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A smog check is a test to determine the amount and type of pollutants that a vehicle is emitting. It is required by the state of California to ensure that vehicles meet the emissions standards set forth by the government.

Most vehicles in California are required to get a smog check every two years. However, there are some exceptions. You can check with the DMV to see if your vehicle is exempt from smog checks.

A smog check typically takes about 15-30 minutes. However, it can take longer if there are issues with the vehicle that need to be addressed before it can pass the test.

 Test-Only stations are licensed by the state only to perform tests on  vehicles. They are prohibited from performing any repair services. Gross  Polluters can also be certified at these stations. 

  The Department of Motor Vehicles renewal notice will indicate whether  a Smog Check is required to re- register your vehicle. Most areas of  the state require vehicles to have a Smog Check performed every two  years, when being sold, and when being initially registered in  California.

Proper and regular maintenance according to your Owner’s Manual, and not  tampering with the emissions control equipment are keys to passing Smog  Check and lowering emissions from your vehicle. Also a good 15 minute  drive helps to ensure a proper warm-up of all emission related  components which helps out in the emissions part of the smog check. 

First and foremost we’ll help explain to you why you failed and some  suggestions as to what to do next. You will also need to get your  vehicle repaired so it can pass its Smog Check retest in order to  complete your registration. 

Some vehicles that fail their smog inspections give off such high levels  of pollution that a category called “Gross Polluter” was created. BAR  identifies these vehicles to encourage their immediate repair. Gross  Polluters are some of the worst polluting vehicles on California  roadways. 

Smog inspections are required unless your vehicle is:

• Gasoline powered 1975 year model or older

• Diesel powered manufactured prior to 1998 if equipped with a Gross Vehicle Weight rating (GVWR) less than 14,000 lbs

• Electric

• Natural gas powered with a GVWR rating of more than 14,000 lbs.

• Motorcycle

• Trailer

 When selling or transferring a vehicle, the seller must provide a valid smog certification, which is valid for 90 days. A new inspection isn’t required if a biennial smog certificate was submitted to DMV within the past 90 days, though proof may be needed. Gasoline vehicles four model years old or newer are exempt from smog certification at transfer, determined by subtracting three from the current year; this exemption does not apply to diesel vehicles. 

Check our Smog Help page 

If you obtain a California-registered vehicle from a spouse, domestic partner, sibling, child, parent, grandparent, or grandchild, you are exempt from the smog inspection requirement. Transfers from any other relatives do not qualify and must include a valid smog certification.