Here’s How to Know If You Need a Smog Test Service
Many car owners know that they need to get a smog test service only when they receive a vehicle renewal notice from the DMV. However, there are several ways to find out if your vehicle needs a smog test before you get the DMV notice! You can use this guide to know if an emission test is on the horizon.
Who Needs a Smog Test?
- Your car will need to undergo a smog check if it meets the following:
- It’s a gasoline-powered vehicle with a model year of 1976 and newer.
- It’s an alternative-fuel vehicle with a model year of 1976 and newer.
- It’s a diesel-powered vehicle with a model year of 1998 and newer.
- It’s a diesel-powered vehicle that weighs less than 14,000 lbs.
- It’s a natural gas vehicle that weighs less than 14,000 lbs.
There are several exceptions to this. If your car is less than four years old, you won’t need to get a smog inspection. You also don’t need to do a change-of-ownership smog test if your vehicle is four model-years or newer and you decide to sell it to another person. If your car is six model-years or newer, you don’t need to get a biennial inspection.
Take note that California’s Smog Check Program refers to the car’s model year, not its manufacturing year. This means that, even if your gasoline-powered vehicle was manufactured in 1975, it would still be subject to a smog test if its model year is 1976.
Who Are Exempted?
Several types of vehicles are not required to get a smog test in California. These include:
- Hybrid and electric vehicles.
- Motorcycles.
- Trailers.
- Gasoline-powered vehicles with a model year of 1975 and older.
- Diesel-powered vehicles with a model year of 1997 and older.
- Diesel-powered vehicles that weigh more than 14,000 lbs.
- Natural gas vehicles that weigh more than 14,000 lbs.
If your vehicle is required to take a smog test, don’t worry since EZ Smog Check is here to assist you. Call me today at (818) 888-8765 to use my professional smog test service in Van Nuys, CA!