Smog Plus Dmv Services (2024)

FAQs

What happens if I can't pass smog? ›

What happens if you don't pass a smog check? In most cases, failing a smog check inspection means that you cannot complete your vehicle's registration renewal, making it illegal to drive until you pass the smog check test. Once your vehicle passes, you are allowed to renew your registration and drive legally.

Your vehicle does not need a smog inspection if your:

Powered by natural gas and weighs more than 14,000 pounds. An electric vehicle. Gasoline-powered and less than eight model-years old.

What happens if my vehicle passes the Smog Check? If your vehicle passes, the station will provide you a vehicle inspection report showing your vehicle's results and will electronically send the smog certificate to DMV.

In California, after a smog test, the results are then sent to the DMV. You have to either, pay for your tags online, then they will mail them to you, or you can pay at a AAA office if you're a member and get tags right away, or pay at the DMV and get tags right away.

Eligible consumers may receive up to $1,200 in emissions-related repairs at a STAR test-and-repair station if their vehicle fails its biennial Smog Check inspection.

If you have a vehicle that has failed the biannual smog and it isn't cost effective to repair it, vehicle retirement through the State of California CAP is a great alternative to junking it.

You can get a 60-day TOP from the date of failed smog inspection (this does not apply to vehicles requiring a biennial smog certification test).

To pass an emissions test, a check engine light cannot be present. The correct way to remedy a check engine light is to run the code with a scan tool to identify the problem and make the corresponding repair. On OBD-II vehicles, the codes are generally pretty specific and should help you pinpoint the issue.

In order to qualify for the waiver, the owner must first spend at least $650 on repairs. whose vehicle has failed a smog test qualify for $500 toward emissions-related repairs.

Your vehicle does not need a smog inspection if your: Gasoline-powered vehicle is a 1975 year model or older (This includes motorcycles and trailers.) Diesel-powered vehicle is a 1997 and older year model OR with a Gross Vehicle Weight of more than 14,000 pounds.

What zip code is exempt from smog in California? ›

Zip code 90704 (Avalon or Catalina Island) is exempt from smog requirements per Health & Safety Code §44044(A). It is the only exempt zip code in Los Angeles County (19).

Vehicle registration fees can be paid online, however registration is not complete if the vehicle requires a smog certificate or proof of insurance.

Smog stations are privately owned businesses. The normal price range of the average smog test is between $29.95 and $69.95 depending on the county you live in, the type of vehicle you own... car, truck, van, SUV, or motorhome, and the type of smog inspection your vehicle requires.

“There's absolutely no problem for a driver to refuse to participate and drive away – the exact opposite of a DUI checkpoint,” Willits said. For more information about the program, visit bar.ca.gov.

The technician who tests your car won't be passing it if there are significant leaks like coolant, oil, brake fluid or even transmission fluid. Check over and under your car for any such leaks. Many of them are inexpensive to repair, and you might even be able to do such repairs on your own.

As for what happens if you fail an emissions test twice, you may be able to apply for a waiver due to economic hardship or a maximum repair cost limit imposed by your state or local government.

Question: Can I pay my DMV registration renewal fee before smogging my vehicle? Answer: Yes, you can pay your renewal fee now to avoid penalties even if you need a smog test!

The technician who tests your car won't be passing it if there are significant leaks like coolant, oil, brake fluid or even transmission fluid. Check over and under your car for any such leaks. Many of them are inexpensive to repair, and you might even be able to do such repairs on your own.