In California, just about all vehicles are required to undergo emissions testing. Smog inspections are important, because they help reduce the emissions that are released by the vehicles on the road. There are emission test locations in Fremont, Hayward, and Sunnyvale that will inspect your car for you. Before you take your vehicle for a smog check, here is some information you should know about smog testing in California.

You will need to obtain a smog certification for your vehicle every other renewal period.

In order to register your car, you will need to show evidence of a smog certification. Without a smog certification, you will not be able to obtain your registration, and you will still be required to pay for the registration in order to avoid late fees. It’s a good idea to plan ahead to make sure you have your smog certification well before you need to renew your registration.

You may be able to skip smog tests if your vehicle is newer.

If you have a vehicle that is six or less model years old, you will not need to go and get a smog certification every other renewal period. Instead, you will be subjected to an annual smog abatement fee. When you receive your registration renewal form in the mail, it will tell you whether or not you need to have a smog check done.

Your vehicle may qualify for a smog exemption.

While most vehicles must have emissions testing done, there are some that can receive an exemption. For example, any gasoline powered vehicle from 1975 or earlier is exempt. Likewise, diesel powered vehicles from 1997 or earlier, electric cars, motorcycles, and vehicles that weigh more than 14,000 pounds are also exempt.

You will need to have repairs done if your vehicle fails a smog inspection.

While the California Department of Motor Vehicles will not suggest what you need to do to pass a smog check, you will need to contact a smog technician to have repairs completed on your vehicle if you fail your inspection.