Smog Test Certification

Smog Test Certification thumbnail
California requires that most vehicles pass a smog test.

Before registering a vehicle in the state of California, most vehicle owners must take their vehicles to receive a smog certification. Certification helps reduce auto emissions in the state and ensures that all vehicles meet the state's requirements.

  1. Significance

    • Smog inspection certification is required when registering vehicles within the state of California, except for hybrid and electric vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, natural gas powered vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of at least 14,000 pounds, all diesel vehicles build before 1998 and all gas vehicles manufactured prior to 1975, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.

    Considerations

    • Of California's 58 counties, 34 require that all qualifying vehicles must pass a biannual smog inspection before the vehicle's registration is renewed. In addition, six counties require biannual inspection only in certain zip codes, according to the DMV. The California Bureau of Automotive Repair allows California residents to look up their area's requirements on its website by providing their zip code.

    Warnings

    • While vehicles under six years old are exempt from re-certification in areas that require biannual certification, vehicle owners must pay a "smog abatement fee" in lieu of certification, notes the DMV. Vehicles owned by members of the U.S. military are not exempt from smog inspections and must meet all state and local requirements.

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