Section 5 of 20

Air Pollution Control Requirements

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Smog Certificates

Dealers are required to provide a smog Certificate for all vehicles before a vehicle being offered for sale, including:

  • smog-certificateGas-powered 1976 and newer model-year vehicles
  • Diesel-powered 1998 and newer model-year vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 14,000 pounds or less

Smog Exempt Vehicles

Smog Certificates are not required for vehicles:

  • Four (4) years old or newer*
  • Sold to other licensed Dealers
  • Sold at dealer-only auctions

*The DMV regulations say “When you transfer a vehicle that is four or less model years old, a Smog Certificate is not required. Determine the oldest-qualifying year model by subtracting three from the current year”

For example, 2023 – 3 = a 2020 (or newer) vehicle is smog exempt during 2023. 

Maximum Smog Fees

Dealers are allowed to charge $50 for the smog test plus the actual fees charged for Certificates. Smog Certificates obtained by dealers remain valid for the sale of a vehicle for up to two years.

Dealers that sell a vehicle before satisfying the smog inspection requirements are subject to the following administrative actions.

  • A suspension or revocation of their Dealer License and substantial fines ranging from $15 to $750 per violation
  • Additional fines for each day the dealer is noncompliant with the Air Resources Board (ARB) requirements