The 'Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Smog' Thread

WagonMonster · 05-17-2007, 05:57 PM

"Do I Really Need A Smog Check?"

Not all vehicles must get a Smog Check. Additionally, some vehicles only need a Smog Check when they are being sold or being registered in California after previously being registered in another state. 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.

Some vehicles are exempt from the Smog Check program

Legislation enacted during 2004 made several changes in motor vehicle Smog Check exemptions that will become effective next year. Following is a summary of the revised exemptions and the effective date of each change:

Beginning January 1, 2005, vehicles 6 or less model-years old are exempt from the biennial Smog Check inspection requirement. For vehicles with registration renewals due in the 2006 calendar year, this exemption includes model-years 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Beginning January 1, 2005, vehicles 4 or less model-years old are exempt from the Smog Check inspection requirement upon change of ownership and transfer of title transactions with DMV. In 2006, this exemption includes model-years 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Beginning April 1, 2005, the 30-year rolling exemption has been repealed. Instead, vehicles 1975 model-year and older will be exempt. Therefore, 1976 model-year and newer vehicles will continue to be subject to biennial inspection indefinitely.

Beginning April 1, 2005, vehicles being initially registered in California that were previously registered in another state are exempt if the vehicle is a 1975 and older model-year vehicle. Newer vehicles, the first 6 model years, are not exempted upon initial registration in California. These vehicles are required to undergo a Smog Check Inspection.

Vehicle Exemptions

Yes, I need a Smog Check

Change of Ownership Areas vs. Basic and Enhanced Areas

Most areas of the state require vehicles to have a Smog Check performed every two years, when being sold, and when being initially registered in California. These areas are referred to as the state's Basic and Enhanced Areas. However, Change of Ownership Areas only require a Smog Check when the vehicle is being sold or initially registered in California. You can determine the Smog Check area you are in by calling the Department of Consumer Affairs/Bureau of Automotive Repair toll-free at 1-800-952-5210 or by checking the ZIP Code Locator on this website.

Yes, I need a Smog Check

How do I know if my vehicle needs a Smog Check?

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will note on your DMV Renewal Notice whether a Smog Check is required to reregister your vehicle. In addition, an information insert explaining the Smog Check Program requirements should be included in that mailing.

No Smog Check required on sales within immediate family

Section 4000.1 (d)(2) of the California Vehicle Code exempts from the change of ownership Smog Check requirement vehicles being sold or transferred between certain family members, such as parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, siblings, or spouses.

Smog Check Consumer Assistance Program

The Consumer Assistance Program is available at participating Gold Shield stations for motorists who need assistance (up to $500) in repairing a vehicle when it fails a biennial (every other year) Smog Check. Click here to learn more about the Consumer Assistance Program and to obtain an application, or visit us a www.smogcheck.ca.gov.

WagonMonster · 05-17-2007, 05:59 PM

And no, your catless pos from Indiana will NOT pass CA smog.

If you want to pass smog, put it back to stock.

And, don't mod your car unless you're prepared to be busted and sent to the State Referee.

So yeah, post about smog here.

markadopolus · 05-17-2007, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WagonMonster

"Do I Really Need A Smog Check?"

Beginning January 1, 2005, vehicles 4 or less model-years old are exempt from the Smog Check inspection requirement upon change of ownership and transfer of title transactions with DMV. In 2006, this exemption includes model-years 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Can you put that one in bold, please.

WagonMonster · 05-17-2007, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markadopolus

Can you put that one in bold, please.

Bold, AND pink, just for you, thweetie.

markadopolus · 05-17-2007, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WagonMonster

Bold, AND pink, just for you, thweetie.

Wrong one. I meant the transfer of title one. 4 model years.

WagonMonster · 05-17-2007, 06:05 PM

Fixed

WagonMonster · 05-17-2007, 06:01 PM

Also, the exemption is 6 years from model year, so, if your WRX is a 2002, you won't have to smog it until 2008.

Unless, of course, you bring it in from out of state, then you have to smog it right now.

G4ORCE · 05-17-2007, 06:06 PM

Somehow I knew this thread was coming

should make this into a sticky

WagonMonster · 05-17-2007, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G4ORCE

Somehow I knew this thread was coming

should make this into a sticky

I was hoping you'd show up!

G4ORCE · 05-17-2007, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WagonMonster

I was hoping you'd show up!

I was getting tired of trying to answer the same ole questions over and over i'll help out if it gets out of line again but im pretty much done.

WagonMonster · 05-17-2007, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G4ORCE

I was getting tired of trying to answer the same ole questions over and over i'll help out if it gets out of line again but im pretty much done.

Well, that's the point of this thread, maybe people will come here before asking stupid questions.

Yeah Right

AirDogg2599 · 05-17-2007, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G4ORCE

should make this into a sticky

AGREED!!!!!111!1

sonomaxj · 05-17-2007, 06:08 PM

Also remember that in Cali it's the SELLER'S responsibility to have a car pass smog if they are selling it. Meaning, if you sell a car, you have to get it smogged. If it doesn't pass, YOU have to fix it, NOT the buyer. If you buy a car and smogged it yourself, and it didn't pass, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO FIX IT. The transfer into your name isn't complete until the car passes smog, which the seller is responsible for.

WagonMonster · 05-17-2007, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sonomaxj

Also remember that in Cali it's the SELLER'S responsibility to have a car pass smog if they are selling it. Meaning, if you sell a car, you have to get it smogged. If it doesn't pass, YOU have to fix it, NOT the buyer. If you buy a car and smogged it yourself, and it didn't pass, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO FIX IT. The transfer into your name isn't complete until the car passes smog, which the seller is responsible for.

Good point, a lot of people forget this one.

If you sell your modded car, it's your problem if it doesn't pass smog.

Nossy · 07-31-2007, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sonomaxj

Also remember that in Cali it's the SELLER'S responsibility to have a car pass smog if they are selling it. Meaning, if you sell a car, you have to get it smogged. If it doesn't pass, YOU have to fix it, NOT the buyer. If you buy a car and smogged it yourself, and it didn't pass, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO FIX IT. The transfer into your name isn't complete until the car passes smog, which the seller is responsible for.

90% True. It is not the edit:SELLERS responsibility to pay for the actual testing fees, though they are required to pay for any repairs if the car does not pass.

WagonMonster · 05-17-2007, 06:14 PM

It sucks that they repealed the 30 year rolling rule.

Of course, I know why they did it.

wrx grl · 05-17-2007, 06:23 PM

I'll be merging threads with this one, just like I do with the exhaust ticket thread.

WagonMonster · 05-17-2007, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrx grl

I'll be merging threads with this one, just like I do with the exhaust ticket thread.

Just as long as my first post stays the first post

Robertob · 05-17-2007, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WagonMonster

Also, the exemption is 6 years from model year, so, if your WRX is a 2002, you won't have to smog it until 2008.

Unless, of course, you bring it in from out of state, then you have to smog it right now.

Also, in case it's not clear from above, when you buy a car out of state and register it here NOT ONLY do you have to smog it then, but you also have to smog it every two years no matter what model year it is; ie it eliminates the exemption.

So my 2005 9-2x now gets smogged this year and in 2009 instead of having the blanket exemption until 2011.

It's a pain but swapping downpipes is easy.

I think we should add some other stuff to this like:

- comprehensive list of CARB-legal mods
- what mods you can likely get away with (black turbo inlet, aftermarket IC, bigger turbo, reflash, etc.)

wrx grl · 05-17-2007, 06:30 PM

You're crazy with that angry face today. I will be merging from now on. So yes, yours will stay number one. Kind of the point, don't ya think?

WagonMonster · 05-17-2007, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrx grl

You're crazy with that angry face today. I will be merging from now on. So yes, yours will stay number one. Kind of the point, don't ya think?

Aaaah, from NOW on.

Check

*sits & looks pretty*

wrx grl · 05-17-2007, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WagonMonster

*sits & looks pretty*

That's a good boy.

WagonMonster · 05-17-2007, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrx grl

That's a good boy.

*humps leg*

markadopolus · 05-17-2007, 06:31 PM

Lets keep this sticky on topic, people.

WagonMonster · 05-17-2007, 08:33 PM

Bump, just to spite Markadopolopolopoloplous!

05-17-2007, 05:57 PM	#1
WagonMonster Scooby Guru Member#: 3781 Join Date: Jan 2001 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: San Francisco Vehicle: 2012 Fiat 500 Sport 2009 Subaru Forester X	The 'Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Smog' Thread "Do I Really Need A Smog Check?" Not all vehicles must get a Smog Check. Additionally, some vehicles only need a Smog Check when they are being sold or being registered in California after previously being registered in another state. 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. Some vehicles are exempt from the Smog Check program Legislation enacted during 2004 made several changes in motor vehicle Smog Check exemptions that will become effective next year. Following is a summary of the revised exemptions and the effective date of each change: Beginning January 1, 2005, vehicles 6 or less model-years old are exempt from the biennial Smog Check inspection requirement. For vehicles with registration renewals due in the 2006 calendar year, this exemption includes model-years 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. Beginning January 1, 2005, vehicles 4 or less model-years old are exempt from the Smog Check inspection requirement upon change of ownership and transfer of title transactions with DMV. In 2006, this exemption includes model-years 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. Beginning April 1, 2005, the 30-year rolling exemption has been repealed. Instead, vehicles 1975 model-year and older will be exempt. Therefore, 1976 model-year and newer vehicles will continue to be subject to biennial inspection indefinitely. Beginning April 1, 2005, vehicles being initially registered in California that were previously registered in another state are exempt if the vehicle is a 1975 and older model-year vehicle. Newer vehicles, the first 6 model years, are not exempted upon initial registration in California. These vehicles are required to undergo a Smog Check Inspection. Vehicle Exemptions Yes, I need a Smog Check Change of Ownership Areas vs. Basic and Enhanced Areas Most areas of the state require vehicles to have a Smog Check performed every two years, when being sold, and when being initially registered in California. These areas are referred to as the state's Basic and Enhanced Areas. However, Change of Ownership Areas only require a Smog Check when the vehicle is being sold or initially registered in California. You can determine the Smog Check area you are in by calling the Department of Consumer Affairs/Bureau of Automotive Repair toll-free at 1-800-952-5210 or by checking the ZIP Code Locator on this website. Yes, I need a Smog Check How do I know if my vehicle needs a Smog Check? The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will note on your DMV Renewal Notice whether a Smog Check is required to reregister your vehicle. In addition, an information insert explaining the Smog Check Program requirements should be included in that mailing. No Smog Check required on sales within immediate family Section 4000.1 (d)(2) of the California Vehicle Code exempts from the change of ownership Smog Check requirement vehicles being sold or transferred between certain family members, such as parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, siblings, or spouses. Smog Check Consumer Assistance Program The Consumer Assistance Program is available at participating Gold Shield stations for motorists who need assistance (up to $500) in repairing a vehicle when it fails a biennial (every other year) Smog Check. Click here to learn more about the Consumer Assistance Program and to obtain an application, or visit us a www.smogcheck.ca.gov. Last edited by WagonMonster; 05-17-2007 at 06:06 PM.

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05-17-2007, 05:59 PM	#2
WagonMonster Scooby Guru Member#: 3781 Join Date: Jan 2001 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: San Francisco Vehicle: 2012 Fiat 500 Sport 2009 Subaru Forester X	And no, your catless pos from Indiana will NOT pass CA smog. If you want to pass smog, put it back to stock. And, don't mod your car unless you're prepared to be busted and sent to the State Referee. So yeah, post about smog here.

05-17-2007, 06:05 PM	#6
WagonMonster Scooby Guru Member#: 3781 Join Date: Jan 2001 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: San Francisco Vehicle: 2012 Fiat 500 Sport 2009 Subaru Forester X	Fixed

05-17-2007, 06:01 PM	#7
WagonMonster Scooby Guru Member#: 3781 Join Date: Jan 2001 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: San Francisco Vehicle: 2012 Fiat 500 Sport 2009 Subaru Forester X	Also, the exemption is 6 years from model year, so, if your WRX is a 2002, you won't have to smog it until 2008. Unless, of course, you bring it in from out of state, then you have to smog it right now.

05-17-2007, 06:06 PM	#8
G4ORCE Scooby Specialist Member#: 126865 Join Date: Sep 2006 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Where my fists meets ur face Vehicle: 07 M 2thedark side Mperformace	Somehow I knew this thread was coming should make this into a sticky

05-17-2007, 06:08 PM	#13
sonomaxj Scooby Newbie Member#: 80916 Join Date: Feb 2005 Chapter/Region: BAIC Vehicle: My name isn't Max. Sonoma. XJ.	Also remember that in Cali it's the SELLER'S responsibility to have a car pass smog if they are selling it. Meaning, if you sell a car, you have to get it smogged. If it doesn't pass, YOU have to fix it, NOT the buyer. If you buy a car and smogged it yourself, and it didn't pass, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO FIX IT. The transfer into your name isn't complete until the car passes smog, which the seller is responsible for.

05-17-2007, 06:14 PM	#16
WagonMonster Scooby Guru Member#: 3781 Join Date: Jan 2001 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: San Francisco Vehicle: 2012 Fiat 500 Sport 2009 Subaru Forester X	It sucks that they repealed the 30 year rolling rule. Of course, I know why they did it.

05-17-2007, 06:23 PM	#17
wrx grl Ms. Demeanor Moderator Member#: 14517 Join Date: Jan 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Richmond, VA Vehicle: 2009 STi "STi GRL" Satin White	I'll be merging threads with this one, just like I do with the exhaust ticket thread.

05-17-2007, 06:30 PM	#20
wrx grl Ms. Demeanor Moderator Member#: 14517 Join Date: Jan 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Richmond, VA Vehicle: 2009 STi "STi GRL" Satin White	You're crazy with that angry face today. I will be merging from now on. So yes, yours will stay number one. Kind of the point, don't ya think?

05-17-2007, 06:31 PM	#24
markadopolus Scooby Guru Member#: 69586 Join Date: Sep 2004 Chapter/Region: International	Lets keep this sticky on topic, people.

05-17-2007, 08:33 PM	#25
WagonMonster Scooby Guru Member#: 3781 Join Date: Jan 2001 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: San Francisco Vehicle: 2012 Fiat 500 Sport 2009 Subaru Forester X	Bump, just to spite Markadopolopolopoloplous!