|
Fast 2-Lane ServiceIn a hurry? Our two-lanes facility provides faster turn-around so you can get back in your car and move on with your day!
|
Clean Waiting AreaYou want to be comfortable while you wait for your smog check to be finished and we provide a clean and tidy waiting area for you to do just that.
|
30 Day Free RetestWorried that your car might fail its smog test? In this case we will provide one free retest within 30 days of your original smog check.
|
Best Vacaville, CA ​Smog ShopThe state of California requires all vehicles that were produced in 1976 or later to undergo a smog check twice a year. Certain vehicles like hybrids, car models six years or younger, electric vehicles, trailers, motorcycles, and gasoline-powered vehicles made in 1976 or earlier are exempt from having to test biannually.
For vehicle models produced in the past six years and later, an abatement fee still applies for the first six years when owners renew their vehicle registration. This six-year exception is not intended for non-resident vehicles, diesel models produced in 1998 or later, and weighing 14,000 pounds or less, or custom vehicles produced in 1976 and later. Why check for smog?Mandatory smog checks were established to spot excessive emissions in order to work towards better air quality. As a hub of car-production and car-enthusiasts, the California EPA reports that “Californians set the pace nation-wide in their love affairs with cars.”
California’s thirty-four million residents own about twenty-five million cars – roughly one car per person aged 18 and older. Considering these facts, it is not surprisingly that California’s air quality is amongst the nation’s worst and an increasing number of Californians are concerned about the damage done to their environment and health. Testing for excessive emissions can greatly improve the over-all impact on the environment, allowing for better air quality. What is a smog check?A smog check is a simple check-up performed on your car. The check-up is conducted in three distinct parts.
The first step is a visual inspection to ensure the emission control devices are properly installed and connected. The second step is a functional test to determine whether the warning light is functioning correctly. The final step involves placing the vehicle on a dyne (special testing device) and an emission reading is gathered through a probe positioned in the tailpipe of the vehicle. The results are then analyzed. If the vehicle passes the inspection, the owner receives a certificate attesting that the vehicle passed. Otherwise, if the vehicle does not pass, the technician will inform the owner of the necessary repairs. All repairs must be applied in order to renew registration or register the vehicle. What is a smog & repair?A smog repair involves making adjustments to a vehicle’s emissions so that it can meet California’s emission standards. The state of California requires that a vehicle owner make at least $450 worth of emission repairs performed by a licensed and trained technician. Home-mechanic repairs are not discouraged but will not be counted towards the $450 minimum.
Do I need a smog check?Not all vehicles must get a smog check. Additionally, some vehicles only need a passing smog check when they are being sold or being registered in California after previously being registered in another state. Whether or not a vehicle needs a smog check depends on the type of vehicle, the model-year, and the area in which the vehicle is registered. Under California vehicle emissions control laws and regulations, you must get a smog check for your car in the following cases.
When you transfer a vehicle that is four or less model years old a smog certification is not required. (Determine the oldest-qualifying year model by subtracting three from the current year.) The four or less model years old rule does not apply to diesel powered vehicles. A smog transfer fee will be collected from the new owner . When a vehicle is more than four model years old, a seller must provide evidence of a current smog certification except when one of the following occurs:
How often do I need to get smogged?Vehicles registered in Vacaville California are subject to the biennial smog certification program are required to submit evidence of a smog certification every other renewal period. Starting January 1, 2005, owners of vehicles six or less model years old will pay an annual smog abatement fee for the first six registration years instead of being required to provide a biennial smog certification. The registration renewal notice mailed to you by the department will indicate if a smog certification is required. If a smog certification is required and you have not had a smog inspection, you may still pay your registration fees to avoid any late fees. However, you will not receive your new registration or year sticker until the smog information has been received by DMV.
Does my vehicle require a smog check?Smog inspections are required unless your vehicle is:
Who is responsible for the inspection when a car is sold?The seller is required to provide the buyer with a valid smog inspection certification at the time of the sale or transfer. Smog certifications are good for 90 days from the date of issuance.
The inspection is not required on a transfer if a biennial smog certification was submitted to DMV within 90 days prior to the vehicle transfer date (a vehicle inspection report may be required for proof of certification). NOTE: Smog certifications are not required for transfers that occur for a gasoline powered motor vehicle that is four or less model years old. (Determine the oldest-qualifying year model by subtracting three from the current year) the four or less model years old rule does not apply to diesel powered vehicles. A smog transfer fee will be collected from the new owner. Which counties require a smog inspection for the registration renewal?Counties that Require a Smog Inspection for Vehicle Registration Renewal:
Alameda, Butte, Colusa, Contra Costa, Fresno, Glenn, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Marin, Merced, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Sacramento, San Benito, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Solano, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Tulare, Ventura, Yolo, Yuba There are six counties that require smog certifications within certain Zip Codes only. These counties are: El Dorado, Placer, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Sonoma. Find out if your Zip Code is included. |