Emissions Testing in California
California requires smog checks for most vehicles registered in the state. The program is administered by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) under the Department of Consumer Affairs and applies to gasoline, hybrid, and alternative-fuel vehicles model year 1976 and newer. Smog checks are required every two years for registration renewal in participating counties, which cover the majority of the state's population. Vehicles within their first eight model years are exempt from biennial testing but must pay an annual smog abatement fee instead. Diesel vehicles model year 1998 and newer weighing 14,000 pounds or less also require testing. Electric vehicles, motorcycles, and gasoline vehicles model year 1975 and older are exempt. A smog check is also required when a vehicle changes ownership or is first registered in California from out of state. Drivers should confirm current requirements with the California DMV or the Bureau of Automotive Repair at bar.ca.gov.
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Testing Requirements
Current Testing Requirements in California
California operates the Smog Check Program, the largest vehicle emissions inspection program in the country. BAR administers the program under authority of the California Health and Safety Code. The program requires biennial smog checks in 41 of the state's 58 counties, with some counties requiring checks only in designated zip codes. For vehicles model year 2000 and newer, the test is an OBD-II inspection performed on the BAR On-Board Diagnostic Inspection System (OIS). Vehicles model year 1976 through 1999 receive a tailpipe emissions test on the BAR-97 Emissions Inspection System, which may include a dynamometer-based acceleration simulation mode (ASM) test in enhanced areas. A visual inspection of emissions control components and a gas cap check are also part of the process.
Who Needs a Smog Check
Most gasoline-powered vehicles model year 1976 and newer registered in participating counties must pass a biennial smog check. This includes cars, trucks, SUVs, RVs, motorhomes, and collector vehicles. Hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles follow the same rules as gasoline vehicles. Diesel vehicles model year 1998 and newer with a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 pounds or less require testing. A smog check is required at change of ownership for vehicles more than four model years old. Vehicles being registered in California for the first time from out of state must pass a smog check regardless of age, except gasoline vehicles four model years old or newer. Vehicles within their first eight model years are exempt from biennial testing and instead pay a smog abatement fee of $20 to $25 annually. Electric vehicles, natural gas vehicles over 14,000 pounds, motorcycles, and gasoline vehicles model year 1975 and older are permanently exempt.
How Often Tests Are Required
Smog checks are required every two years in counties that participate in the biennial smog certification program. The testing schedule is tied to registration renewal. The DMV renewal notice will indicate whether a smog certification is required. Smog certificates are valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. A smog check is also required at every change of ownership for vehicles more than four model years old, regardless of when the last biennial test was completed.
Where Smog Checks Are Required
Smog checks are required in 34 counties statewide, plus designated zip codes in 6 additional counties. The full-county requirement applies in Alameda, Butte, Colusa, Contra Costa, Fresno, Glenn, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Marin, Merced, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Sacramento, San Benito, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Solano, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Tulare, Ventura, Yolo, and Yuba. Partial requirements by zip code apply in El Dorado, Placer, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Sonoma counties. Some rural counties in the northern and eastern parts of the state require smog checks only at change of ownership, not for biennial renewal. Drivers can check their specific zip code on the BAR website to confirm whether biennial testing applies.
What Happens During the Test
The test procedure depends on the vehicle's model year and weight. For model year 2000 and newer gasoline vehicles, a technician connects to the OBD-II port using BAR's OIS equipment and checks for stored diagnostic trouble codes, readiness monitor status, and the malfunction indicator lamp. A lit check engine light is an automatic failure. For model year 1976 through 1999 vehicles, the test includes a tailpipe emissions measurement on the BAR-97 system. In enhanced program areas, this involves an ASM dynamometer test measuring hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides. In basic areas, a two-speed idle test is used. All vehicles receive a visual inspection confirming the presence and condition of emissions control components, including the catalytic converter and EGR valve. A gas cap pressure test is also performed. The inspection typically takes about 30 minutes.
Areas in California That Require Smog Checks
California's smog check program covers the vast majority of the state's population centers. Cities within full-program counties include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose, Sacramento, Long Beach, Oakland, Fresno, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Bakersfield, Riverside, Stockton, Irvine, Santa Rosa, Modesto, Oxnard, Visalia, and Santa Barbara. The San Joaquin Valley, South Coast, and Bay Area air basins are all within the program. Cities in counties with partial zip code requirements include portions of San Bernardino, Riverside, Placerville, and Temecula. Rural areas in counties such as Alpine, Amador, Del Norte, Humboldt, Imperial, Inyo, Lake, Lassen, Mariposa, Modoc, Mono, Plumas, Sierra, Siskiyou, Trinity, and Tuolumne may require smog checks only at change of ownership. The BAR zip code lookup tool is the definitive source for confirming whether a specific address falls within the biennial program.
How the Smog Check Works in California
Drivers take their vehicle to a BAR-licensed smog check station. There are three types of stations: test-and-repair, test-only, and STAR-certified. STAR stations meet higher BAR performance standards and are required for vehicles flagged by the DMV as gross polluters, high-emitter profiles, or random selections. The DMV renewal notice will specify if a STAR station is required. Bring your registration or renewal notice. No appointment is required at most stations, though many accept them. The test typically costs between $30 and $60 depending on location and vehicle type, plus a mandatory $8.25 smog certificate fee. Prices are set by individual stations, not by the state. If the vehicle passes, the station transmits the smog certificate electronically to the DMV. No paperwork needs to be brought to the DMV. If the vehicle fails, the owner receives a Vehicle Inspection Report listing the failure reasons. The vehicle must be repaired and retested before registration can be renewed. Income-eligible consumers may qualify for the Consumer Assistance Program (CAP), which provides up to $1,450 for emissions-related repairs on model year 1996 and newer vehicles, or up to $1,100 for model years 1976 through 1995. CAP also offers vehicle retirement incentives of $1,350 to $2,000 depending on eligibility. Drivers can apply through BAR's website or by calling 800-952-5210.
FAQ
Common questions
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Does California require emissions testing?
Does California require emissions testing?
Yes. California requires biennial smog checks for most vehicles registered in participating counties. The program is administered by the Bureau of Automotive Repair. A smog check is also required at change of ownership and when registering a vehicle in California for the first time from out of state.
Which vehicles need a smog check in California?
Which vehicles need a smog check in California?
Most gasoline, hybrid, and alternative-fuel vehicles model year 1976 and newer need a smog check. Diesel vehicles model year 1998 and newer weighing 14,000 pounds or less also require testing. Electric vehicles, motorcycles, natural gas vehicles over 14,000 pounds, and gasoline vehicles 1975 and older are exempt. Vehicles within their first eight model years pay a smog abatement fee instead of testing for biennial renewal.
How often do I need a smog check in California?
How often do I need a smog check in California?
Every two years for registration renewal in participating counties. Your DMV renewal notice will indicate whether a smog certification is needed. A smog check is also required whenever a vehicle more than four model years old changes ownership, regardless of the last test date.
Which areas in California require smog checks?
Which areas in California require smog checks?
Smog checks are required in 34 full counties and designated zip codes in 6 additional counties, covering the vast majority of the state's population. Some rural counties require testing only at change of ownership. Check the BAR website zip code lookup to confirm whether biennial testing applies at your registration address.
Are electric or hybrid vehicles exempt from smog checks in California?
Are electric or hybrid vehicles exempt from smog checks in California?
Electric vehicles are permanently exempt. Hybrid vehicles are not exempt and must follow the same biennial smog check schedule as gasoline vehicles once they exceed eight model years. Plug-in hybrids also follow the standard schedule.
Do diesel vehicles need a smog check in California?
Do diesel vehicles need a smog check in California?
Yes. Diesel vehicles model year 1998 and newer with a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 pounds or less require smog checks. Diesel vehicles are not eligible for the eight-year new vehicle exemption and must be tested from their first registration in a participating county. Heavy-duty diesel vehicles over 14,000 pounds fall under a separate Clean Truck Check program administered by the California Air Resources Board.
What happens if my vehicle fails the smog check in California?
What happens if my vehicle fails the smog check in California?
You must repair the vehicle and pass a retest before your registration can be renewed. Income-eligible consumers may qualify for the Consumer Assistance Program, which provides up to $1,450 toward emissions-related repairs for 1996 and newer vehicles. CAP also offers vehicle retirement incentives of $1,350 to $2,000. If repairs are unaffordable, a waiver may be available in limited circumstances. Contact BAR at 800-952-5210 or visit bar.ca.gov/cap.
How much does a smog check cost in California?
How much does a smog check cost in California?
Smog check fees are set by individual stations and typically range from $30 to $60. A mandatory $8.25 smog certificate fee is added to every test. STAR stations may charge slightly more. Prices vary by location and vehicle type. The state does not regulate the inspection fee, so calling ahead to compare prices is worthwhile.
Do I need an appointment for a smog check in California?
Do I need an appointment for a smog check in California?
Most stations accept walk-ins, but many also offer appointments. Wait times vary by station and time of day. Scheduling ahead can reduce wait time, especially at busy STAR stations.
Where can I find smog check locations in California?
Where can I find smog check locations in California?
Use the BAR Auto Shop Locator at bar.ca.gov to search for licensed smog check stations by zip code or city. The tool shows whether a station is test-and-repair, test-only, or STAR-certified. Your DMV renewal notice will specify if you must visit a STAR station.
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