The California Smog Check Program requires vehicles that were manufactured in 1976 and later to participate in the biennial (every two years) Smog Check program. The program aim is to reduce air pollution from vehicles by ensuring that cars with excessive emissions are repaired. Vehicles that are six years old or newer are not required to participate. Instead, these vehicles pay a smog abatement fee for the first 6 years in place of being required to pass a smog check. The six year exception does not apply to diesel powered vehicles. Diesel vehicles 1998 model or newer and weighing 14,000 lbs or less are subject to the program. The program is a joint effort between the California Air Resource Board, the California Bureau of Automotive Repair, and the California Department of Motor Vehicles. A Smog Check is not required for electric, hybrid, diesel powered manufactured before 1998 or weighing over 14,000 lbs, motorcycles, trailers or gasoline powered vehicles 1975 or older. Although vehicles 1975 and older are not required to get a smog check, owners of these vehicles must still ensure that their emissions systems are intact. Anyone wishing to sell a vehicle that is over four years old must first have smog check performed. It is the seller’s responsibility to get the smog certificate prior to the sale. If the vehicle is registered in California and was acquired from a spouse, domestic partner, sibling, child, parent, grandparent, or grandchild it is exempt.
// by Smog Master
