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What is OnlineSmogCheck.com?
OnlineSmogCheck.com provides an online resource for consumers so that you can easily complete your state vehicle emissions test (smog check). Our site allows you to easily search for smog check stations near you, compare prices, read reviews that people have left, and tips that will help you pass your smog check. Many of the stations offer smog check coupons and discount exclusive to us.
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Is this service free?
Absolutely. We provide valuable information for motorists so that you can complete your smog check quickly and more cost effective.
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I’ve found a station. Now what?
Great. You’ve found a station. Call the station. Confirm their price and make an appointment or check availability.
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Why should I write a review on the station I attended?
Hopefully you found this site useful and informative so please help others in their quest to complete this bi-annual ordeal. Not all stations are the same. Please provide some insight.
California Emissions FAQ
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Do I need a Smog Check?
If your DMV registration papers indicates “Smog Certification Required”, then your vehicle needs a Smog Check. Read more on Smog Check Requirements.
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Do I need a smog check if I’m buying a vehicle?
According to Section 24007 (b)(2) of the Vehicle Code, which states “Prior to or at the time of delivery for sale, the seller shall provide the purchaser a valid certificate of compliance or certificate of noncompliance, as appropriate, issued in accordance with Section 44015 of the Health and Safety Code.” In other words, it is the seller’s responsibility to have a valid smog check certificate at the time of sale.
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Do I need a Test Only Smog Check?
If your DMV registration papers indicates Test Only Center or Test Only Inspection required, then you MUST visit a Test Only smog station. However, Test Only stations can test and certify any vehicle regardless of your inspection status. They are prohibited from performing any repair services.
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How long is a Smog Check certificate valid?
Section 44015 (e) of the California Health and Safety Code states that a Smog Check certificate of compliance or non-compliance is valid for 90 days.
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I recently smogged my vehicle and selling it. Do I need to smog it again?
According to Section 4000.1 (d)(1) of the California Vehicle Code, a car which has had a Smog Check and received a certificate of compliance in connection with an annual registration does not need to be smogged again when sold if the sale date is within 60 days of the registration renewal date.
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What is the difference between a Test Only and regular Smog Check?
Test-Only stations can only test vehicles and are not allowed to perform smog related automotive repairs. A Test Only station’s main obligation is to insure a non-bias and accurate smog inspection. If your vehicle fails the smog inspection and requires repairs to pass, they must be conducted at a State Certified Test and Repair smog station.
You may have been selected to perform a Test Only inspection because your vehicle is (1) Gross polluter (vehicles which have failed previous smog inspections with very high emissions readings (2) High Emitter profile (identified as a vehicle which is likely to be emitting high levels of pollutants. (3) 2% random selection.
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What should I do if I can’t make the DMV registration deadline?
Pay the registration fees and get “half way papers” as an attempt to show responsibility and exempt from any late fees. Then explain your situation to the DMV agent and ask for at least a 30-day temporary registration tag which allows you to drive your vehicle for 30 days while you resolve your Smog Check situation.
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Where should I go for more answers?
California Bureau of Automative Repair’s consumer page for Smog Checks.
