In 1970 Congress passed the Federal Clean Air Act, which set quality standards for the nation. The act required areas that did not meet air quality standards to implement emissions control strategies or they would lose their building and highway funds. California did not meet the Federal Air Quality Standards. Hence, in 1982 it decided to implement an emissions inspection program, currently referred to as the Smog Check Program.
More importantly, the Smog Check Program has greatly reduced air pollution created by millions of cars in California. According to the California Air Resources Board, the program removes about 400 tons of smog-forming pollutants from California’s air every day.
Smog check is not required for the following:
- Electric
- Hybrid vehicles
- Gasoline powered 1975 year model or older
- Diesel powered manufactured prior to 1998 or with a Gross Vehicle Weight rating (GVWR) of more than 14,000 lbs
- Natural gas powered with a GVWR rating of more than 14,000 lbs.
- Motorcycle
- Trailer
