Smog Test Information
For California Motorists

Every state has its own smog check laws and reguations.  California, like other states, has to meet specific air quality standards and smog checks ensure that motor vehicles are not polluting the air.  The following is important information regarding smog test laws and regulations for motorists in California.

Smog Check Information

Smog Check California

Currently, smog inspections are required for all vehicles except diesel powered vehicles (as of January 1, 2010 some Diesel powered vehicles will require smog testing), electric, natural gas powered vehicles over 14,000 lbs, hybrids, motorcycles, trailers, or vehicles 1975 and older.

NOTE: New Law Effective January 1, 2010--Smog tests are required for all diesel trucks 14,000 GVWR from model year 1998 to new. There is no 6 year exemption.

Vehicles registered in areas subject to the biennial smog certification program are required to submit evidence of a smog certification every other renewal period. Owners of vehicles six or less model years old will pay an annual smog abatement fee for the first six registration years instead of being required to provide a biennial smog certification. The registration renewal notice mailed to you by the department will indicate if a smog certification is required. If a smog certification is required and you have not had a smog inspection, you may still pay your registration fees to avoid any late fees. However, you will not receive your new registration or year sticker until the smog information has been received by DMV.
NOTE: Upon initial registration, nonresident and specially constructed vehicles 1976 and newer require smog certification. The six or less model years old rule does not apply to these vehicles.

When you transfer a vehicle that is four or less model years old a smog certification is not required. A smog transfer fee will be collected from the new owner. When a vehicle is more than four model years old, a seller must provide evidence of a current smog certification except when one of the following occurs: 

• The transfer occurs between a spouse, sibling, child, parent, grandparent, or grandchild.
• A biennial smog certification was submitted to DMV within 90 days prior to the vehicle transfer date (a vehicle inspection report may be required for proof of certification).

 

Smog Test Information

You can get more smog check information and smog test requirements in California by visiting the official California DMV website http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/smog.htm for smog check California information.