Skip to main content

Our Blog

Filter

Driver confirming a smog check certificate on a laptop with a printed inspection report beside it
CaliforniaCAPCustomer ServiceDMVMonterey ParkSmog Check

How to Check if the DMV Received Your Smog Certificate

If your car passed its smog check, the test station sends the certificate to the…
Mechanic inspecting a car’s undercarriage exhaust and catalytic converter area while holding a diagnostic scanner in an auto repair garage.
CaliforniaMonterey ParkSmog CheckSTAR-Certified

What Is a “Gross Polluter” in California

If your vehicle fails a smog check by a wide margin, you may be labeled…
Mechanic explaining a vehicle repair estimate to a customer at an automotive service counter with paperwork and a clipboard visible.
CaliforniaCAPCustomer ServiceMonterey ParkSmog Check

California’s Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) for Smog Repairs

California's Consumer Assistance Program, usually just called CAP, is a state funded program that helps…
California vehicle registration renewal notice and smog inspection report arranged on a sunlit car dashboard.
CaliforniaDMVMonterey ParkSmog CheckSTAR-Certified

How Long Does a Smog Check Certificate Last in California?

Once your car passes its smog check, the clock starts running. Here's exactly how long…
Technician in a blue uniform connecting a diagnostic scanner to a diesel pickup truck at a smog check station in Southern California on a sunny day.
DieselDMVSmog CheckSTAR-Certified

Diesel Vehicle Smog Checks in California

If you drive a diesel truck, SUV, or van in California, the smog check rules…
Person sitting in a parked car in a sunny California parking lot holding a smartphone showing passed vehicle inspection results, with a modern car interior in the background.
CaliforniaMonterey ParkSmog CheckSTAR-Certified

How to Look Up Your California Smog Check History

Whether you are buying a used car, preparing for your next smog test, or just…