Smog Requirements

Smog Requirements

Smog Certification Requirements for Transfers

  • A valid smog certification is normally required for a transfer of a vehicle 1976 model year and newer, and through five model years old.
    • — The smog certification must have been obtained within the last 90 days for an individual. Smog’s performed for dealer inventory are good for two years from the date of issuance.
    • — Car dealers must ensure that the smog inspection requirements are satisfied prior to delivering a vehicle to a purchaser.
    • — Newer gas-powered vehicles (4 model years old or less) do not require a new smog certification; however, a Smog Transfer fee will be required.

Four model year gas/hybrid powered exemption for transfers:

Vehicle Model Year Calendar Years Exempt
2015 and newer 2018
2016 and newer 2019
2017 and newer 2020

Smog Requirements by Type of Powered Vehicles

Gas/Hybrid Powered Vehicles:

  • Smog is required upon Original Registration (Non Resident and MSO) and transfer of ownership.
  • When you transfer a gas-powered vehicle that is four or less model years old a smog certification is not required (this rule does not apply to diesel powered vehicles). Determine the oldest-qualifying year model by subtracting three from the current year.
    Example:
    2018
        –3
    2015 year model and newer Gas powered are exempt for 2016
  • Gas powered vehicles 1975 and older are exempt from smog.

Diesel Powered Vehicles:

  • Smog required upon Original Registration (Non Resident and MSO) and transfer (four model year rule does not apply).

NOTE: Upon initial registration, nonresident;

  • Diesel powered vehicles 1998 model year and newer with a (GVWR) rating of no more than 14,000 lbs., and specially constructed vehicles 1976 and newer require smog certification. The six or less model years old rule does not apply to these vehicles.

* Smog’s performed for dealer inventory are valid two years from the test date.

Smog Exceptions:

  • Gasoline powered 1975 year model or older
  • Diesel powered 1997 year model and older or with a Gross Vehicle Weight rating (GVWR) of more than 14,000 lbs
  • Natural gas powered vehicles over 14,000 lbs.
  • Electric
  • Natural gas powered with a GVWR rating of more than 14,000 lbs.
  • Motorcycle