How to Know That Your Car Needs Smog Check in California
Introduction to Smog Check Requirements in California As of January 1, 2020, all vehicles registered in California must complete a smog check every two years. The specific requirements for each vehicle vary depending on the model year, but the general process is as follows: 1. All cars built in 1976 or later must get a smog check when they're first registered in California. 2. After that, most gas-powered cars must be checked every other year until they're six years old. For example, a car that was first registered in 2018 will need a smog check in 2020, 2022, 2024, etc. 3. Electric and hybrid cars do not need to get smog checks. 4. Once a car is more than six years old, it no longer needs to get smog checks (with some exceptions). 5. If you sell your car, the new owner has to get a smog certificate within 90 days of the sale. Who Is Required to Get a Smog Check? All cars that are required to have a smog check must be tested every two years. The specific requirements for each ...