California has strict smog laws. You may think that this is because the air quality is terrible, but it’s actually to keep cars from polluting the air more than they already do. The state requires all vehicles over 15 years old to be tested for emissions every two years and if you fail, you must fix your car or buy a new one. If you’re buying a used car in California then it should be at least 8-years old or newer so that it doesn’t need to be smogged. But what about cars under 15? How can we find out how old a car has to be not to have emissions testing? Let’s take a look!
Starting in 2005, all cars manufactured after 1976 are required to have an emissions test. Before this rule came into force on April 1st, 2005, vehicles built before then were subject only to a 30-year rolling exemption and would not need any further consideration for smog checks unless they reached more than 30 years old when it expired or if their engine size respectively changed significantly enough where its performance was no longer deemed acceptable by relevant law enforcement agencies around the country who enforce these regulations such as California’s Department Of Motor Vehicles. Benefits of getting your vehicle tested include:
- Protecting the environment
- Keeping your car running in top condition
- Saving money with less frequent emissions tests
So Who Needs A Smog Check In California?
Vehicles produced in 1976 or later are required to participate in the biennial smog check program in participating counties under the California Smog Check Program. When you renew your Department of Motor Vehicles vehicle registration, you must have a smog inspection if you live in one of the following California counties:
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, or Yuba.
Where Can I Go To Get A Smog Check?
The California Smog Check Program is administered by the California Department of Consumer Affairs Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), and there are over 7,000 state-licensed and independently owned smog check stations throughout The Golden State. Though it may seem like a daunting task to find all these locations on your own – which we know can be difficult! That’s why STAR certified test-only facilities offer convenient “test only” registration for vehicles that fail emissions tests due to them being too dirty or having old parts installed instead of making repairs at home with help from an experienced mechanic in between shifts if necessary.
What Can I Do To Pass?
If your car is more than 15 years old then it will not be smogged under California state law – but if it was manufactured before 1976 then this won’t apply either as that year marks its exemption from such laws due to their lack of environmental impact at the time when they were first introduced for public use back in 1996. This is because vehicles that are 25-years old or older cannot pass a smog test so there’s no smog check exemption for them.
If you’re wondering how to find out if your car needs to be smogged in California, we can help! You can call us today and one of our experts will answer all your questions. We know the ins and outs of everything related to cars – from their safety features to what they need for a smog test. Don’t hesitate; let us take care of it so you don’t have any worries on this topic anymore! Have other drivers asked about smogging or whether or not their car is too old? Let them know that we’re here with answers.
Are You Looking for a Smog Check Service You Can Trust?
If you’re a registered driver in the San Francisco Bay Area, California Emissions Program or SMOG Check is very strict compared to other states. Customers often ask us how they can get their car ready for a smog inspection. On our site, we cover some areas that we think will be useful and if necessary, we can help with getting the required parts installed at our shop before taking it in! Contact us now to book your no-contact, friendly appointment! We truly value your trust and your business, so thank you for staying local with your auto repair needs.
