# 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](https://appointauto.com/guides/hybrid-smog-check-california/) |
| 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](https://appointauto.com/guides/diesel-smog-check-california/) |
| 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](https://appointauto.com/guides/register-out-of-state-car-california-smog/)).
- **Sale of a car older than four model years.** See [smog check when selling a car](https://appointauto.com/guides/smog-check-when-selling-a-car-california/).

Rules change. Confirm on [dmv.ca.gov](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/) or [bar.ca.gov](https://www.bar.ca.gov/).

## Find a smog station

- [Smog check in San Jose](https://appointauto.com/smog-check/san-jose/) — 2 listings
- [Smog check in Anaheim](https://appointauto.com/smog-check/anaheim/) — 1 listing
- [Smog check in Los Angeles](https://appointauto.com/smog-check/los-angeles/) — 1 listing
- [Smog check in Sacramento](https://appointauto.com/smog-check/sacramento/) — 1 listing
- [Smog check in San Diego](https://appointauto.com/smog-check/san-diego/) — 1 listing
- [Smog check in San Francisco](https://appointauto.com/smog-check/san-francisco/) — 1 listing
- [Smog check in Santa Clara](https://appointauto.com/smog-check/santa-clara/) — 1 listing
- [Smog check in Sunnyvale](https://appointauto.com/smog-check/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](https://appointauto.com/guides/smog-check-when-selling-a-car-california/) — 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?](https://appointauto.com/guides/hybrid-smog-check-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](https://appointauto.com/guides/diesel-smog-check-california/) — 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.

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Source: https://appointauto.com/guides/california-smog-check-exemptions/ · Last updated 2026-10-23. Station details are compiled from public listings and can change; call the shop to confirm hours and prices before you go.