WHAT IS THE SMOG CHECK PROGRAM?

THE BUREAU OF AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR IS

The Smog Check Program is a vehicle inspection HERE TO HELP.
and maintenance program designed to improve
the air we breathe. The program identifies FIND A STATION
vehicles with excess emissions so they can be Need a Smog Check or emission-related
properly repaired or retired. It has greatly repairs? Find a licensed station near you by
reduced air pollution created by millions of cars using our online license search.
in California.
REPAIR ASSISTANCE CALIFORNIA
SMOG
WHO OVERSEES THE PROGRAM? Failed a Smog Check? You may qualify for
financial assistance toward certain
The California Department of Consumer
emission-related repairs for your vehicle.
Affairs’ Bureau of Automotive Repair administers
the Smog Check Program and licenses more
VEHICLE RETIREMENT

CHECK
than 7,000 independently owned Smog
Check stations. Vehicle not worth repairing? You could receive
a financial incentive to retire your vehicle.
WHAT VEHICLES REQUIRE A SMOG CHECK?
COMPLAINT RESOLUTION
n Gasoline-powered vehicles, hybrid Problem with an automotive repair dealer
vehicles, and alternative-fuel vehicles that
are model-year 1976 and newer require a
Smog Check, with the following exceptions:
or Smog Check station? One of our field
representatives will work with you and the PROGRAM
licensee to try and resolve the issue.
1 Eight model years and newer do not
require a biennial Smog Check. REFEREE CENTERS
Trouble passing a Smog Check? State
2 Four model years and newer do not require Referees can assist you with inspections of
a change-of-ownership Smog Check. unusual vehicles and locating hard-to-find
To determine the first year a vehicle requires a emission parts.
biennial or change-of-ownership Smog Check,
add eight or four, respectively, to the model year To learn more, visit www.bar.ca.gov or call
of a vehicle. (800) 952-5210.

For example, a 2020 model-year vehicle will first

be subject to a biennial Smog Check in 2028
(2020 + 8 = 2028). That same vehicle will require
a change-of-ownership Smog Check if sold in or
after 2024 (2020 + 4 = 2024).
n 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 BUREAU OF AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR
are no model year exceptions for 10949 North Mather Blvd.
diesel-powered vehicles. Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
www.bar.ca.gov
n Motorcycles and electric-powered vehicles
do not require a Smog Check. PDE_18-354 Revised 01/19
WHEN IS A SMOG CHECK REQUIRED? HOW MUCH DOES A SMOG CHECK COST? WHAT IF I DON’T AGREE WITH THE SMOG
A Smog Check is required every other year The Bureau of Automotive Repair does not CHECK RESULTS?
(biennially) as part of the vehicle registration regulate prices, but recommends that you shop If you would like a second opinion on Smog Check
process. The Department of Motor Vehicles around and compare prices at several different results, you may schedule an appointment with a
(DMV) registration renewal notice will indicate stations before taking your vehicle in for its state Referee by calling (800) 622-7733 or by
if a Smog Check is required. A Smog Check is Smog Check. visiting www.asktheref.org.
also required when a vehicle changes
ownership or when it is registered for the first
time in California.
HOW CAN I HELP MY VEHICLE PASS A ARE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE TO HELP IF
SMOG CHECK? MY VEHICLE FAILS A SMOG CHECK?
HOW CAN I FIND A SMOG CHECK Performing regular maintenance according to Yes. The Consumer Assistance Program (CAP)
STATION IN MY AREA? your owner’s manual and not tampering with offers both repair assistance and vehicle
the emissions-control equipment will help retirement options to consumers whose vehicles
Smog Check stations are licensed to perform improve your vehicle’s chances of passing a fail a Smog Check.
tests and/or repairs. The station is required to Smog Check. If the “Check Engine” light comes
post a sign indicating the services it is licensed on, get your vehicle repaired as soon as n Repair Assistance–Financial assistance
to perform. possible—do not wait for the vehicle’s next toward certain emission-related repairs is
scheduled Smog Check. A blinking or flashing available to income-eligible consumers
To find a station in your area, visit whose vehicles fail a biennial Smog Check.
light indicates a malfunction that should be
www.bar.ca.gov or call (800) 952-5210. The repairs must be performed at a STAR
addressed immediately to avoid serious
damage to the vehicle. Check your owner’s station under contract with the state to
WHAT IS A STAR STATION? manual for any parts or repairs that may be perform this service.
covered under your vehicle manufacturer’s
STAR stations meet performance standards n Vehicle Retirement–Eligible consumers
emissions warranty.
established by the Bureau of Automotive can receive a financial incentive to retire
Repair. Your DMV registration renewal notice a vehicle from operation rather than
will indicate whether your vehicle requires WHAT IF MY VEHICLE FAILS A SMOG CHECK? repair it. The vehicle must be retired at
a Smog Check at a STAR station. a state-approved dismantler.
The Smog Check station will provide you with
a Vehicle Inspection Report that shows your
DO I NEED TO TAKE ANYTHING WITH ME vehicle’s results and the reason(s) for the failure. HOW DO I APPLY FOR CAP?
TO THE SMOG CHECK STATION? If you have questions, ask the station to explain Apply online at www.bar.ca.gov or call
the information on the report. Any needed repairs
If your DMV registration renewal notice (800) 952-5210 to request an application.
should be performed by a station licensed to
indicates a Smog Check is required, remember perform Smog Check repairs. After completing
to take the notice with you. This will help the repairs, have your vehicle retested. The
ensure that the correct vehicle information station will provide you a final report once your
and Smog Check certificate are electronically vehicle passes Smog Check and will
sent to DMV. electronically send the certificate to DMV.