Most gasoline cars and trucks registered in California need a smog check every two years, and most also need one when they change owners. Some vehicles are exempt, and the easiest way to know about yours is your DMV renewal notice.
This is a plain guide to the common categories. Where a rule depends on details of your vehicle, we point you to the DMV rather than guess.
Vehicles that generally need one
Gasoline-powered cars, trucks and SUVs that are model year 1976 or newer generally need a biennial smog check at registration renewal, once they are past the newer-vehicle exemption described below. Many diesel vehicles of model year 1998 or newer with a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 pounds or less also need one.
Newer vehicles
Gasoline vehicles that are eight or fewer model years old do not need a biennial smog check; instead, the owner pays a smog abatement fee with registration. On a change of ownership, vehicles four or fewer model years old are exempt from the smog requirement.
Common exemptions
Exempt categories include gasoline vehicles of model year 1975 or older, electric vehicles, motorcycles and trailers. Some natural gas and heavier vehicles are also exempt depending on weight; check with the DMV if that applies to you.
Not sure your car needs one? Call (209) 526-8688 with your renewal notice and we will help you read it.
Explore Smog Check for Modesto drivers.
Your renewal notice is the final word
The DMV renewal notice tells you whether a smog certification is required for that renewal and, where it applies, whether it must be done at a particular kind of station. If the notice says smog is required, the station sends the result to the DMV electronically once the car passes.
If your car needs one
Choose a station where a failure is not a dead end. CAR PRETTY on McHenry Avenue in Modesto is a Test & Repair station, so if the car fails, it can be diagnosed, repaired and retested on the same lot, and the detailing department next door can take care of the car while it is here.
Ready to talk about your car?
Call CAR PRETTY at (209) 526-8688 or send an appointment request when your renewal notice says a smog check is due.
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