# Smog Check in California **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [September 25, 2004, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smog-check-in-california/266075 "2004-09-25T21:04:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![suranyi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e36b37/32.png) [@suranyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/suranyi)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2010, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smog-check-in-california/266075/41 "2010-09-04T21:08:04Z")
Fundamentally, the issue is that the smog test consists of three parts: a visual inspection, a functional inspection, and a tailpipe emissions test. You can fail the smog test if the inspection determines there is something wrong, even if the emissions test finds that all emissions are within limits. Here is the relevant quote, from the state’s website: Q: What are the elements of a Smog Check? A: In order for your vehicle to receive a Smog Check certificate, it must pass all the following elements of a Smog Check inspection: •A visual inspection, in which required emissions control components and systems are identified, and must appear connected and functional. •A functional inspection which includes, as applicable, checking the functionality and/or integrity of the emissions control malfunction indicator light (“Check Engine”, etc), the ignition timing, the gas cap, and the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system, if the vehicle is so equipped and a Two-Speed Idle (TSI) test is being performed. A Low Pressure Fuel Evaporative Test (LPFET) is performed on all 1995 and older vehicles. A functional check of a vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system is also performed on 1996 and newer vehicles. Diagnostic information stored in the vehicle’s computer is reported on the Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) that the motorist receives at the end of the Smog Check inspection. OBD information can save time and money when repairs are required. •A tailpipe emissions test, which measures exhaust emissions using a probe inserted into the vehicle’s tailpipe during testing. Vehicles pass or fail this part of the Smog Check inspection based on established emission standards, sometimes called cutpoints. Cite: [http://www.autorepair.ca.gov/80\_BARResources/02\_SmogCheck/Frequently\_asked\_Questions\_Part\_2.html](http://www.autorepair.ca.gov/80_BARResources/02_SmogCheck/Frequently_asked_Questions_Part_2.html) ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2010, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smog-check-in-california/266075/42 "2010-09-04T21:20:18Z")
Why is that newbies seem to love to dig up 6-year old threads? I want our “No Zombie Threads” rule back! ---
**Author:** ![suranyi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e36b37/32.png) [@suranyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/suranyi)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2010, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smog-check-in-california/266075/43 "2010-09-04T23:39:18Z")
Whoops, didn’t notice this is a zombie. ---
**Author:** ![amarinth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3be4f8/32.png) [@amarinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarinth)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2010, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smog-check-in-california/266075/44 "2010-09-05T00:44:51Z")
> [@tracer](#): > > I just wish the smog check station guy had told me this **before** he did the smog check and charged me $64.95 for it. 😛 Yikes. At least my test is only $15.00 And the “check engine” light blinks randomly on & off. Last time it came back on when I was driving away from the emissions test station, with a notice that the test had passed. ---
**Author:** ![user\_hostile](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/user_hostile/32/474_2.png) [@user\_hostile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/user_hostile)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2010, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smog-check-in-california/266075/45 "2010-09-05T00:48:57Z")
> [@SmartAleq](#): > > Well shit a brick–where do you apply for that refund and how much documentation do you need? Because I bought an out of state Toyota truck back circa '94-'95 and had to pay that fucking fee and I’m still a little pissed off about it! [Link](http://www.dmv.ca.gov/isr/welcome.do) Don’t know if statue of limitations applies here though…let me know how big your refund is; they were paying something like 9% (?) when I got my refund ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2010, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smog-check-in-california/266075/46 "2010-09-05T20:09:31Z")
Thanks, I’ll check that out! ---
**Author:** ![user\_hostile](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/user_hostile/32/474_2.png) [@user\_hostile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/user_hostile)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2010, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smog-check-in-california/266075/47 "2010-09-05T20:52:23Z")
> [@SmartAleq](#): > > Thanks, I’ll check that out! Glad I could help. If you get a refund crack a beer open and give me a toast. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2010, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smog-check-in-california/266075/48 "2010-09-05T23:50:32Z")
> [@SmartAleq](#): > > Well shit a brick–where do you apply for that refund and how much documentation do you need? Because I bought an out of state Toyota truck back circa '94-'95 and had to pay that fucking fee and I’m still a little pissed off about it! I got my refund without it even knowing about the suit ---
**Author:** ![Algher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Algher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Algher)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2010, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smog-check-in-california/266075/49 "2010-09-07T22:43:39Z")
My Hybrid requires a smog check. My '67 muscle car with Tri-y headers, Edelbrock intake, 650 Holley carb, twin pipes, no cat converter on either side - is smog exempt. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smog-check-in-california/266075.md?page=2)