1199 San Pablo Avenue Berkeley, CA 94706
Smog – Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT VEHICLES REQUIRE A SMOG CHECK?


Gasoline-powered vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and alternative-fuel vehicles that
are model-year 1976 and newer require a Smog Check, with the following exceptions:

1. Eight model years and newer do not require a biennial Smog Check.

2. Four model years and newer do not require a change-of-ownership Smog Check.

Transfer of title between certain family members does not require a smog check.

Motorcycles and electric-powered vehicles do not require a Smog Check.


Registration Renewal: Every two years on most vehicles, you must get a smog check to renew your registration with the Department of motor vehicles.


Change of Ownership: Most vehicles need a smog check when buying or selling.


The seller’s responsible for inspecting the vehicle within 90 days of the transaction. If the vehicle is not registered within 90 days of being tested, it will need to be inspected again. Bringing in a car from out of state: Most vehicles seeking registration in California need to be smog.

DO I NEED TO SMOG MY DIESEL VEHICLE?


YES, 1998 model-year and newer diesel vehicles with GVWRs 14,000 pounds and less powered solely or combined by diesel propane natural gas methanol ethanol smog check inspection required. Diesel vehicles 1997 and older are smog exempt. In addition, diesel vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight over 14,000 lbs are also exempt from the smog inspection.

CAN YOU SMOG MY ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) VEHICLE?


Yes. All-wheel drive vehicles are smog doing a two-speed idle test rather than being tested on a dynamometer.

  Smog Resources

WHAT IS A STAR STATION?


Some vehicles require a Smog Check at a STAR station. STAR stations must meet specified performance standards established by BAR. Some STAR stations are licensed to perform only smog tests, while others are licensed to perform tests and repairs. The station is required to post a sign on the services it performs. The bright STAR Certified sign can hang directly under or near the station's Smog Check sign.

© 2023 Website Express Smog Station

The Smog Check Program is a vehicle inspection and maintenance program designed to improve the air we breathe. The program identifies vehicles with excess emissions so they can be properly repaired or retired. It has greatly reduced air pollution created by millions of cars in California.
WHAT IS THE SMOG CHECK PROGRAM?
HOW CAN I HELP MY VEHICLE PASS A SMOG CHECK?



Performing regular maintenance according to your owner’s manual and not tampering with
the emissions-control equipment will help improve your vehicle’s chances of passing a
Smog Check. If the “Check Engine” light comes on, get your vehicle repaired as soon as
possible—do not wait for the vehicle’s next scheduled Smog Check. A blinking or flashing light indicates a malfunction that should be addressed immediately to avoid serious damage to the vehicle. Check your owner’s manual for any parts or repairs that may be covered under your vehicle manufacturer’s emissions warranty.

WHAT IF MY VEHICLE FAILS A SMOG CHECK?


The Smog Check station will provide you with a vehicle inspection report that shows your
vehicle’s results and the reason(s) for the failure. If you have questions, ask the station to explain
the information on the report. Any needed repairs should be performed by a station licensed to
perform Smog Check repairs. After completing the repairs, have your vehicle retested? Thestation will provide
you a final report once your vehicle passes Smog Check and will electronically send the certificate to DMV.