# Do Hybrids Need a Smog Check in California?

Yes. Hybrid vehicles, including plug-in hybrids, have a gasoline engine, so California treats them like gasoline vehicles for smog check purposes. They are exempt during their first eight model years, then need a smog check every two years at registration renewal and when sold. Only fully electric vehicles with no engine are exempt.

## Hybrid vs electric vs gasoline

| Vehicle | Smog check |
| --- | --- |
| Hybrid (for example Prius, RAV4 Hybrid) | Yes, after the first 8 model years |
| Plug-in hybrid | Yes, after the first 8 model years |
| Battery electric | Never |
| Gasoline | Yes, after the first 8 model years |

## Tips for hybrid owners

- Drive the car with the engine running for a while before the test, for example a highway trip, so the engine and catalytic converter are warm.
- If you replaced the 12-volt battery recently, drive for several days before testing so the monitors complete.
- Your DMV renewal notice says whether a smog certification is required this year.

## 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

### How is a hybrid tested?

Like other modern gasoline cars: a visual inspection, functional checks and an on-board diagnostics (OBD II) scan. There is no tailpipe test for these model years.

### Why does my hybrid show readiness monitors not ready?

Hybrids run the engine less, so some self-tests take longer to complete. Drive with a mix of highway and town driving for several days, and avoid testing right after a 12-volt battery replacement.

### Do plug-in hybrids need a smog check?

Yes. A plug-in hybrid still has a gasoline engine and follows the same rules as other hybrids.

### How much does a smog check cost in California?

Each station sets its own test price. Listed prices on AppointAuto are $49.75 for a regular smog check and $59.75 for a STAR smog check. California also charges an $8.25 state certificate fee for every vehicle that passes; ask the station whether its price already includes it.

## Related guides

- [Which Cars Are Exempt From the California Smog Check? (2026)](https://appointauto.com/guides/california-smog-check-exemptions/) — The 8-model-year rule, electric vehicles, motorcycles, pre-1976 cars, diesels and the smog abatement fee: who needs a smog check in California and who does not.
- [Check Engine Light and Readiness Monitors: Why Your Car Is "Not Ready" for Smog](https://appointauto.com/guides/check-engine-light-smog-check/) — Why a car shows "not ready" for smog after a battery change or repair, how a drive cycle completes the monitors, and how many can be incomplete.
- [How to Pass a California Smog Check: 10 Checks Before You Go](https://appointauto.com/guides/how-to-pass-smog-check/) — A practical pre-test checklist: check engine light, readiness monitors, gas cap, oil change, warm engine and the mistakes that make good cars fail.

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Source: https://appointauto.com/guides/hybrid-smog-check-california/ · 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.