Most gasoline vehicles from model year 1976 and newer need a California smog check every two years, with exemptions for newer cars, electric vehicles and very old vehicles. The DMV renewal notice is the final word for your car, but the rules below cover most situations.
Key takeaways
- Biennial smog applies to most 1976 and newer gasoline vehicles.
- Cars eight model years old or newer pay a fee instead.
- Electric, motorcycles and 1975 and older gasoline vehicles are exempt.
The two-year rule
California requires a smog check every two years for most gasoline vehicles of model year 1976 and newer and for diesel vehicles of 1998 and newer, under a weight limit. The test is tied to registration renewal, so a notice arrives before your registration expires and tells you whether a test is required.
Eight model years or newer
Gasoline cars that are eight model years old or newer skip the biennial test and pay a smog abatement fee with their registration. When a car turns nine model years old, the two-year test begins. Hybrids are not exempt, so a hybrid follows the same schedule as a regular gasoline car.
Who is exempt
Electric vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions and are exempt. Gasoline vehicles from 1975 and older, diesel vehicles from 1997 and older, and motorcycles are exempt from the biennial test. Natural gas vehicles over a certain weight and some other special cases have their own rules.
Change of ownership
Selling a vehicle usually requires a smog certificate from the seller, with exceptions for transfers within the immediate family and for very new vehicles. Our guide on selling a car in California explains the details and who pays.
When the notice says more
Your DMV renewal notice may direct you to a STAR station or a Test-Only station. If it does, you must use that type. Call us with your notice if you are unsure whether we can test your vehicle.
Hybrids, diesels and older cars
Hybrids are tested like gasoline cars of the same model year, so a hybrid that is nine model years old needs the biennial test. Diesel vehicles from 1998 and newer, under the weight limit, need testing, while older diesels are exempt. Gasoline vehicles from 1975 and older are exempt, and so are motorcycles. If you own a classic, check whether it qualifies for a special program or exemption on the DMV site before you assume either way.
What happens when a car moves to California
A vehicle registered in another state generally needs a California smog check before it is registered here, unless it falls into an exempt category. Paperwork delays and failed first tests are common for out-of-state cars because they may lack California-specific emissions equipment. If you are moving to Kern County with a car, schedule the test early and bring all prior registration documents.
Need help in south Bakersfield?
Questions about smog check? Read our Smog Check page, call (661) 599-9098 or request a time. Peña's Auto Electric, Smog & Repair, 303 Taft Hwy, Suite B, Bakersfield, CA 93307. Mon to Fri 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Sat 8 AM to 1 PM.
Frequently asked questions
Do hybrids need a smog check?
Yes. Hybrids follow the same rules as gasoline vehicles of the same age.
Are electric cars exempt?
Yes, fully electric vehicles are exempt.
What if my car is eight years old?
Newer gasoline vehicles pay a fee in place of the test until they reach nine model years.
Where do I confirm my requirement?
Your DMV renewal notice is the final word. Call us if you want help reading it.
Related reading
Sources
- California DMV, Smog certification and registration renewal
- California Bureau of Automotive Repair, Smog Check program and consumer information