VEHICLES THAT NEED SMOG CHECKS

WHICH VEHICLES REQUIRE SMOG AND EMISSION TESTING?



WHAT VEHICLES REQUIRE A SMOG CHECK?

According to California law and EPA standards, gasoline-powered, hybrid, and alternative fuel vehicles model year 1976 and newer will require a smog check. There are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, if the vehicle is 8 model years or newer, the car doesn’t need a biennial smog check. If the car is fewer than four model years old, it will not require a change of ownership smog check. That means if you buy a new car, you won’t need to have a biennial smog check for eight years. For diesel-powered vehicles, if the vehicle is a 1998 model or newer and has a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 pounds or less, you’ll need to have a smog check performed on your vehicle.

VEHICLES THAT DON’T REQUIRE A SMOG CHECK

If your vehicle is a gas-powered, hybrid, or alternative fuel vehicle that is older than a 1975 model year, you don’t need a smog check. If your vehicle is fewer than 8 model years old, it will not require a biennial smog check. If you’re selling or acquiring a vehicle that is fewer than 4 model years old, you will not need a change of ownership smog check. Electric-powered vehicles do not require smog checks, nor do motorcycles. Diesel-powered vehicles older than 1997 and with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 14,000 pounds don’t require a smog check.

TAKE YOUR VEHICLE TO ENCINITAS FOREIGN & DOMESTIC AUTO REPAIR FOR YOUR SMOG CHECK

Whether you know your vehicle requires smog checks and emission testing, or if you have questions about the requirements for your vehicle, the team at Encinitas Foreign & Domestic Auto Repair can help. They’ll help you understand the smog check requirements and how they apply to your vehicle, as well as perform the smog check should your vehicle require one.

As a STAR station, Encinitas Foreign & Domestic Auto Repair can meet all your needs for smog checks regardless of your vehicle’s make and model. Why not give them a call today to make an appointment for a smog check or to speak with a technician? Or, if you’re nearby the shop, stop in to speak with the technicians about the smog check requirements for your vehicle.