how offen are you required to get a smog check/test in southern california?

Question

I own a 1996 accord and am going to the DMV to transfer registration. I want to make sure I have everything before I wait in line for two hours only to be told to come back another day.

Answer 1

For used cars, and cars that are more than 5 years old, smog checks in CA are every other year.

If you just purchased a used car, you must get the car smogged checked. The seller is suppose to do this, and technically in CA they aren't suppose to sell it to you unless it passes smog. (Unless the last smog check was done within the last 90 days) Otherwise you'll need to get it re-checked when you attempt to register it.

New cars are exempt from smog checks for 5 years.

Answer 2

Beginning January 1, 2005, vehicles 6 or less model-years old are exempt from the biennial Smog Check inspection requirement. For vehicles with registration renewals due in the 2006 calendar year, this exemption includes model-years 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Beginning January 1, 2005, vehicles 4 or less model-years old are exempt from the Smog Check inspection requirement upon change of ownership and transfer of title transactions with DMV. In 2006, this exemption includes model-years 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Beginning April 1, 2005, the 30-year rolling exemption has been repealed. Instead, vehicles 1975 model-year and older will be exempt. Therefore, 1976 model-year and newer vehicles will continue to be subject to biennial inspection indefinitely.

Beginning April 1, 2005, vehicles being initially registered in California that were previously registered in another state are exempt if the vehicle is a 1975 and older model-year vehicle. Newer vehicles, the first 6 model years, are not exempted upon initial registration in California. These vehicles are required to undergo a Smog Check Inspection.

Answer 3

California smog isn't something like it replaced into 25 years in the past. There are not often even "smog alerts" anymore. The farther you're far flung from the sea the greater smog you've. while you're in a valley, like the San Fernando Valley (Northridge) or Pomona Vally, the greater smog you've. as quickly because it gets in, it won't be in a position to get out = it particularly is why Phoenix has terrible smog.

Answer 4

This page is copied from http://www.smogtips.com

Smog inspections are generally required during a vehicle's initial registration in California and once, every two years, thereafter. This inspection cycle will continue for as long as the vehicle is registered in this State. Smog Inspections are also required anytime a vehicle is sold or bought in California. During a title transfer the Department of Motor Vehicles will not allow a vehicle to be registered unless it is presented with a valid smog certificate. There are special testing procedures for vehicles, which are classified as "Gross Polluters". These include Test Only and State Referee inspections. If your vehicle requires a Test Only or Referee inspection, your DMV paperwork will advise you of it.

The Smog Check Program applies to 1976 and newer passenger vehicles and trucks powered singly or in combination by:

-Gasoline
-Propane
-Natural gas
-Methanol / Ethanol fuels

1975 & Older Effective 04/01/05: Under the old law, 1975 and subsequent model year vehicles became exempt from Smog Check when they turned 30 years old. A 1976 model year vehicle was exempt in 2005, a 1977 in 2006, etc. Under the new law... commenced April 1, 2005, exempt from smog check requirements are any motor vehicle manufactured prior to the 1976 model year. All vehicles 1976 and newer vehicles will be tested according to state emission law. This law repeals the 30-year rolling exemption.

6 Yrs & Newer Effective 01/01/05: Will expand the model-year smog check exemption to include motor vehicles 6 or less model years old, unless ARB (Air Resource Board) determines that including the 5th and 6th model-year vehicles in the exemption would prohibit the state from meeting the requirements of the federal Clean Air Act.

Exempt: Still exempt from the State of California Smog Check program are:

-Hybrid powered motor vehicles
-2 wheel motorcycles
-Diesel powered motor vehicles
-Motor vehicles w/ 1 or 2 cylinders
-2-stroke engines(excluding rotary)
-Engines under 819cc
-1975 model year vehicles and older
-4 or 6 model years old (except for initial registration in California or change of ownership)

Hybrid Vehicles: A hybrid electric vehicle is defined as any passenger vehicle that uses an electric motor as a part of its propulsion system, as well as an internal combustion engine.

The following HEV's are exempt from smog inspections until Jan 1, 2010:

Honda Insight – all years
Honda Civic Hybrid – all years
Toyota Prius – all years
Some currently manufactured HEV's are not designed to allow the internal combustion engine to operate in modes which would allow the loaded or idle type of Smog Check testing. These vehicles currently receive an exemption certificate at the Referee. The Referee will not perform a Smog Check inspection on these vehicles, but only verify them as hybrids.

BAR and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) have recently automated the exemption process for all HEVs identified to BAR by the manufacturers. More HEVs will be added to the exemption list as information to identify these vehicles is received by Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR).

Some owners of newer model HEVs may receive registration renewal notices from the DMV before information to identify them as hybrids are received by the Bureau of Automotive Repair. They should contact a DMV office at [phone] to complete their registration without a Smog Check certificate.