Question (a): I am writting this e-mail on behalf of my grandma. Looks like she is eligible for registration
without a SMOG certificate. We filed paper work to apply for the program. The registration is due mid
September and it's already August 31, is there a way to get temporary registration without SMOG until
DMV processes her paperwork? She owns a Ford Crown Victoria.
Question (b): My car (1996 Honda Civic) has a check engine light on. I've been told that the wires to
the crank shaft have been severed (don't ask what that means or how it happened). It needs repair but I
can't afford it right now. It is past due for registration. I don't qualify for CAP. Can I get an extension on my registration so that I won't get a ticket?
Answer: Here's what you can do. Go ahead and pay the registration fees and get your "half way papers"
(Not valid registration, but an attempt to show responsibility plus not be charged late fees). You may then
explain to the DMV agent your vehicle's repair situation and ask for at least a 30 day Temporary Registration
Tag. You can post this on your vehicle's rear window, and drive your vehicle legally for 30 days or more,
depending on the Temporary Tags you are given.
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Question: I was able to talk briefly with a DMV employee on Monday and discovered that our smog check
was due on 8/20 and not 8/31. My Audi passed the smog test today, but we're having a tune-up and the
car won't be ready until tomorrow because we're waiting for a part to arrive. Should I call DMV again
tomorrow to find out how much the new fee (with penalties) will be? I believe the DMV employee said
I can receive new tags when I take the fee into our local DMV office -- is that your understanding, too?
Answer: This is true, the smog test results were electronically sent to the DMV and you can receive
your tags directly from the DMV agent should you choose to walk in to a local branch and pay the renewal
fees. Just to be safe, take a copy of the Passing Smog Check repaort with you to the office.
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Question: We've misplaced the smog check form we received in the mail for our Dodge Charger. Is there a website where I can print out a new one to take to the smog check facility?
Answer: No need to worry. The smog station you visit can inspect your vehicle without the Smog Check Requirement Form or registration renewal. The smog technician inspecting your vehicle can enter your
car's VIN number into the smog machine, and the machine will pull the required information from the DMV's computer and allow him/her to perform the smog inspection. Once the inspection is complete, the smog
machine will automatically send the results to the DMV. You will not need to send in the smog certificate.
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Question: my 92 Chevy pickup is required to have smog test at test only station it failed, based on NOX,
it is not a gross polluter I then took it to another shop that did repairs (EGR valve) and it passes but
computer from State says it has to go back to test only station to be certified. it cannot be certified
by the repair shop. Is this true? if so, please register this complaint to the DMV. This is rediculous. talk
about an inefficient system that bilks precious time and money from California residents.....Im all for
clean air, but lets figure out a way to do this at less hassle and cost to us, the vehicle owners.
Answer: Yes, this is true. A vehicle which is required to be tested and certified at a Test-Only center
can only be certified at a test-Only center. If the vehicle fails at the test Only center it must visit a
Test and repair center for repairs and then return to the test only center for inspection and certification.
Why do we have two station types? California is continuously improving the smog check program. So
far this method of process has proved positive in terms of air quality. State research has shown Test
Only stations to provide a MORE accurate smog test then their counterparts. For this reason, vehicles
with high emission failure rates are directed to Test Only Centers.
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Question: I now live in Pasadena but my 2000 Toyota Camry currently has Texas plate. I assume I need a
smog inspection before I can register my car here. Which station may I take my car to (i.e. Test &
Repair ,Test-Only or CAP Station)?
Answer: Your vehicle should only require a regular smog check, which means, any smogcheck
station will do. Shop for the best price. Although to make certain I recommend you contact the DMV
at (800) 777-0133. They will be able to look up your vehicle's plate number and insure there aren't
any special requirements for your vehicle.
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Question: I need to renew my registration on my Ford mini van I have a disabled placker, my service engine
soon lite is on and my mobile mechanic said it wont pass smog, until i get something having to do with
the air conditioning emmisions fixed?! i am on ssi/ssd and i need to know how to apply for an extension
for my registration renewal, (one of those red stickers that go in the back window" until I can find out what
and how much the problem is.. how can i do that? or apply online for th at?
Answer: You have to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles. Here's what you can do. Go ahead and
pay the registration fees and get your "half way papers" (ot valid registration, but an attempt to show
responsibility plus not be charged late fees). You may then explain to the DMV agent your vehicle's
repair situation and ask for at least a 30 day Temporary Registration Tag. You can post this on your
vehicle's rear window, and drive your vehicle legally for 30 days or more, depending on the Temporary
Tags you are given. Call the DMV at (800) 952-5210. They might be able to help you.
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Question (a): Hello Im a new resident to Campo ca. 91906 and my smog test is coming up in Nov.
my neighbor said i wouldn't have to smog my 1993 Toyota pick up truck because campo is smog exempt.
Is this true?
Question (b): I live in Penn Valley, Nevada County and own an 1998 Acura. Does it make any difference if I have the smog test done in Sacramento?
Answer: Vehicles in all cities in California need smog inspections, however certain counties only require
the Basic Smog Test as opposed to the Enhanced Smog Test, and the third of counties with the cleanest
air quality require an inspection only when a vehicle is bought or sold. The main difference between the
Basic and Enhanced test is that the basic test does not require the vehicle to be driven on a dynamometer
during the test. Where as the Enhanced version does. Keep this in mind also, a smog station which can
perform the Enhanced Test, can automatically perform the Basic Test also. Currently there is also a third
type of smog inspection being required for vehicle's which are labeled as GP's or Gross Polluters, which
is called the "Test-Only" inspection. This inspection is always the "Enhanced Smog Test" and the station
which conducts the test is not allowed to repair vehicles.
