Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs a smog check?

There are three reasons to get a smog check.

• Registration Renewal: Every two years on most vehicles you are required to get a smog check to renew your registration with D.M.V.

  Gasoline vehicles newer than 6 years old, hybrids, motorcycles, gasoline vehicles 1975 or older, and deisel vehicles 1997 and older are exempt from this requirement.

• Change of OwnershipMost vehicles need a smog check when they are bought or sold.

  Gasoline vehicles newer than 4 years old, hybrids, motorcycles, gasoline vehicles 1975 or older, and deisel vehicles 1997 and older are exempt from this requirement. Also, transfer of title between certain family members does not require a smog check. more information is at the the state's website.

• Bringing in a car from out of state Most cars coming from out of state seeking registration in California need to be smogged.

  Hybrids, motorcycles, gasoline vehicles 1975 or older, and deisel vehicles 1997 and older are exempt from this requirement.

Can you smog my all-wheel drive vehicle?

Yes.

Can you smog my full-sized motorhome?

Yes.

My renewal notice doesn't specify that I need to go to a test-only center. Can you still smog it?

Yes. We can perform a smog test on your car whether or not it has been directed to a test-only center.

Can you send my smog results to D.M.V. if I don't have my renewal form with me?

Yes.

Will my car pass with the check engine light on?

No. However, you may still want to have your car smogged anyway so you can take advantage of the Consumer Assistance Program to help pay for repairs.

Will my car pass with an aftermarket air intake or other modification?

Aftermarket parts such as air intakes need a sticker with an eo# affixed to the vehicle to prove that those parts are legal for street use in California. If you have specific questions about specific parts on your car, ask us before we start the smog check, not after we start.