California Smog Inspection FAQ

Here a few of the frequently asked questions regarding California's emissions inspections. A STAR Certified Smog Check station like Lake Smog Smog in Pasadena can help perform these required inspections in a accurate and timely manner.

Q: Does my vehicle qualify for a smog exemption?
A: Smog inspections are required unless your vehicle is:
-Gasoline powered 1975 year model or older
-Diesel powered 1997 year model and older or with a Gross Vehicle Weight rating (GVWR) of more than 14,000 lbs
Electric
-Natural gas powered with a GVWR rating of more than 14,000 lbs.
-Motorcycle

Q: What is a STAR station?
A:The new STAR Program begins January 1, 2013, and will replace the Gold Shield and Test Only program. If your DMV registration renewal notice states your vehicle requires a smog check at a STAR station, you may still take your vehicle to a Gold Shield or Test Only station before the new program begins. If your vehicle registration states your vehicle requires a smog check at a Gold Shield or Test Only station, you must take your vehicle to a STAR station after December 31, 2012.

Q: When a car is sold, who is responsible for the inspection?
A: The seller is required to provide the buyer with a valid smog inspection certification at the time of the sale or transfer. Smog certifications are good for 90 days from the date of issuance.
The inspection is not required on a transfer if a biennial smog certification was submitted to DMV within 90 days prior to the vehicle transfer date (a vehicle inspection report may be required for proof of certification).

​Q: My car is new. Am I still required to get the biennial smog inspection?
A: Vehicles registered in areas subject to the biennial smog certification program are required to submit evidence of a smog certification every other renewal period. Starting January 1, 2005, owners of vehicles six or less model years old will pay an annual smog abatement fee for the first six registration years instead of being required to provide a biennial smog certification. The registration renewal notice mailed to you by the department will indicate if a smog certification is required. If a smog certification is required and you have not had a smog inspection, you may still pay your registration fees to avoid any late fees. However, you will not receive your new registration or year sticker until the smog information has been received by DMV.

Q: A family member gave me a car. Is a smog inspection required?A: If you acquire a vehicle that is currently registered in California from a spouse, domestic partner, sibling, child, parent, grandparent, or grandchild, you are entitled to an exemption from the smog inspection. Other family members or relations are not exempt and are required to obtain a smog inspection certification.





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tags: Pasadena Smog Check, South Pasadena STAR Station, Smog Test Only.