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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a smog check?
- Registration Renewal – Most vehicles require a smog check every two years along with the DMV Registration, EXCEPT for gasoline vehicles that are newer than 8 years old (new rule as of January 1, 2019), gasoline vehicles older than 1975, and DIESEL vehicles from 1997 and older. DIESEL vehicles require smog inspection every 2 years from new for registration renewal.
- Out of State Transfer – If you are bringing your car from out of state will need a smog check in order to get a California registration for transfer in state, with the exception of vehicles 1975 and older, and diesel vehicles 1997 and older.
- Change of Ownership – If you are purchasing a car, it is the seller’s responsibility to have a smog check performed before the transaction is made. However, buyer can get they’re own smog check anytime for registration also. It is the legal responsibility of seller to assure the vehicle passes a smog check upon sale.
- Gross Polluter – Gross polluter smog checks are vehicles that failed the smog test badly with extremely high emission numbers. They require a retest at a STAR certified station, sometimes a test only smog station.
Where is Middlefield Smog Check located?
We are located at 2800 Middlefield Road in Redwood City, CA, about 3/4 mile south of Costco on the corner of Pacific Avenue and Middlefield Road. We sit in between Woodside Road and 5th avenue, same side of the street as Costco, across the street from Connoisseur Coffee and 7 Mares restaurant. Parking for smog check can be challenging at times, if garage is empty just pull in. Please give us a call if you need any help finding us at (650) 739-8111
Do you have a waiting area?
How long does a smog check take?
2000 year and newer vehicles take 15 minutes or less from start to finish, 1999 and older take a bit longer due to dynamometer (dyno) run and prep.
I have a diesel vehicle
I have a commercial vehicle
Smog check for commercial vehicles, box trucks, box vans and large heavy duty trucks are welcome. These vehicles may take a bit longer to smog check and inspect due to access covers, space confinements, and component lookups.
Do you do smog checks on all-wheel drive or 4 wheel drive vehicles?
Yes we can smog all vehicles, its done a little differently though, the smog check is performed using a two-speed idle test instead of on a dynamometer run if the vehicle is 1999 or older, if the vehicle is a year 2000 and newer no dyno run is needed during the inspection. Visual and functional tests still apply for all vehicles.
Do you do smog checks on hybrid vehicles?
Yes, all hybrid gas burning engine and plug in hybrid/gas vehicles require smog check, hybrid vehicles are welcome. Electric only or plug in only vehicles do not require smog test.
I don't have my DMV Renewal Form
Do you send the certificates to DMV?
Yes, we instantly send certificate information and notification right after a passing smog test and inspection is done. A smog certificate number and DMV ID number will be on vehicle inspection report (VIR),important information for a DMV transfer. VIR is electronically submitted upon passing vehicle smog check also. You don’t need to send VIR if renewing registration via online or DMV kiosk. You will get a form vehicle inspection report (VIR) to present if your registration process requires one.
What is the Consumer Assistance Program?
The Consumer Assistance Program is designed to help improve California’s air quality. The program is frequently used to either retire unwanted vehicles or request monetary assistance towards smog only repairs when a vehicle no longer passes. We are a test only smog check station and aren’t allowed to make or submit repairs to the consumer assistance program, only Smog Test and Repair stations can perform this. To find out more information, call us or visit the official California page, CA.GOV
I was directed to a STAR-Certified station. Can you help?
My check engine light is on, can it pass the smog check?
No, it will not pass smog test. We are a TEST ONLY smog station and aren’t allowed to do adjustments or repairs. We do have various repair shops all around us and right next door if you desire repair done locally. You also may be eligible for assistance to pay for repairs with the Consumer Assistance Program, so you SHOULD still do a smog check for your vehicle to get a full result of all aspects of the smog test, visual, functional, tailpipe (if required) and check engine light scan diagnosis so you know if anything else is needing attention rather that fail a second time on something missed the first time around.
My car has been modified with an aftermarket air intake, exhaust modification or performance equipment or with something else not from factory
As long as the parts have a sticker with an OE# affixed to engine compartment somewhere or on part itself, which we verify if the label and component is correct for vehicle, the parts will be considered legal for street use in California. We will verify a number match to lookup database to confirm. Or you can look up your EO number yourself via this link/site: https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermkt/devices/amquery.php Please let us know about aftermarket parts before getting your smog check. You may save yourself from a fail smog test and lost time by checking your vehicle before for the label accuracy.
Who is responsible for a smog check when the car is being sold?
The seller is required to have a valid smog check certification before a time of sale or transfer. The buyer is able to smog vehicle for the transfer also, but it is a legal responsibility of the seller that the vehicle passes for the sale and transfer, its really up to both to decide who pays but ultimately a passing smog test is required for DMV transfer. If a biennial smog certification was recently submitted (less than 90 days), an inspection is not required, smog certificate is only valid for 90 days from inspection date. If the vehicle is less than 4 model years old, a smog certification is not required for a transfer.