California law requires that all vehicles (with few exceptions) be inspected and repaired to comply with auto emissions standards to register or renew registration. Residents of certain specified counties are not subject to the emissions inspection law.
Automobile sellers are responsible for paying for and obtaining a smog inspection as well as all repair costs incurred to comply with the emissions standards. Proof of compliance with the inspection requirement is required for automobile registration and registration renewal every two years.
Smog inspections are not required for hybrids or electric cars. Older gasoline-, diesel- and natural gas-powered cars, as well as motorcycles and trailers, are exempt from inspections.
If the repair costs to comply with the law exceed $450 (labor and parts), you can request a hardship waiver. You should be prepared to pay the emissions station an inspection fee of about $19.95 (the fee listed as of Oct. 15, 2010).
The smog inspection laws provide for establishment of an economic hardship repair cost waiver program. This procedure allows the California Department of Motor Vehicles to waive the repair and compliance requirements when the vehicle's owner is considered "low income." Additionally, pursuant to California's Voluntary Accelerated Vehicle Retirement Program, the DMV has discretion to pay the owner of a non-compliant vehicle up to $1,500 to take a non-compliant car out-of-service. This program is subject to availability of funds, according to the California Health and Safety Code.
