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What does smog certification required mean?
Your DMV registration documents will mention either, Smog Certification Required, in which case you can visit any smog station, or Smog Certification Required at a STAR station, in which case your vehicle will need to be inspected at a STAR Test Only station or STAR Test & Repair station.
What does it mean to have a car smogged?
A smog check, also known as an emissions test, is designed to make sure every car on the road is running as cleanly as possible. The check involves testing a vehicle’s engine emissions to determine how much pollution it’s exhausting into the air.
How long is a smog certificate good for in California?
Smog Check Results If your vehicle passes, the station will provide you a vehicle inspection report showing your vehicle’s results and will electronically send the smog certificate to DMV. The smog certificate is valid for 90 days.
What cars need smog in California?
What Vehicles Require a Smog Check? All hybrid vehicles, gasoline-powered vehicles, and alternative fuel vehicles that are 1976 model or newer require a smog check. Diesel-powered vehicles that are 1998 model or newer with a gross weight of 14,000 pounds and less will need a smog check.
What is the difference between smog certification and test only?
When a smog station is “test only”, it means this shop will only test your car to see if it passes smog, and is not authorized or equipped to repair your car in the event it fails the test. In contrast, a smog check and repair station is authorized and equipped to both test and repair your smog equipment.
How do you get a smog check?
Bring proof of vehicle registration and a form of payment to the test. If you have a Registration Renewal Notice, bring that. Otherwise, bring your current vehicle registration. This is all you need to have with you when you take your vehicle to its smog check at an authorized station.
How do you get your car smogged in California?
Where can I get a smog inspection? You can find a DMV-authorized smog check station near you or visit smogcheck.ca.gov. If you get a DMV registration renewal notice in the mail, and it tells you that you need to go to a STAR station for a smog check, you can find a STAR station near you at smogcheck.ca.gov.
How much should a smog check cost in California?
On average, a smog check can cost anywhere between $30-$60. Once your vehicle passes, the smog check administrator provides you with a state-issued sticker to display on your dashboard, proving that your vehicle has passed the smog check.
What happens if my car doesn’t pass smog in California?
What Happens if My Car Doesn’t Pass a Smog Check? If your vehicles smog check doesn’t pass, you have two choices: repairing the faulty components or stop driving your car. Your DMV registration can’t be renewed if your smog check fails. Now, your failed smog test might cost you in repairs.
How do I get a smog waiver in California?
To qualify for a Repair Cost Waiver: You must have failed a “biennial” smog check inspection. Your must not have a tampered emissions control system. You must not be in the process of selling the vehicle or registering it in the State of California for the first time.
Does a 30 year old car need smog in California 2021?
The new law repeals California’s current rolling emissions-test exemption for vehicles 30 years old and older and replaces it with a law requiring the lifetime testing of all 1976 and newer model-year vehicles.
What zip codes in CA don’t require smog?
Zip code 90704 (Avalon or Catalina Island) is exempt from smog requirements per Health & Safety Code §44044(A). It is the only exempt zip code in Los Angeles County (19).
Do all cars need smog check in CA?
8 Years & Newer Exempt – Currently, smog inspections are required for all vehicles except diesel powered vehicles 1997 year model and older or with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR) of more than 14,000 lbs, electric, natural gas powered vehicles over 14,000 lbs, motorcycles, trailers, or gasoline powered vehicles 1975 and.
Are all California smog stations Star certified?
A STAR Test & Repair station is the only type of smog check center which can inspect, repair and certify any and all vehicles. These stations are participants of the State’s Consumer Assistance Program and are inspected by the State of California monthly.
Is 1974 smog exempt?
Under the current law, cars 30 years or older are exempt from smog testing. That means that this year a model 1974 car is exempt and next year a model 1975 will become exempt.
What does high emitter profile mean?
The High Emitter Profile identifies the vehicles most likely to fail their Smog Checks. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) notifies owners of vehicles which have been selected to have their initial Smog Check inspections performed at Test-Only Stations.
How does California smog test work?
Performing a smog check is a three-part process. A visual inspection confirms that all equipment is properly connected and that the smoke coming from the tailpipe isn’t black or white. A functional inspection reviews the vehicle’s computer and On Board Diagnostic system for fault codes or errors.
Can I drive my car while waiting for registration in California?
Law enforcement officers generally provide a grace period of up to two months before pulling over or ticketing drivers with expired tags, “because California Vehicle Code Section 4606 authorizes you to operate your vehicle while waiting for your renewal to be processed by the DMV,” Greenstein said.
