
What year cars are exempt from smog check?
Smog check changes and new abatement fees - The law expands smog check exemptions to vehicles that are up to eight model years old. The law clarifies that any suspensions or delays reported prior to January 1, 2019, remain in effect. Do new cars need smog?
When does the new smog law take effect?
The law clarifies that any suspensions or delays reported prior to January 1, 2019, remain in effect. Do new cars need smog? The new law exempts motor vehicles that are 8 or less model-years old from needing to undergo smog checks.
What was the California bill to move smog exception from 1975 to 1980?
California Bill to Move Smog Exception From 1975 to 1980 Progresses. The bill passed the first committee in a bipartisan vote of six votes for and five against. If passed, the bill would exempt cars prior to the 1981 model year from California's biennial smog-check inspections and would open the door for non-CARB (California Air Research Board)...
How often do I have to have my vehicle smog checked?
If your vehicle is 6 years old or less, you do NOT have to have your vehicle smog checked every 2 years. Instead, you'll pay an annual $20 smog abatement fee for your first 6 years of registration. After these first 6 years, you will be subject to the regular smog check program.

Will the smog exempt year change in California?
That same vehicle will require a change-of-ownership Smog Check if sold in or after 2024 (2020 + 4 = 2024). Diesel-powered vehicles that are model-year 1998 and newer with a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 pounds and less require a Smog Check. There are no model year exceptions for diesel-powered vehicles.
Is a 1977 car smog exempt in California?
1975 & Older Exempt - Under the old smog laws, 1975 and subsequent model year vehicles became exempt from Smog Check when they turned 30 years old (30-year rolling exemption). A 1976 model year vehicle was exempt in 2005, a 1977 in 2006, etc.
Is smog based on engine year or frame year?
Smog Check requirements are based on vehicle type and model year. Model years are released in the calendar year prior to a vehicle's model year. Thus, a vehicle is one model year old when the model year matches the calendar year.
Are 1979 cars smog exempt?
The state of California currently enforces a law in which any vehicle 1976 and later must adhere to a "vehicle inspection and maintenance check (smog check)" every two years.
What is the cut off year for smog in California?
1975 yearYour vehicle does not need a smog inspection if your: Gasoline-powered vehicle is a 1975 year model or older (This includes motorcycles and trailers.) Diesel-powered vehicle is a 1997 and older year model OR with a Gross Vehicle Weight of more than 14,000 pounds.
Is a 30 year old car smog exempt in California?
The new law repeals California's current rolling emissions-test exemption for vehicles 30 years old and older and replaces it with a law requiring the lifetime testing of all 1976 and newer model-year vehicles.
How can I avoid smog in California?
0:142:21How to Avoid Smog Check in California! 100% Legal! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEither the clerk will hand you the registration documents. And new stickers or he will ask you forMoreEither the clerk will hand you the registration documents. And new stickers or he will ask you for an out-of-state address to me onto. One important thing to note is that when you sign the document.
How do I get a smog waiver in California?
Make an appointment at a Referee station and bring documentation of two failed smog tests and receipts for money spent on repairs at a licensed smog repair station as well as diagnostics. If you meet the qualifications, you will be granted a waiver that allows you to pass the test without the repairs.
How do I get a smog exemption in California?
To qualify for a Repair Cost Waiver:Your vehicle must have been registered in California for at least the last two years.You must have failed a "biennial" smog check inspection.Your must not have a tampered emissions control system.More items...
What year is smog exempt in California 2022?
Diesel vehicles model year 1998 and newer or vehicles with a GVWR of 14,000 lbs or less are required to be tested. Gasoline vehicles are exempt if model 1975 or older. Exemptions: New vehicles for the newest eight (8) model years (must pay an annual “smog abatement” fee)
How can I bypass a Smog Check?
6 Proven Methods for Passing an Emissions (Smog) Test:Test a very warm car on a cool day. ... Use a specialized fuel additive. ... Inflate tires to the proper (high) level. ... Perform an oil change. ... Turn off your "Check Engine" light (if needed). ... Find a shop that offers a free retest.
Does a 1978 car need smog in California?
Answer: Yes, currently a 1978 model year vehicle is required to be smog checked, both during initial California registration and every two years thereafter.
When did California smog exemptions end?
If passed, more cars would be exempt from CARB approved mods. A new bill proposed by California Senator Ted Gaines (R-El Dorado) that would change the California smog exemption year cutoff from 1975 to 1980 passed through the Senate Committee on Transportation and Housing earlier this week.
How many cars are exempt from the California car tax?
Only around 162,000 of the approximately 27 million cars on California roads are exempt under the current law, according to the Association of California Car Clubs. The change is said to only affect half a percent of vehicles.
What cars are exempt from SB 1239?
While Senator Gaines cited the obvious Corvettes, Mustangs, and Mopars, SB 1239 would also include early GM G-Body cars and Fox-platform Fords, as well as nostalgic Japanese cars such as the Toyota Celica and Datsun Z models. Many classic European cars from Porsche and BMW would also be exempted.
What year does California require smog inspections?
California requires all vehicles to undergo a smog inspection EXCEPT: Gasoline-powered vehicles model year 1975 and older. Natural gas-powered vehicles weighing over 14,000 lbs. . Diesel-powered vehicles that: Are model year 1997 and older. OR.
How often do you have to have your car smog checked?
If your vehicle is 8 years old or less, you do NOT have to have your vehicle smog checked every 2 years. Instead, you'll pay an annual $20 smog abatement fee for your first 8 years of registration. After these first 8 years, you will be subject to the regular smog check program.
How long does it take to get a smog check in California?
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires new residents to bring their vehicles to a smog inspection station (see Completing a Smog Check in California below) for a smog check before registering their vehicles, which must be completed within 20 days of establishing residency.
How often do you need to smog check a car in California?
Safety inspections are not generally required for registration or renewal. In California, most vehicles are required to be smog checked every 2 years. Keep reading below for information about smog inspections in California, including forms and fees you'll need to provide.
How long do you have to wait to drive a vehicle after a smog check?
In order to drive your vehicle after a smog check failure, but before you attempt to pass it again, you may request a 60 day temporary operating permit (TOP) from the DMV. The price for the permit varies depending if you're registering your vehicle: For the first time, or after a title transfer.
What to do if your car doesn't pass smog?
If your vehicle did not pass its smog check, the CA Department of Motor Vehicles recommends contacting the BAR Referee Program at (800) 622-7733. Here, you'll find help with smog check dispute resolution. Some vehicle owners are eligible for low-income repair assistance via the BAR's Consumer Assistance Program.
When selling a car in California, do you need a smog certificate?
Understand that “valid" means the certification is within 90 days of the issuance date.
How old can you be to pay smog abatement?
plus. plus. minus. minus. Starting January 1, 2019, if your vehicle is less than 4 model years old, you can pay a smog abatement fee instead of getting a smog inspection for the first 8 years that your vehicle is registered.
Where can I check if I need a smog inspection?
You can check your zip code at smogcheck.ca.gov to see if you need a smog inspection when you renew your registration. If you live in one of these counties, you need a smog inspection when you renew your vehicle registration. Alameda. Butte.
Do you need a smog certificate when selling a car?
Yes. If you are selling your car, you need to give the new owner a valid smog certification when you sell the car. If the car you are selling is less than four years old, you do not need to get a smog inspection. Instead, the new owner of the car will need to pay a smog transfer fee.
Do you need a smog report for a car you bought?
No. However, if you are given a car by a family member (a spouse, domestic partner, sibling, child, parent, grandparent, or grandchild) who BOUGHT IT FOR YOU without first titling the car in their name, a smog inspection is required.
