Smog Tech San Jose - How often are smog checks due?

The basic rule throughout California is that vehicle owners must get a smog check when renewing their vehicle registration every other year. But there are many exceptions.
"Whether or not a vehicle needs a smog check depends on the type of vehicle, the model-year, and the area in which the vehicle is registered," says the state Bureau of Automotive Repair website.

Owners of vehicles less than seven model-years old pay a smog abatement fee instead of getting a smog check, says the state Department of Motor Vehicles' website.

In some rural counties where air pollution isn't a particularly pressing problem, owners are only required to get used vehicles smog-checked when they're preparing to sell them.

Statewide, owners must get a smog check before selling a used vehicle, with the following exceptions: if they're selling it to an immediate relative; if it's a gas-powered vehicle less than four model-years old or if the vehicle was built before the 1976 model year; or, for a diesel vehicle, if it's more than 14,000 lbs. GVWR or if it was built before the 1998 model year.

Another exception to the every-other-year smog check rule is a vehicle being registered in California for the first time from out-of-state. Generally in this case an owner would need to get a smog check to get the state registration, but again, there are exceptions (see the BAR website for more details: http://www.autorepair.ca.gov/)

Ultimately, if a vehicle owner is confused about the schedule for their vehicle's smog checks, they should refer to the registration renewal that comes in the mail. That notice indicates whether a smog certification is required.

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