test
2. Idle Crankcase (CDR/PCV) Test
3. Snap Test