Clean Air Blog

Recent Changes to Smog Check Laws in Pasadena

Smog check rules aren't frozen in time—California adjusts the program regularly, and there's a significant change working through the Legislature right now. Here's what has actually changed in recent years for Pasadena drivers, what's pending, and—just as important—what hasn't changed despite persistent rumors.

Pending Right Now: SB 1392, "Jay Leno's Law"

The biggest potential change on the horizon is SB 1392, which would fully exempt qualifying collector vehicles—starting with pre-1981 models and eventually reaching pre-1986—from smog checks. It has passed the State Senate and is moving through the Assembly, but it is not law yet. Our full SB 1392 explainer covers who would qualify and where the bill stands.

Recent Changes That Are Already in Effect

• Eight smog-free years for new cars. Since 2019, new gasoline vehicles are exempt from biennial inspections for their first eight model years (owners pay a small smog abatement fee at renewal instead). In 2026, that means model year 2019 and newer vehicles generally skip the test—details in our exemptions guide.
• OBD-based testing became the standard. Since 2013, vehicles from model year 2000 and newer are tested primarily through their onboard diagnostic computer rather than a tailpipe probe—faster, and harder to fool.
• The STAR program replaced the old Gold Shield system in 2013, creating the certified-station tier that handles directed vehicles and gross polluters. If your renewal notice says "STAR station required," here's why—and yes, we're STAR certified.
• Newer diesels joined the program in 2010—diesel vehicles model year 1998 and newer (under 14,001 lbs) now require inspections just like gasoline cars.

What Hasn't Changed (Despite the Rumors)

• The pre-1976 exemption line is frozen. It stopped rolling forward in 2005—a 1976 or newer classic still needs its check every two years unless SB 1392 changes that.
• Hybrids are not exempt. They have gasoline engines and test like any other car. Only fully electric vehicles skip the smog check.
• California isn't ending smog checks. The program remains central to the state's federal air-quality obligations—we covered the persistent "is it going away?" question in this post.

What This Means for Your Next Renewal

For most Pasadena drivers, the routine is unchanged: watch your renewal notice, note whether a STAR station is required, and get tested before your registration expires. All of Los Angeles County is an "enhanced" program area, so local requirements are the state's strictest tier. The test itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes at Lake Smog Test Only—STAR certified, test-only, walk-ins welcome, and there's always a coupon. We update this page as the rules evolve.