For vehicle owners in California, meeting smog requirements is essential to keep your vehicle road-legal and contribute to cleaner air. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) mandates smog inspections for many vehicles as part of the registration and renewal process. This guide explains what the DMV requires, which vehicles need smog checks, exemptions, and how to smoothly pass your test.
Which Vehicles Require a Smog Check?
In general, most gasoline-powered vehicles that are more than eight model years old require a smog inspection every two years in participating counties, including Monterey Park. Vehicles manufactured from 1976 onward typically fall under this program. Diesel vehicles from 1998 and newer also must meet smog check requirements unless they weigh over 14,000 pounds, which might be subject to different testing rules.
Special cases include:
- Hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles generally follow the same regulations as gasoline cars.
- Electric vehicles are exempt as they produce no emissions.
- Newer gasoline vehicles, less than eight years old, do not need biennial smog checks but pay a smog abatement fee at registration.
When Are Smog Checks Required?
Smog inspections are mandated during:
- Renewal of vehicle registration in counties where the smog check program is active
- Initial registration of a vehicle in California
- Change of ownership (selling or transferring a vehicle) unless the vehicle is exempt.
What Does a Smog Check Include?
The DMV requires that a smog check be performed by a licensed station (often STAR-certified). The inspection typically involves:
- Visual inspection of emission control components
- Functional tests of the vehicle’s onboard diagnostics (OBD) system
- Tailpipe emissions testing to measure pollutants
- Verification that the check engine light is not illuminated, as an active engine light usually means an automatic fail
Importance of Using a STAR-Certified Station
STAR-certified stations, like AB Smog Check in Monterey Park, meet higher quality standards and are authorized by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair to conduct smog tests. Using a STAR station ensures your inspection is accurate and accepted by the DMV, reducing the risk of errors or delays.
Exemptions to Smog Check Requirements
Some vehicles are exempt from smog checks, including:
- Motorcycles and trailers
- Gasoline-powered vehicles 1975 model year or older
- Diesel vehicles 1997 and older, or those over 14,000 pounds GVWR
- Natural gas-powered vehicles over 14,000 pounds
- Fully electric vehicles
- Gasoline vehicles less than eight model-years old (fee applies)
Tips to Pass Your Smog Check
- Make sure the “Check Engine” light is off before the test
- Warm up your vehicle by driving at least 20 minutes beforehand
- Keep tires properly inflated and oil changed
- Turn off air conditioning and other accessories during the test to get accurate results
California’s DMV smog requirements play a vital role in reducing harmful emissions and protecting public health. Knowing which vehicles require testing, when to get inspected, and how to prepare helps Monterey Park drivers avoid costly fines and registration issues. Trust AB Smog Check, a STAR-certified station, for expert smog inspections that keep your vehicle compliant and running clean.
