[SINGH_]

I just bought my car stock a few months back, so far I have a few mods under my belt. I'm looking to install some downpipes within the next few weeks...

So I was wondering, how could I find out when my next smog test is due? Is there any way I can smog the vehicle right now... even if it is not requested. Before I switch out my downpipes...

Thanks guys. My last car was a '65 Chevelle with a LSx swap... I've never owned a car I had to smog. Seems like some stressful stuff lol

[SSW]

In CA, a smog test is scheduled every 2 years and is required before you pay for your registration. They tell you on the registration statement whether a smog test is required or not. I suppose you could just go in to have the car smogged anytime you want but I think they'd still may you re-smog it on the 2 year cycle, when your registration is due. So, there's probably no advantage to going in early.

The only other time you are required to smog a car is when one is bought/sold. The seller is supposed to pay for that but it's a negotiable matter. I paid to smog the 2008 335i E90 that I bought in Dec because the seller gave me a good deal and it was easier for me to just get it done BUT that's only because I wasn't worried about the car passing smog. If there's any doubt, let the seller do it.

[SINGH_]

Originally Posted by swingshiftworker

In CA, a smog test is scheduled every 2 years and is required before you pay for your registration. They tell you on the registration statement whether a smog test is required or not. I suppose you could just go in to have the car smogged anytime you want but I think they'd still may you re-smog it on the 2 year cycle, when your registration is due. So, there's probably no advantage to going in early.

The only other time you are required to smog a car is when one is bought/sold. The seller is supposed to pay for that but it's a negotiable matter. I paid to smog the 2008 335i E90 that I bought in Dec because the seller gave me a good deal and it was easier for me to just get it done BUT that's only because I wasn't worried about the car passing smog. If there's any doubt, let the seller do it.

Do you know if dealerships are required to smog a vehicle before selling it?

[Ch3ss]

Originally Posted by E92 N54

Do you know if dealerships are required to smog a vehicle before selling it?

When I bought mine they smogged it before selling it.

[Efini]

yea they gotta be smogged

[paprmkr]

smog good for 90 days. so if registration is coming up and think you might be due for smog wait to be within that time. or they will not accept it

[CenCal X3M Comp]

I think it also depends on the County. I know the Smog Shops in my area will not smog unless they have the renewal paper from the DMV. I believe they scan it and send the result electronically to the DMV. So if its not due, there is nothing to send. Again, that is what is required in Kern County.

[SSW]

Originally Posted by E92 N54

Do you know if dealerships are required to smog a vehicle before selling it?

Every car that is sold/transferred is required to get smog tested and dealers do it routinely before putting the car up for sale.

[SINGH_]

is that dealership smog then transferred to the dmv? or is it a test only to determine the vehicle will be capable of passing at the date of sale?

thanks!

[SSW]

Originally Posted by E92 N54

is that dealership smog then transferred to the dmv? or is it a test only to determine the vehicle will be capable of passing at the date of sale? thanks!

I believe the car is actually smog tested by the dealership when the car is put up for sale (which is before it is actually sold). There is a smog certificate that they have to file w/the DMV after the car is sold and delivered to the buyer and, the car doesn't have one, the DMV will not register the vehicle and you won't get your plates and/or current reg docs from the DMV.

If you want to see the smog certificate for a "used" car you are buying, I'm sure that you can ask to see it. I never have but I've never had a car registration denied for lack of smog certification when I've bought a "used" car from a dealer. I think different rules may apply to "new" car sales.