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Smog Check

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by okdonk, Feb 4, 2015.

  1. okdonk

    okdonk Junior Member

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    Might be moving to California soon. Anyone know a good place and reasonable price for Smog Check in Torrance, CA 90503 ?
    Thank you in advance!
     
  2. apt5020

    apt5020 Senior Member

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    Autochekcenters.com
    2909 N Sepulveda Blvd.,
    Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

    It's the tent. They match internet price. You have to get that. Otherwise is $60. Go to Smog Check : Express Smog Center - Stanton, CA, phone: 714-373-6810 and print out the coupon and they match. $24.95 + certificate. Hope that help. You might see me driving around there.
     
  3. okdonk

    okdonk Junior Member

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    Cool thx. Will browse Yelp too.
    I heard Smog prices in CA from $50-100.
    While in NV not more than $20 with certificate.
     
  4. apt5020

    apt5020 Senior Member

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    It's expensive to live here. Rent and housing isn't cheap
     
  5. Silver bullit

    Silver bullit Right Lane Cruiser

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    FYI Prius is exempt from smog checks in CA
     
  6. okdonk

    okdonk Junior Member

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    But i bought and currently registered it in Nevada. Called CA DMV this afternoon.. he said i need to get it Smog'ed before register it in CA.
     
  7. apt5020

    apt5020 Senior Member

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    new law in ca we need smog check
     
  8. Silver bullit

    Silver bullit Right Lane Cruiser

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    As of Feb 2015 my Prius has not required a smog check. When is this new law supposed to start?
     
  9. apt5020

    apt5020 Senior Member

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    Hybrid-Electric Vehicles are Exempt from Smog Checks
    Hybrid-Electric vehicles are currently exempt from all Smog Check inspections until Spring 2015.
    Technicians: Until further notice do not conduct a Smog Check inspection on these vehicles whether directed by DMV or for change-of-ownership. Have the motorist contact a DMV field office if they have been directed by a DMV registration notice to obtain a Smog Check.
    Please visit the following link for more information about hybrid and other low-emission vehicles:

    www.DriveClean.CA.gov

    Hope that help. I think March 2015 or something. I saw it somewhere
     
  10. apt5020

    apt5020 Senior Member

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    From DMV.ORG
    areas subject to the biennial smog certification program are required to submit evidence of a smog certification every other renewal period. Starting January 1, 2005, owners of vehicles six or less model years old will pay an annual smog abatement fee for the first six registration years instead of being required to provide a biennial smog certification. The registration renewal notice mailed to you by the department will indicate if a smog certification is required. If a smog certification is required and you have not had a smog inspection, you may still pay your registration fees to avoid any late fees. However, you will not receive your new registration or year sticker until the smog information has been received by DMV.
    NOTE: Upon initial registration, nonresident,
    • Diesel powered vehicles 1998 model year and newer with a Gross Vehicle Weight rating (GVWR) of no more than 14,000 lbs, and specially constructed vehicles 1976 and newer require smog certification. The six or less model years old rule does not apply to these vehicles
    • Hybrid Vehicles will require a smog certification beginning March 26, 2015.
    Counties that require biennial smog inspections are listed above.
     
  11. okdonk

    okdonk Junior Member

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    Thx. Yes i just read it about it on CA DMV site. But does it apply to me as i'm a non resident coming from NV?
    Hope i'm qualified for the exempt which i believe i am. :)
     
  12. apt5020

    apt5020 Senior Member

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    No, since you will be a resident in CA and your plate has to be move to CA. It will apply to you.
     
  13. okdonk

    okdonk Junior Member

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    Just an update. Yesterday i registered my car from Nevada to be California. No smog check required.
    Thanks
     
    Silver bullit and Xterra72 like this.
  14. Glenn J.

    Glenn J. New Member

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    Just received my registration renewal (May 8, 2015) also advising my 2006 Prius needed smog certification. The California DMV website spells it out:

    Hybrid Vehicles in the Smog Check Program
    Since the introduction of hybrid vehicles to the California market in 2000, these vehicles could not be properly tested on the BAR-97 equipment that was introduced in 1997. This equipment could not test the emissions of hybrid vehicles as the vehicles would switch into electric mode during an inspection. The new Bureau of Automotive Repair On-Board Diagnostic Inspection System (BAR-OIS), which is based on a visual inspection of emission control components and a scan of the vehicle's On-Board Diagnostic OBD system, has resolved this testing issue. As such, hybrids are subject to a Smog Check following the implementation schedule provided below.​

    Technicians: All hybrid Smog Checks must be performed on the BAR-OIS.​

    Implementation Schedule
    • April 2015: The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will begin mailing registration renewal notices requiring a Smog Check to hybrid owners for registrations due in July 2015.
    • April 16, 2015: DMV will begin requiring a Smog Check for hybrids when changing ownership and for out-of-state hybrids being registered in California for the first time.
    My trusty local smog stations offer coupons. However, the women behind the counter said they were not honoring it because of the "complexity" and newness of inspecting Pruises.

    After the very brief visual inspection, I told her I was startled at how quickly the check was performed, etc. She gave me the $10 discount muttering something about checking with her manager later.
     
  15. 08newbie

    08newbie New Member

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    Just bought an 08 Prius from a private party. Neither one of us was aware of new requirement for Smog check. When I went to DMV they informed me I needed smog check to change ownership. I had checked the DMV website and it says Hybrids are exempt. Website has not been updated to new regulations issued by CARB and BAR, Smog check is required on all Hybrids as of April 16, 2015. When I took it to the Smog check station, the tech told me that Hybrids were exempt. I had to inform HIM of the new regulation.
     
  16. phoenixgreg

    phoenixgreg Senior member

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    Yes - same in AZ now...hybrids older than 5 years need emmisions checking. $20 here - all they do is plug their computer into the OBD port and check the gas cap.
     
  17. DumbMike

    DumbMike Active Member

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    Apparently, not much is done for the Smog Check. I think they just want to make sure you didn't mess with the emission controls (like in the old days). Plus, our state needs more money. This is the easy way to get more money. And increase the taxes on gasoline.

    Mike
     
  18. yellow taxi

    yellow taxi New Member

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    Did your Prius pass CA smog? I sold my prius before the April 16 law passed, I did not know anything about this Hybrid smog law,nor the buyer who dragged his feet & about a month later he's telling me that he needed a smog check & that it failed smog & it's all down hill from there.
     
  19. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    Hope we don't go that way, the only defacto hybrid incentive I get in north Virginia is exemption from emissions inspections, which is actually a decent convenience,
     
  20. unigeezer

    unigeezer Member

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    I just received my reg. renewal, and there is no mention of a smog test requirement. I live in Los Angeles county, and own a 2011 Prius. I purchased it in 2/15 from a dealer, and there was no smog requirement then either.