Which Cars Are Exempt From the California Smog Check? (2026)
In California, gasoline vehicles 8 model years old or newer, electric vehicles, motorcycles, and gasoline vehicles from model year 1975 or older are exempt from the biennial smog check. Vehicles in the 8-year window pay an annual smog abatement fee with their registration instead. Your DMV renewal notice is the final word: if it says "Smog Certification Required", the car needs a test.
Exemptions at a glance
| Vehicle | Biennial smog check? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gasoline, 8 model years old or newer | No | Pays a smog abatement fee instead |
| Gasoline, older than 8 model years | Yes, every two years | In areas where the program applies |
| Gasoline, model year 1975 or older | No | Permanently exempt |
| Hybrid | Treated like a gasoline vehicle | See the hybrid guide |
| Battery electric | No | No tailpipe, no smog check |
| Motorcycle | No | |
| Diesel, 1998 or newer, up to 14,000 lbs GVWR | Yes | See the diesel guide |
| Diesel, 1997 or older | No |
The 8-model-year rule
Model years are counted, not calendar age. A 2019 model registered in 2026 is in its eighth model year. Since January 1, 2019, California has exempted gasoline vehicles in their first eight model years from the biennial check.
When an exempt car still needs a test
- First registration in California. Cars coming from another state usually need a smog check (see registering an out-of-state car).
- Sale of a car older than four model years. See smog check when selling a car.
Find a smog station
- Smog check in San Jose — 2 listings
- Smog check in Anaheim — 1 listing
- Smog check in Los Angeles — 1 listing
- Smog check in Sacramento — 1 listing
- Smog check in San Diego — 1 listing
- Smog check in San Francisco — 1 listing
- Smog check in Santa Clara — 1 listing
- Smog check in Sunnyvale — 1 listing
Frequently asked questions
Which vehicles are exempt from the California smog check?
Gasoline vehicles 8 model years old or newer skip the biennial smog check and pay a smog abatement fee instead. Electric vehicles, motorcycles and gasoline vehicles from 1975 or earlier are exempt. Diesel vehicles from 1998 or newer with a gross vehicle weight rating up to 14,000 lbs do need a smog check.
What is the smog abatement fee?
A fee added to the registration of newer vehicles that are exempt from the biennial smog check. For vehicles in model years 7 and 8 it is $25 a year. It appears on the DMV renewal notice.
Do I need a smog check if I live in a rural county?
Possibly not every two years. Parts of California are outside the areas where the biennial smog check applies. Your DMV renewal notice says whether a smog certification is required. A smog check is still needed for most vehicles when they are first registered in California.
Is a classic car exempt from smog in California?
Only gasoline vehicles from model year 1975 or older are exempt. There is no rolling 25- or 30-year exemption in California, so a 1976 or newer classic still needs a smog check.
Related guides
- Smog Check When Selling a Car in California: Who Pays and When — In California the seller must provide a valid smog certificate. The 90-day rule, the four-model-year exception, family transfers and what buyers should check.
- Do Hybrids Need a Smog Check in California? — Hybrids are not exempt from the California smog check. How the 8-model-year rule applies, how the test works without a tailpipe test, and plug-in hybrids.
- Diesel Smog Check in California: Which Trucks and Cars Need It — Diesel vehicles from 1998 and newer up to 14,000 lbs GVWR need a California smog check. How the diesel test works, and the Clean Truck Check for heavier trucks.