by Mallory Cremin I
Published 3 years ago
Updated 2 years ago
Referees are authorized to offer specialized inspection services that are beyond the scope of regular smog stations, and can test vehicles such as kit cars, grey market vehicles, vehicles with engine changes, gross polluters, and out-of-state vehicles. Locating hard-to-find parts.
The smog check inspection, is designed to identify vehicles which produce excess emissions. The California Department of Motor Vehicles requires that a vehicle which produces excess emissions obtain repairs and pass a smog check prior to being issued California registration.
What is a smog test in California?
Test-and-repair stations are licensed to perform Smog Checks and emission-related repairs on vehicles.
Test-only stations are licensed to only perform Smog Checks. ...
Repair only stations are licensed to diagnose and perform emissions-related repairs on vehicles. ...
Natural gas-powered vehicle with a gross weight over 14,000 lbs.
Diesel-powered vehicles made before 1998 or have a gross weight over 14,000 lbs.
Electric vehicles
What is a referee smog station?
Referee centers are state-contracted emissions test facilities that provide a wide array of resources for California motorists, including specialized services other smog stations are not authorized to perform. The Foundation is contracted by BAR to manage the Smog Check Referee program at 31 Community College campuses.
Why does my car have to go to a referee?
Specially constructed cars won't have a manufacturer-assigned model-year so they must be inspected by a referee, so the referee is able to establish the model-year and the car's emissions control system requirements for future smog checks.Jun 3, 2019
What do smog inspectors do?
The smog check test consists of pollution inspection, visual inspection, and practical inspection—all of which ensure that your emission equipment is in place, working, and doing its job of removing contaminants from the exhaust of your vehicle.
How do I get a smog waiver in California?
Make an appointment at a Referee station and bring documentation of two failed smog tests and receipts for money spent on repairs at a licensed smog repair station as well as diagnostics. If you meet the qualifications, you will be granted a waiver that allows you to pass the test without the repairs.
What does a California smog referee do?
Referees are authorized to offer specialized inspection services that are beyond the scope of regular smog stations, and can test vehicles such as kit cars, grey market vehicles, vehicles with engine changes, gross polluters, and out-of-state vehicles. Locating hard-to-find parts.
Can you smog someone else's car?
Thanks. Answer: It is not necessary, per California smog inspection procedures, for a vehicle's owner to be present during the smog inspection; however smog stations' are independent operators, each might have it's own requirements due to insurance, standard operating method, available parking, so on.Aug 12, 2016
Does a 30 year old car need smog in California 2021?
All vehicles that are model-year 1975 and older do not require a Smog Check.
How old does a car have to be to not be smogged in California?
1975 year
Your vehicle does not need a smog inspection if your:
Gasoline-powered vehicle is a 1975 year model or older (This includes motorcycles and trailers.) Diesel-powered vehicle is a 1997 and older year model OR with a Gross Vehicle Weight of more than 14,000 pounds.
What does Smogging a car mean?
smogverb. To get a smog check; to check a vehicle or have it checked for emissions. If the car is more than five years old, you'll have to have it smogged before you can register it.
How do you cheat an emissions test?
Instead of attempting to cheat emissions, use these clever tips to pass your next test.
Get an oil change. ...
Inflate your tires. ...
Get a tune-up. ...
Warm your car up. ...
Resolve an illuminated check engine light. ...
Use a fuel additive. ...
Pretest or free retest.
Aug 24, 2019
How long can you drive on expired tags in California?
6 months
If you continue driving with expired tags for over 6 months, your vehicle can be impounded under California Vehicle Code § 22651(0)(1).Jan 25, 2019
What happens if your car doesn't pass smog in California?
In California, if your car can't pass a smog check, you have to get it repaired and then try again. If the problem still doesn't go away after two tries, you might be required to pay for an emissions test. You do not need to worry about this law; the DMV will contact you if your car needs repairs or an emissions test.Sep 29, 2021
Types of smog check stations
The majority of Californians can have their vehicle Smog Check performed by industry. Smog Check Referee stations were created to perform more complex smog inspections and handle special smog check circumstances that industry is not authorized to provide. Again, most vehicles can be tested at Smog Check stations in the industry.
Resources
For the most up-to-date information on smog check process, laws and station types, visit the Bureau of Automotive Repair.