When Is the First Smog Check Required in California? | Gold River
For most newer gasoline, hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles, there's a simple way to estimate the first biennial registration-renewal Smog Check:
Add eight to the vehicle's model year.
For example, California BAR says a 2020 model-year vehicle first becomes subject to the biennial Smog Check requirement in 2028.
That's because these vehicles are generally exempt from biennial Smog Checks during their first eight model years and pay a smog abatement fee instead.
Key Takeaways
- For most newer gasoline, hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles, add eight to the model year to estimate the first registration-renewal Smog Check.
- Change of ownership, first-time California registration and diesel vehicles follow separate rules.
- Your DMV paperwork tells you whether a Smog Check is required for your transaction.
- San Juan Auto Smog is a nearby STAR-certified station in Fair Oaks; most 2000-and-newer vehicles are walk-in.
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But That's Only for Registration Renewal
This is where people get confused.
California has separate rules for:
- biennial registration renewal
- change of ownership
- first-time California registration
- diesel vehicles
Gasoline, hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles four model years and newer are generally exempt from the change-of-ownership Smog Check requirement.
Vehicles being registered in California for the first time can require an inspection even though a similar vehicle already registered here might still fall within the newer-vehicle exemption.
Diesel vehicles also follow different rules.
So don't rely solely on the age of your car. Your DMV paperwork tells you whether a Smog Check is required for your particular transaction.
Need a Smog Check Near Gold River?
If you're in Gold River and your DMV notice requires a Smog Check, San Juan Auto Smog is a nearby STAR-certified station in Fair Oaks.
Most 2000-and-newer vehicles are walk-in. If you're busy, you can also drop your vehicle off and return later. For customers who live or work nearby, we can sometimes provide a ride when staffing and our schedule allow.
Smog Check information for Gold River drivers →
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