Express Smog Station
Address:
1199 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94706

Contact us:

510-525-8600

E-mail : Smog@xpressmog.com

Your vehicle does not need a smog inspection if your:



  • Gasoline-powered vehicle is a 1975 year model or older (This includes motorcycles and trailers.)
  • Diesel-powered vehicle is a 1997 and older year model OR with a Gross Vehicle Weight of more than 14,000 pounds.
  • Powered by natural gas and weighs more than 14,000 pounds.
  • An electric vehicle.
  • Gasoline-powered and less than eight model-years old.
WHAT VEHICLES REQUIRE A SMOG CHECK ?


Gasoline-powered vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and alternative-fuel vehicles that
are model-year 1976 and newer require a Smog Check, with the following exceptions

Hybrid vehicles eight model years and newer do not require a biennial Smog Check.

Four model years and newer do not require a change-of-ownership Smog Check.

Transfer of title between certain family members does not require a smog check.


Motorcycles and electric-powered vehicles do not require a Smog Check.


Registration Renewal: Every two years on most vehicles, you must get a smog check to renew your registration with the Department of motor vehicles.


Change of Ownership: Most vehicles need a smog check when buying or selling.


The seller’s responsible for inspecting the vehicle within 90 days of the transaction. If the vehicle is not registered within 90 days of being tested, it will need to be inspected again. Bringing in a car from out of state: Most vehicles seeking registration in California need to be smog.

CAN YOU SMOG MY ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) VEHICLE ?


Yes. All-wheel drive vehicles are smog doing a two-speed idle test rather than being tested on a dynamometer.

Smog Resources

What is a STAR station?


The California STAR program began on January 1, 2013. The STAR program sets smog check standards, and it replaces the old Gold Shield and Test Only program.

© 2025 Website Express Smog Station

The Smog Check Program is a vehicle inspection and maintenance program designed to improve the air we breathe. The program identifies vehicles with excess emissions so they can be properly repaired or retired. It has greatly reduced air pollution created by millions of cars in California.
WHAT IS THE SMOG CHECK PROGRAM?
HOW CAN I HELP MY VEHICLE PASS A SMOG CHECK ?



Performing regular maintenance according to your owner’s manual and not tampering withthe emissions-control equipment will help improve your vehicle’s chances of passing aSmog Check. If the “Check Engine” light comes on, get your vehicle repaired as soon aspossible—do not wait for the vehicle’s next scheduled Smog Check. A blinking or flashing light indicates a malfunction that should be addressed immediately to avoid serious damage to the vehicle. Check your owner’s manual for any parts or repairs that may be covered under your vehicle manufacturer’s emissions warranty.

WHAT IF MY VEHICLE FAILS A SMOG CHECK ?


The Smog Check station will provide you with a vehicle inspection report that shows yourvehicle’s results and the reason(s) for the failure. If you have questions, ask the station to explainthe information on the report. Any needed repairs should be performed by a station licensed toperform Smog Check repairs. After completing the repairs, have your vehicle retested? The station will provide you a final report once your vehicle passes Smog Check and will electronically send the certificate to DMV.