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SMOG check in CA for Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by mig1980, Jul 1, 2011.

  1. mig1980

    mig1980 Junior Member

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    Good everyone. I am new to the site and I have looked at the other threads to try and find my answer but most are very old.

    I am inthe process of purchasing a 2005 Prius and I am wondering if the car will require the seller to smog it before I can register it? The car is a California car and I am in California as well.

    Can anyone answer me this question?
     
    #1 mig1980, Jul 1, 2011
  2. JeffyJosephNorCal

    JeffyJosephNorCal Formerly JeffyJosephNCa

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    :welcome:The Prius is exempt from Smog Checks in CA ;)
     
    #2 JeffyJosephNorCal, Jul 1, 2011
  3. mig1980

    mig1980 Junior Member

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    I was under the impression that the exemption ended in 2010. Is that not correct?
     
    #3 mig1980, Jul 1, 2011
  4. Gurple42

    Gurple42 New Member

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    Good to know. another unexpected benefit with Prius ownership;)
     
    #4 Gurple42, Jul 1, 2011
  5. JeffyJosephNorCal

    JeffyJosephNorCal Formerly JeffyJosephNCa

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    Still shows as exempt on CA DMV website:
    Smog Information

    also from CA.gov site:

    Hybrid-Electric Vehicles Exempted From Initial Smog Check

     
    #5 JeffyJosephNorCal, Jul 1, 2011
  6. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    I'm moving back to CA in a few weeks. Normally, when registered (or re-registering in my case, as I bought my Prius in CA), one has to get a smog check done.

    I'd imagine my 06 should be exempt since it didn't seem like CA had the equipment to do it.
     
    #6 cwerdna, Jul 1, 2011
  7. Tickwood

    Tickwood Active Member

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    Some HOV stickers expired, not the smog exception
     
    #7 Tickwood, Jul 1, 2011
  8. 2Nutz

    2Nutz New Member

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    Yes, at this point they are exempt from a Smog test. They MAY require testing in 2013 when Ca. starts using a newer system for 2001 and newer vehicles, OBD Check Only.
     
    #8 2Nutz, Jul 2, 2011
  9. mig1980

    mig1980 Junior Member

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    Thanks all for your help. Going to register it tomorrow! So far, I love this car as a commutter.
     
    #9 mig1980, Jul 5, 2011
  10. andyprius

    andyprius Senior Member

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    As a co-fatter it's pretty good too. Seriously, you bought the best year. Smart choice! :cheer2:
     
    #10 andyprius, Jul 5, 2011
  11. mig1980

    mig1980 Junior Member

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    Just wanted to post that in fact I was notrequired to smog the car. I got it registered yesterday and all went well. Thank you all
     
    #11 mig1980, Jul 7, 2011
  12. Leonthepeon

    Leonthepeon New Member

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    From Las Vegas, NV:
    My 2005 Prius became exempt from smog checks after the first year when DMV awakened. However, my 2011 renewal notice said that it was required. I thought they had made a mistake until I emailed them. Seems that the bureaucrats decided that when the vehicle is five years old for some reason it may be creating smog. The ironic thing is that I only have 15,000 miles, since I'm an old retired guy who puts more miles on a motorhome. The kid at the smog check station didn't even know how to get a reading. I had to show him. IT PASSED, OF COURSE [cost $21 here].
     
    #12 Leonthepeon, Dec 19, 2011
  13. Franklin Ashley

    Franklin Ashley New Member

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    2007 Prius
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    Three Touring
    Just left the DMV, whoa what a long wait! I purchased a 2007 Prius from a lien sale, in California you need a smog cert. I have a check engine light on even though everything seems to function well, going to the dealer to investigate. Not a bad car esp for 3400$ finally getting petro it had about a half tank upon purchase. The light must be off to pass btw. heading to the dealer now
     
    #13 Franklin Ashley, Aug 15, 2016
  14. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    How many miles are on your car? A dealer will charge you $150 to diagnose that car....and it might still be under warranty for emissions if it's under 150,000 miles
     
    #14 JC91006, Aug 15, 2016
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