STAR CERTIFIED SMOG
A smog check is required on most vehicles in California. Whether you are renewing your registration or buying an out of state vehicle, the DMV may request a smog check.
At Automotive Express Smog, we have two OIS machines and one BAR-97 machine. Having multiple machines helps us serve more customers in a timely and efficient manner. Our staff is highly trained to give you 5 Star service. Let us help you!
We are STAR Certified and send the results to the DMV. You will also receive a Vehicle Inspection Report as a copy for your records.
If you need a smog check, please click here to book an appointment.
If you have more questions, please contact us.
DOES MY CAR NEED A SMOG CHECK?
Smog inspections are generally required during a vehicle's initial registration in California and once, every two years, thereafter. This inspection cycle will continue for as long as the vehicle is registered in this State.
The Smog Check Program applies to 1976 and newer passenger vehicles and trucks powered singly or in combination by:
Smog Inspections are also required anytime a vehicle is sold or bought in California.
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 older.
4 Years & Newer Exempt (Vehicle Transfer)
Smog check exemption includes gasoline powered motor vehicles 4 or less model years old whenever a vehicle is being bought or sold, unless ARB (Air Resource Board) determines that including the 5th and 6th model-year vehicles in the exemption would prohibit the state from meeting the requirements of the federal Clean Air Act. This smog exemption does not apply to diesel powered vehicles.
Out-of-State Vehicles
The six year or four year smog check exemption is not applicable to vehicles which have been brought in from out of state and require initial registration in California. Both diesel and gasoline powered out-of-state vehicles require a smog check for initial California registration, and every two years thereafter. See exemptions below.
1975 & Older Exempt
Under the old smog laws, 1975 and subsequent model year vehicles became exempt from Smog Check when they turned 30 years old (30-year rolling exemption). A 1976 model year vehicle was exempt in 2005, a 1977 in 2006, etc.
As of April 1, 2005, exempt from smog check requirements are any motor vehicle manufactured prior to the 1976 model year.
All vehicles 1976 and newer vehicles will be tested according to state emission law. This law repeals the 30-year rolling exemption.
Others Exempt :
2 wheel motorcycles
Diesel cars & trucks (1997 & older)
Diesel trucks (over 14,500 GVW)
Title transfer between a spouse, domestic partner, sibling, child, parent, grandparent, or grandchild.
A smog certification was submitted to DMV within 90 days prior to the transfer date.
Diesel Smog Check
All 1998 & newer diesel powered vehicles weighing under 14,500 GVW will need a diesel smog check. The diesel smog test will not include the emissions test portion of the regular inspection. There will be no tailpipe emissions test. Dynamometer testing will not be part of the diesel smog check inspection. Your vehicle will not be driven on the dynamometer during the diesel smog check. Instead the Diesel smog check will focus on a visual inspection of your vehicle's emissions/smog components, a system check of the On Board Diagnostics (OBD II) system, a visual smoke check for excessive black smoke, and an EVAP functional test. Diesel cars and trucks which fail the diesel smog test will have their vehicles repaired at a diesel repair shop.
Hybrid Vehicles (HEVs) Require Smog Test
A hybrid electric vehicle is defined as any passenger vehicle that uses an electric motor as a part of its propulsion system, as well as an internal combustion engine.
As of April 15th 2015 Hybrid-Electric vehicles are required to undergo a smog inspection biennially when the registration renewal is due, during initial registration, and anytime a change-of-ownership occurs (unless a smog inspection was conducted within 90 days of the sale date). HEVs are administered the BAR-OIS smog test. HEVs are not adminsitered the BAR-97 smog inspection (no tailpipe test). How is the BAR-OIS smog test done?
All hybrid electric cars and trucks are required to get smog tested. Some HEV models are also built as non-hybrids. For example the Tahoe, Camry, Civic, and Escape.
The following vehicles are a few of the makes and models of hybrids required to have a smog check administered for CA DMV registration purposes.
• Chevy Hybrid Tahoe – all years
• Honda Insight – all years
• Honda Civic Hybrid – all years
• Lexus Hybrid RX, GS, LS – all years
• Toyota Prius – all years
• Toyota Hybrid Highlander – all years
• Toyota Hybrid Camry – all years
Smog Inspections are also required anytime a vehicle is sold or bought in California.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are you STAR Certified?
Yes, we are STAR Certified
Do you send the results to the DMV?
Yes, we electronically file the certificate with the DMV. The DMV system will update at midnight. You will also receive a Vehicle Inspection Report with your certificate number and DMV ID number as a copy for your records.
How long does the Smog Check take?
Vehicles model year 2000 & newer usually take 15 to 20 minutes
Vehicles model year 1996 to 1999 usually take 30 minutes
Vehicles model year 1995 & older take 45 to 60 minutes
Do you smog RVs?
Yes, we smog RVs. We receive many customers with RVs because our parking lot has ample amount of space.
Do you smog Diesel vehicles?
Yes, we smog Diesel vehicles weighing under 14,000 GVWR
Do you smog Hybrids?
Yes, we smog hybrid vehicles
What happens if my car fails?
If your car fails, do not worry. Our highly knowledgeable technicians will explain the reason why it failed and will guide you through the repair process.
Do you offer Retests on vehicles that failed?
Yes, our retest policy is as follows:
Vehicles model year 2000 and newer, equipped with OBD-II will have 30 days to fix their car and return to us for a nominal fee of $12.25.
Sorry, we do not offer discounted retests for vehicles 1999 & older or any vehicle NOT equipped with OBD-II
Will my car pass if the Check Engine light is on?
Most likely the check engine light will cause the vehicle to fail. The best steps to take are to get a smog from us, and we will tell you why it failed. With that information, you will be ready to go to a repair station and have your repairs made. Once the repairs are made, you can head back to us for your Retest.
What are the common reasons that cars do not pass?
Here are most of the common reasons your car will fail:
1. Check engine light is on
2. Illegal aftermarket parts are installed on the vehicle
3. Resetting of the OBD-II by unplugging your battery or resetting OBD-II via scan tool
4. Smoke coming from the crankcase or exhaust pipe
5. Defective, tampered, or disconnected Emissions Control Systems.
My car failed for NOT READY OBD-II, what do I need to do?
When the OBD-II monitors are NOT READY, you need to perform a drive cycle. A drive cycle is set of instructions provided by the manufacturer of the vehicle on how to drive the car in order to set the monitors.
Our guidelines are as follow:
1. Make sure your battery is in good condition
2. Drive a total of 200 miles. You may break this up into drives of 20 to 30 miles at a time
3. Drive your car on both the freeway and city
4. Do not drive fast. Maintain constant speeds. For example, drive 10 minutes on the freeway at 55mph.
5. Make sure all emissions control components have good electrical wiring to the computer and the component themselves.
If you reach 500 miles of driving and the monitors do not set, we highly recommend seeing a certified mechanic. There may be some underlying issues that are preventing the monitors from setting
Do you make repairs?
No, we are a SMOG TEST only station. Customers prefer a smog test only station over a repair station because they won’t be misguided into making unnecessary repairs.
I need to retire my vehicle to the state for the vehicle retirement program, can you help with that?
Yes, any vehicle applying for the retirement program will require a smog check. Please let the technician know you are applying for this program
I need to apply for the Consumer Assistance Program, can you help with that?
Yes, any vehicle applying for the retirement program will require a smog check. Please let the technician know you are applying for this program
Do you offer PRETEST?
Yes, we offer pretest on all vehicles. Please ask the technician for more details.
What is STAR Certified and Test only station
STAR stations are Smog Check stations that meet higher performance standards established by the Bureau of Automotive Repair. Some STAR stations are licensed to perform only tests, while others are licensed to perform both tests and repairs. The station is required to post a sign on the services it performs.