Get a Smog Check and Save the Earth
Everyone can do their part to reduce smog by changing a few behaviors, such as: Drive less, Take care of cars, and making sure your Smog Check is up-to-date.
Most vehicles in California are required to pass a Smog Check every two years for registration renewal. Your DMV Registration Renewal Notice will indicate if your vehicle needs a Smog Check. You may take your vehicle to any Smog Check station, unless it requires a Smog Check at a STAR station.
1966 Exhaust emissions standards applied to new vehicles
1967 First Federal Clean Air Act. Lets the states establish air quality standards. Updated in 1970
1969 CHP begins roadside inspections of emissions control systems
1972 CHP begins collecting emissions data during roadside inspections
1973 State law passes authorizing loaded mode inspection program in Riverside.
1974 CHP begins issuing "Notices of Correction" to vehicles exceeding standards
1975-78 Dept of Consumer Affairs/BAR (Bureau of Auto Repair) collects loaded mode data in Riverside to have info for future loaded mode program
1977 Amendments to Fed Clean Air Act requires states to comply with federal emission standards, prompting CA to create a vehicle inspection program
1979 BAR administers a contractor run, change-of-ownership inspection network in South Coast Air Basin. Several million loaded-mode tests done before contract ends in 1984
1982 First statewide Smog Check program
1984 First biennial inspection program begins. Vehicles in most areas cannot be registered without passing.
1990 Federal Clean Air Act amended to eliminate smog stations that test and repair, addressing a potential conflict of interest. Feds want state run test only stations and threaten to withhold $500 million if CA doesn’t comply
1993-94 State comes up with alternate plan accepted by Feds. Plan focuses on "Gross Polluters" and tests 15% of vehicles in enhanced test areas at test-only stations 1996 Smog Check stations are computerized and linked by modem to BAR to help prevent issuance of fradulent certificates and to fill the certificate immediately at the DMV
1998 Stations in Enhanced areas are required to perform Acceleration Simulation Mode tests using a chassis dynamometer. All wheel drive vehicles are, obviously, still on the two speed idle test. For the first time oxides of nitrogen are measured and held to a standard. Gas cap pressure test is introduced. Amount that must be spent to qualify for two year waiver is increased to $450. Economic hardship Extension becomes available. Limit to qualify for this is $250 2000 Governor authorizes BAR to implement Consumer Assistance Program. Eligible motorists can receive up to $500 to fix vehicle or $1000 to retire it.
Conserve energy - at home, at work, everywhere.
Look for the ENERGY STAR label when buying home or office equipment.
Carpool, use public transportation, bike, or walk whenever possible.
Follow gasoline refueling instructions for efficient vapor recovery, being careful not to spill fuel and always tightening your gas cap securely.
Consider purchasing portable gasoline containers labeled “spill-proof,” where available.
Keep car, boat, and other engines properly tuned.
Be sure your tires are properly inflated.
Use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products whenever possible.
Mulch or compost leaves and yard waste.
Consider using gas logs instead of wood.
List Created by Sacramento Top 10
Most vehicles in California are required to pass a Smog Check every two years for registration renewal. Your DMV Registration Renewal Notice will indicate if your vehicle needs a Smog Check. You may take your vehicle to any Smog Check station, unless it requires a Smog Check at a STAR station.
Sacramento, California: History of the Smog Check program
1963 PCV required on new vehicles and older vehicles retrofitted1966 Exhaust emissions standards applied to new vehicles
1967 First Federal Clean Air Act. Lets the states establish air quality standards. Updated in 1970
1969 CHP begins roadside inspections of emissions control systems
1972 CHP begins collecting emissions data during roadside inspections
1973 State law passes authorizing loaded mode inspection program in Riverside.
1974 CHP begins issuing "Notices of Correction" to vehicles exceeding standards
1975-78 Dept of Consumer Affairs/BAR (Bureau of Auto Repair) collects loaded mode data in Riverside to have info for future loaded mode program
1977 Amendments to Fed Clean Air Act requires states to comply with federal emission standards, prompting CA to create a vehicle inspection program
1979 BAR administers a contractor run, change-of-ownership inspection network in South Coast Air Basin. Several million loaded-mode tests done before contract ends in 1984
1982 First statewide Smog Check program
1984 First biennial inspection program begins. Vehicles in most areas cannot be registered without passing.
1990 Federal Clean Air Act amended to eliminate smog stations that test and repair, addressing a potential conflict of interest. Feds want state run test only stations and threaten to withhold $500 million if CA doesn’t comply
1993-94 State comes up with alternate plan accepted by Feds. Plan focuses on "Gross Polluters" and tests 15% of vehicles in enhanced test areas at test-only stations 1996 Smog Check stations are computerized and linked by modem to BAR to help prevent issuance of fradulent certificates and to fill the certificate immediately at the DMV
1998 Stations in Enhanced areas are required to perform Acceleration Simulation Mode tests using a chassis dynamometer. All wheel drive vehicles are, obviously, still on the two speed idle test. For the first time oxides of nitrogen are measured and held to a standard. Gas cap pressure test is introduced. Amount that must be spent to qualify for two year waiver is increased to $450. Economic hardship Extension becomes available. Limit to qualify for this is $250 2000 Governor authorizes BAR to implement Consumer Assistance Program. Eligible motorists can receive up to $500 to fix vehicle or $1000 to retire it.
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