We can't comment on what occurred at the smog station where your Ford Mustang was smog checked in terms of which occurred first, the emissions inspection (tailpipe test) or the visual test.
California requires smog stations conduct the tailpipe test prior to the visual inspection. By the time the smog technician gets to the visual portion of the smog inspection he/she is already half way done with the entire smog inspection, and because of this they will charge for a complete smog test.
California requires smog stations inspect vehicles is this specific manner (emissions, visual, functional) in order to collect an accurate sample of vehicle emission production.
posted by SmogTips Support
