Star certified smog Test-Only for DMV Frequently Asked Questions
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IS MY VEHICLE REQUIRED TO GET A SMOG CHECK ?

It depends on your situation:

  • Registration Renewals - Your vehicle needs a Smog Check if it is more than 8 model years old and newer than 1976 (in 2020, model years 1976 – 2012 must be smogged). This does not include motorcycles and two-cylinder engine vehicles.

  • Buying/Selling a vehicle - A Smog Check is needed if it is more than 4 model years old. (In 2020, model year 2016 must be smogged)

  • Out of state vehicles being registered in California require a Smog Check regardless of model year.

WHAT IS AN “EVAP” TEST ?

The Low-Pressure Evaporation test checks for leaks between your engine and the gas tank. It is required by the State of California for vehicles 1995 and prior (some models are exempt

HOW ABOUT DIESEL VEHICLES ? HYBRIDS ?

Diesel 1998 and newer, and weighing under 14,500 GVW will need a smog check. Procedures are different, but we do perform diesel smog checks. Hybrids do need a smog check, following the same rules than regular vehicles

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE SMOG CHECK PROGRAM ?

It has greatly reduced air pollution created by millions of cars in California.
According to the California Air Resources Board, the program removes about 400 tons of smog-forming pollutants from California’s air every day.

WHAT IS A TEST-ONLY STATION ?
A STAR CERTIFIED ONE?

A test-only licensed Smog Check station is only allowed to test cars. State law prohibits them from making repairs, so you are sure our test is unbiased .
A Star certified station has proven its performance and accuracy to the Bureau of Automotive Repair, and is allowed to smog any vehicle, even gross polluters.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY VEHICLE FAILS A SMOG CHECK ?

To complete your registration, you need to obtain the repairs necessary for it to pass.
With us, your retest is FREE of charge within 1 month after your vehicle failed, giving you the time to repair. You won't get charged twice for the service !

FAQ: List

HOW DO I KNOW I NEED TO TAKE MY CAR TO A STAR CERTIFIED STATION ?

You will be notified on the registration renewal notice sent by the California DMV, it's the line in bold at the top portion.
Star stations are required when the vehicle type is potentially a gross polluter

HOW CAN I HELP MY VEHICLE PASS A SMOG CHECK ?

Perform proper & regular vehicle maintenance according to your owner’s manual.
Do not tamper with the emissions control equipment.

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON...

This is a sign there is something wrong with your vehicle. This light should appear when you turn the ignition key and disappear after you started the engine. A check engine light staying on is a mandatory FAIL, as well as a CEL not showing up at all.

WHAT IS CAP & HOW DO I QUALIFY ?

The Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) provides financial assistance to repair or retire a vehicle that fails a Smog Check.
Repair Assistance — If your DMV renewal notice requires a Smog Check at a Test-Only station, you may qualify for up to $500 in repair assistance once you pay the first $100 in repair costs. You may also qualify, if your income is within certain levels, to a $20 co-pay only
Vehicle retirement — If your car is not worth repairing, the State may buy the car from you for $1,000 and have it scrapped at a local dismantler.
You can download the CAP application (English), Programa de Assistencia al Consumidor (Spanish), or call (800) 952-5210.

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