Smog Check Basics pt. 2

So your car failed the Smog Check....

There are three parts of the California Smog Check inspection. The Visual Inspection, the Functional Test and the Emission Test. Your vehicle must pass all three to pass the Smog Check. Let's take this one step at a time as it can get tricky.

Visual Inspection Failures
Anything missing, modified or disconnected must be repaired or replaced. This is referred to as "tampered" on the Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR). There are no cost limits or minimums to repair tampers.
If the part is simply worn out, it is not considered tampered. It is considered "defective".
If the vehicle is undergoing the biennial Smog Check, there would be a $450 cost minimum to repair the "defective" part. More on the $450 cost minimum later. On transfers and initial registration there are no cost limits or minimums.

Functional Test Failures
Basically the same as above. No cost limits or minimums on vehicles undergoing transfer or initial registration. There would be a $450 cost minimum on the biennial Smog Check.

Emission Test Failures
Again, the same as above. No cost limits or minimums on vehicles undergoing transfer or initial registration. There would be a $450 cost minimum on the biennial Smog Check.

Remember and this is very IMPORTANT, smog repairs can be performed only at state licensed Smog Repair shops by licensed smog technicians.

Also note, there are no cost limits to get the car in a testable condition. So if your car overheats, has a high idle, has a bad exhaust leak etc. it may not be testable until those issues are addressed.

The $450 Cost Minimum
This pertains only to vehicles undergoing the biennial Smog Check. If your vehicle fails the Smog Check and there are no missing, modified, or disconnected components, you are required to spend at least $450 on smog repairs and diagnosis before the vehicle would be eligible for a Smog Check Waiver.
The next two sentences are VERY IMPORTANT. Only repairs and diagnosis at licensed smog shops count towards the $450 cost minimum. Any smog repairs or diagnosis performed prior to the official Smog Check do not count towards the $450 cost minimum.

Smog Check Waiver
Again, this pertains only to vehicles undergoing the biennial Smog Check and there are no missing, modified or disconnected components.
If, after spending $450 or more on smog repairs and diagnosis, and your car still fails the Smog Check, it would be eligible for a Smog Check Waiver.
Be advised that after the Smog Check waiver is issued, the vehicle must pass the next Smog Check regardless of cost.
Only the Smog Check Referee can issue a waiver. Call 1-800-622-7733 for an appointment.

More to come...
Thanks,
Bob