By Amy Graham


If you drive a vehicle chances are you will have to get the emissions tested before you can get a tag. Emissions tests are conducted on most roadworthy vehicles to make sure they are not emitting beyond a certain level of pollutants. This test is not an option, and, unless the vehicle is exempted, must be passed in order to drive anywhere in the state. California is serious about the smog check Stockton CA technicians conduct, and requires special certifications for those who do it.

Drivers with relatively new cars question whether the tests are necessary for them. In California, if your vehicle was built in the last six years, you don't need the test. There is an annual abatement fee that will be your responsibility however. It's just the certification itself that is unnecessary for the six year period.

Drivers want to know who qualifies for an exemption from the test. Your vehicle has to be tested if it is gas powered and manufactured after 1975. If you have a vehicle that runs on diesel, you will need the test if the vehicle was manufactured after 1997.

Vehicles that weigh more than fourteen thousand pounds are exempt. Motorcycles and trailers are exempted from the inspections. There is no special exemption for those in the military.

The question that concerns drivers the most is what happens if their vehicle doesn't pass the test. In this case, the car has to be taken to an auto shop or dealer who can make the necessary repairs. After that it has to be retested. You can dispute the results of the emissions test.

The BAR Consumer Assistance Program does offer financial assistance for those whose vehicles don't pass the test. There is specific criteria to get the assistance however. You may also be compensated if you voluntarily decide to retire your car from the roadway.

Some drivers are instructed to use a STAR station and don't know exactly what that means. STAR stations are those that have met the higher standards laid down by BAR for tests, or testing and repair. Every STAR station must post the type of service they offer. These kinds of stations were previously under the Gold Star and Test Only program.

Drivers need to know what their responsibility is if they sell their vehicles. The short answer is that the seller is responsible for providing a valid certification at the time of the sale or transfer. The certifications are good for ninety days from the time they were first issued. The buyer is responsible for the smog transfer fee.

People want to know what is required if they give someone a car as a gift. If the vehicle in question is registered in California and belongs to a parent, sibling, domestic partner, spouse, grandparent, or grandchild, the vehicle does not need to be inspected. If the gift comes from anyone else, this exemption does not apply.




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