The JUST SMOGS® Registration Station™ is ready to go! You can pay for your DMV registration fees online at dmv.ca.gov and the DMV will send your registration & tags in the mail.
Aftermarket Catalytic Converters
In order to be sold and installed in the state, aftermarket catalytic converters must be exempted from California’s anti-tampering laws. If an aftermarket catalytic converter is shown to be durable and meets vehicle emission control requirements, it is granted an exemption Executive Order (EO) that allows it to be installed on specific emission controlled vehicles.
Aftermarket Catalytic Converter Requirements
1995 and Older Vehicles (Pre OBD II)
On non-OBD II vehicles, smog inspectors are required to ensure that all aftermarket catalytic converters installed on the vehicle have an EO number that covers vehicles within the correct vehicle category (PC-1, PC-2, T-1, or T-2). Refer to the ARB Web site for a separate Pre-OBDII EO Listing containing the EO numbers and corresponding vehicle categories.
Inspectors are not required to check specific vehicle application using the series or part numbers on non-OBD II vehicles.
Most 1996 and Newer Vehicles (OBD II)
In order to comply with California’s anti-tampering laws, and pass the smog inspection, the part numbers on aftermarket catalytic converters that are installed on OBD II vehicles must be approved for the vehicle’s make, model, model year, engine size and test group/engine family designation.
To verify application, inspectors must verify the EO and part number against the ARB Aftermarket Catalytic Converter Database. Each EO contains a catalog listing the applicable vehicles.
Unlike non-OBD II vehicles, it is important to note that inspectors are required to check specific vehicle application using the series and part number.
For more information about add-on and modified parts, or aftermarket catalytic converters, please contact ARB’s Public Information Helpline at (800) 242-4450.
New Readiness Monitor Standards for OBD System Functional Inspection
A vehicle will FAIL a Smog Check if:
Gas Powered
1996 – 1999 : If 2 or more monitors are incomplete
Gas Powered & Hybrid
2000 – Newer: If any monitor other than the Evaporative system monitor is incomplete.
Diesel Powered
1998 – 2006: If any monitor is incomplete
2007 – Newer: If 3 or more are incomplete
Sometimes, readiness monitors will not set because of a broken emission control system component. The Owner’s Manual often contains drive cycle information to achieve monitor readiness. BAR has found that certain vehicles, including the vehicles listed below, may have difficulty completing all monitors during normal driving:
- 2000-2001 Nissan Maxima
- 2000-2001 Infiniti I30
- 2000 BMW 323i
- 2004 Ford E350 Super Duty (5.4L)
Please click here for BAR’s complete list of OBD Testability Issues, and BAR’s suggested solutions, or contact the BAR Referee at (800) 622-7733.
Smog Check: Toyota Prius Hybrid (STAR Certified)
This 2008 Toyota Prius Hybrid passed its change-of-ownership smog check inspection today at JUST SMOGS® in Huntington Beach. Hybrid emission inspections are essentially the same as most 2000 and newer gasoline powered vehicles.
The inspections consists of a comprehensive visual inspection of the emission systems as well as an OBD computer scan.
HYBRID Smog Check – Statewide Implementation (Huntington Beach)
HYBRID Smog Check Inspections Are Now Required in California
Why are hybrids being brought into the Smog Check Program?
Hybrids are designed to meet strict emission standards and to provide improved fuel economy over conventional vehicles. However, hybrid emission control systems experience the same causes of long-term deterioration affecting other vehicles. Emission control system malfunctions on hybrids can cause emissions to sharply increase. By ensuring that hybrid emission-related problems are identified and then properly repaired, emission levels will remain low over the life of the vehicle.
Since their introduction to the California market in 2000, hybrid vehicles could not be properly tested on the BAR-97 equipment that was introduced in 1997. This equipment could not test the emissions of hybrids as the vehicles would switch into electric mode during an inspection. The new Bureau of Automotive Repair On-Board Diagnostic Inspection System (BAR-OIS), which is based on a visual inspection of emission control components and a scan of the vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system, has resolved this testing issue.
Which types of hybrids will be required to receive a Smog Check?
All hybrid vehicles will be subject to a Smog Check. Just like traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, hybrid vehicles six model-years and newer are exempt from the biennial Smog Check requirement. Hybrid vehicles four model-years and newer are also exempt from the change-of-ownership Smog Check requirement.
FAST J’s Cycle Shop
Fast J’s Cycle Shop
7722 Talbert Ave. Ste A
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714-417-6867
fastjscycle.com
Snow in HB
