States
California
Santa Cruz

Emissions Testing in Santa Cruz, California

Find 9 licensed smog check stations in Santa Cruz. Browse test-only centers, STAR-certified locations, and shops offering registration renewal inspections. Requirements in California vary by vehicle type and model year.

9 stations
Santa Cruz, CA
View California requirements
AS

AA Star Smog Check 1(Ocean & Soquel)

5.0 · 568 reviews
Smog inspection station · 433 Ocean St B, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

AA Star Smog Check 1 in Santa Cruz, California offers emissions testing and smog check services. View hours and details.

smog check Vehicle Inspection OBD-II Diagnostics Check Engine Light Diagnosis
WS

Water Star Motors

4.8 · 550 reviews
Auto repair shop · 318 River St # A, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Water Star Motors provides smog check and vehicle inspection services in Santa Cruz, California. View hours and details.

smog check Vehicle Inspection OBD-II Diagnostics Check Engine Light Diagnosis
SA

Specialized Auto Inc.

4.8 · 1,039 reviews
Auto repair shop · 2415 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Specialized Auto Inc. offers smog check and vehicle inspection in Santa Cruz, California. View hours and details.

smog check Vehicle Inspection OBD-II Diagnostics Check Engine Light Diagnosis
BP

Bobby's Pit Stop

4.8 · 122 reviews
Auto repair shop · 1655 Commercial Wy, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

Bobby's Pit Stop offers smog check and vehicle inspection services in Santa Cruz, California. View hours and details on...

smog check Vehicle Inspection OBD-II Diagnostics Check Engine Light Diagnosis
SC

Santa Cruz Motorsports, Inc.

4.6 · 99 reviews
Auto repair shop · 211 Cedar St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Santa Cruz Motorsports offers smog check and vehicle inspection in Santa Cruz, California. View hours and details.

smog check Vehicle Inspection OBD-II Diagnostics Check Engine Light Diagnosis
HM

Holiday Muffler

4.6 · 224 reviews
Smog inspection station · 1671 Capitola Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Holiday Muffler offers smog check and vehicle inspection in Santa Cruz, California. View hours and details.

smog check Vehicle Inspection OBD-II Diagnostics Check Engine Light Diagnosis
FA

Fidelity Automotive

4.5 · 46 reviews
Auto repair shop · 916 Soquel Ave # E, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Fidelity Automotive offers emissions testing and smog check services in Santa Cruz, California. View hours and details.

smog check Vehicle Inspection OBD-II Diagnostics Check Engine Light Diagnosis
SC

Santa Cruz Tire & Auto

4.5 · 339 reviews
Auto repair shop · 2840 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Santa Cruz Tire & Auto offers reliable smog check and vehicle inspection services in Santa Cruz, California. View hours...

smog check Vehicle Inspection OBD-II Diagnostics Check Engine Light Diagnosis
SP

Smog Plus Service

4.4 · 115 reviews
Smog inspection station · 1505 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Smog Plus Service offers emissions testing and vehicle inspection in Santa Cruz, California. View hours and details.

smog check Vehicle Inspection OBD-II Diagnostics Check Engine Light Diagnosis

City Guide

Emissions Testing in Santa Cruz, California

Finding a reliable place for emissions testing or a smog check in Santa Cruz is easier than ever. Our directory lists 9 licensed and verified emissions testing stations in the city, including STAR-certified and test-only centers where required. Whether you're renewing your registration or completing an out-of-state transfer, this page helps you quickly locate nearby inspection facilities and understand what applies in California.

Do Vehicles in Santa Cruz Need an Emissions Test?

Most drivers in Santa Cruz follow the same rules set by California. Requirements vary based on vehicle age, fuel type, and county. If you're unsure whether your ZIP code or vehicle model year requires a test, use this directory to browse local stations or review our state-specific testing requirements.

Types of Smog Check Services Available

  • Standard emissions tests for gasoline vehicles
  • OBD-II inspections for 1996+ model years
  • Tailpipe testing for older vehicles where required
  • Diesel emissions testing
  • Hybrid and electric vehicle smog checks
  • Registration renewal support
  • Test-only or STAR-certified inspections (state dependent)

Each listing includes the station's address, contact information, operating hours, and service notes to help you choose the right location.

Smog Check Tips for Santa Cruz Drivers

Before heading to a testing center in Santa Cruz, make sure:

  • Your check engine light is off
  • Your vehicle has completed recent drive cycles
  • The gas cap is properly sealed
  • The engine is fully warmed up
  • You have your registration and ID

Following these steps greatly increases the chance of passing on the first attempt.

Why Use This Directory?

Drivers in Santa Cruz rely on this directory because it provides a complete list of verified emissions testing stations, map-based navigation for quick lookup, accurate state-updated requirements, support for gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and electric vehicles, and clear explanations of exemptions and frequency rules.

View California Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions About Emissions Testing in Santa Cruz, California

Get answers to common questions about smog checks, testing requirements, and finding the right station in Santa Cruz.

You can use this directory to find licensed emissions testing and smog check stations in Santa Cruz. Browse the listings above to see addresses, contact details, and services offered, then choose the station that's most convenient for your part of the city.
It depends on California's emissions testing program, your registration ZIP code, and your vehicle's model year and fuel type. Some areas of California require testing, while others do not. Check your California state page in this directory or your DMV's website to see if your address in Santa Cruz is in a testing area.
Most emissions programs require testing every one or two years, usually tied to registration renewal. Some vehicles are tested more frequently, and others are exempt for the first few model years. Use the California state page to see the current 2025 schedule for your vehicle type and registration area.
Prices vary by station and vehicle, but most emissions tests in Santa Cruz fall within the typical range for California. Many stations list pricing by phone or on their website, and some offer coupons or discounts. Use the listings above to contact a station directly for current pricing.
Requirements depend on vehicle type (gasoline, diesel, hybrid, electric), model year, and weight, as well as where your vehicle is registered in California. In many states, fully electric vehicles are exempt, newer vehicles are temporarily exempt, and certain older or specialty vehicles may have different rules. Check the California state page for the latest 2025 requirements.
Most stations in Santa Cruz ask you to bring your current registration or renewal notice, a valid photo ID, and proof of insurance if required by California. Make sure your vehicle is warmed up and the check engine light is off before you arrive.
If your vehicle fails, the station will provide a report showing the reason for failure (such as stored OBD-II codes or high tailpipe readings). In most programs, you must complete repairs and pass a retest before renewing your registration. Some states offer repair assistance, cost caps, or waivers. Details are listed on the California page in this directory.
In some states, certain vehicles are directed to specific station types (such as STAR or test-only centers). Unless your renewal notice or DMV instructions say otherwise, you can usually choose any licensed station in Santa Cruz. If you're unsure, ask the station when you call or check the instructions on your renewal notice.

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