Smog Check Frequently Asked Questions for January 2017
How many readiness monitors have to be complete to pass smog?
What if I cannot get my smog test in California before it is due?
Can I go to another smog check station after failing?
The shop that failed my car also does repairs, can I go someplace else for repairs?
A relative gave me a car, do I need a smog inspection?
If my check engine light doesn’t turn on at all will I pass smog?
If you fail OBD II on a smog check, should your overall smog fail?
Where can I get a STAR Smog Inspection in Huntington Beach?
How many readiness monitors have to be complete to pass smog?
This continues to be number one on the hit parade. Nobody wants to hear the dreaded words, OBD II not ready.
1996 to 1999 Gasoline powered vehicles: Any one monitor can be incomplete.
2000 and newer Gasoline powered vehicles: All monitors, with the exception of the EVAP monitor must be complete.
1998 to 2006 OBD II certified diesel powered vehicles: All monitors must be complete.
2007 and newer OBD II certified diesel powered vehicles: Any two monitors can be incomplete.
For more information about OBD II Monitors:
OBD II, “CHECK-ENGINE” LIGHTS, and READINESS MONITORS..WHAT ARE THEY?
OBD Monitors and Testability Issues
What if I cannot get my smog test in California before it is due?
Pay your fees!
Even if you do not pass smog, you can avoid paying late fees by paying all registration fees on time. While the DMV will not issue a registration renewal until all requirements, including the smog certification, are complete, the DMV will stop assessing further late fees upon receipt of your payment.
You may also be eligible for a temporary moving permit. Contact the California DMV for more information.
Can I go to another smog station after failing?
Absolutely! Many people are under the mistaken impression that they have to return to the original smog shop to finish the smog inspection after failing. Not true. Pass or fail, that smog inspection ended when you received the results. It’s done. You are free to have the vehicle inspected at any shop.
Of course, if the vehicle requires an inspection at a STAR certified shop, you must take it to a STAR station.
Also, it important to note that if the shop that inspected your vehicle promised you a free retest, or any other discounts, those promises only apply at the shop that made the offer.
The shop that failed my car also does repairs, can I go someplace else for repairs?
Again, absolutely. Shops performing emissions repairs in the State of California are required to be licensed by the Bureau of Automotive Repairs; however, you are not obligated to have your vehicle repaired by the shop that performed the smog inspection.
A relative gave me a car, do I need a smog inspection?
If you acquire a vehicle that is currently registered in California from a spouse, domestic partner, sibling, child, parent, grandparent, or grandchild, you are entitled to an exemption from the smog inspection. Other family members or relations are not exempt and are required to obtain a smog inspection certification.
For more information read “Transfer a Vehicle Between Family Members.”
If my car check engine light doesn’t turn on at all will I pass smog?
No, if the check engine light (Service Engine Soon, MIL, etc), is burned out, missing, disconnected, or not functioning normally for any reason, the vehicle will not pass the California smog inspection.
If you fail OBD II on a smog check, should your overall smog fail?
If a vehicle fails any part of a smog inspection the state’s software will not certify the vehicle. In other words, the vehicle will fail.
As a matter of fact, if the check engine light isn’t on, the technician inspecting your car won’t know your car failed until the test is over.
Where can I get a STAR smog inspection in Huntington Beach?
Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Fountain Valley, and beyond, the choice is simple! For any and all smog inspections, booking an appointment at Just Smogs® in Huntington Beach will be the best smog inspection decision you’ll ever make.
Click here, or call (714) 596-1019 to make an appointment.