Smog Check locations and hours in Redlands

Redlands has several smog check stations within the city limits, plus more in nearby San Bernardino and Riverside. The California Bureau of Automotive Repair maintains a searchable database of all licensed stations at bar.ca.gov — enter your ZIP code (92373 for central Redlands, 92374 for the north side) to see which stations are closest and their hours.

Most independent smog shops in Redlands are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited Saturday hours. Some close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m. Call ahead before you go, because a few stations close for a week or two during slow seasons. Chain locations like Jiffy Lube and Firestone also perform smog checks, though their hours tend to be longer and more consistent.

The test itself takes 10 to 15 minutes once you're in the bay. You'll need your vehicle registration and proof of ownership. Bring your keys and be prepared to wait — most stations don't take appointments, so arrival time matters more than the time you call.

Key Takeaways

  • Search bar.ca.gov by ZIP code to find licensed smog stations near you in Redlands, along with their current hours and phone numbers.
  • The test costs between $30 and $70 depending on the station and your vehicle type, and results are available when ready after the inspection.
  • You'll need your vehicle registration and proof of ownership, and the inspection takes 10 to 15 minutes once you're in the testing bay.
  • If your vehicle fails, you have 30 days to repair it and retest at any licensed station — the retest is usually cheaper than the initial inspection.

What the smog check tests and why your vehicle might fail

California's smog check measures your vehicle's emissions through the onboard diagnostic system (OBD-II port) and, for older vehicles, through a tailpipe test. The inspector plugs a scanner into your vehicle's OBD-II port — located under the steering column or dashboard — and reads the emissions data your vehicle has already recorded. This takes a few minutes and doesn't damage anything.

Your vehicle fails if the emissions exceed state limits or if the check engine light is on. The check engine light doesn't always mean you'll fail — sometimes it's a loose gas cap or a sensor that needs cleaning — but the smog station cannot clear it for you. You'll need to take your vehicle to a repair shop to diagnose the problem. Once it's fixed, you can return to any smog station for a retest.

Vehicles from 1975 and older are exempt from smog checks in California. Vehicles from 1976 to 1999 may be exempt if they're registered as classic cars or have been out of state for two or more years. Check your registration paperwork or call the Redlands DMV office to confirm your vehicle's status before paying for a test.

Cost and payment methods at Redlands stations

Smog check prices in Redlands range from $30 to $70 for the initial inspection, depending on the station and whether your vehicle is a sedan, SUV, or truck. Most stations charge the same amount for a retest if you fail, though some offer a discount on the second test. A few stations charge slightly less if you pay cash instead of card.

All licensed stations accept cash and major credit cards. Some accept checks, but this is less common. Ask about the price before the test begins — stations must post their fees clearly, and you have the right to know the cost upfront. If a station won't tell you the price before testing, you can walk out and find another one.

The smog check fee is separate from any repairs your vehicle might need. If you fail and need work done, the repair shop will give you a separate estimate. Some repair shops offer a discount if you have the smog check done at their location, so it's worth asking when you call for an appointment.

How to read your smog check results and what to do if you fail

You'll receive a printed smog check report when ready after the test. The report shows whether you passed or failed, and if you failed, it lists which emissions exceeded the limit. Keep this report — you'll need it if you take your vehicle to a repair shop, and you'll need it again when you retest.

If you fail, you have 30 days from the test date to repair your vehicle and retest. You can retest at the same station or any other licensed station in California. The repair shop will use your smog report to diagnose the problem, though they may run additional tests to pinpoint the exact cause. Common failures include a faulty oxygen sensor, a clogged catalytic converter, or a loose or missing gas cap.

If you pass, the station will submit your results electronically to the California Department of Motor Vehicles. You don't need to do anything else — your registration will be updated automatically. If you're renewing your registration soon, the smog clearance will show up in your DMV record within a few days.

Smog check requirements for Redlands vehicle registration

In Redlands, you need a current smog check to register or renew the registration of any vehicle that's six years old or newer. Vehicles that are five years old or older need a smog check every two years. The test must be done within 90 days before your registration expires.

If your registration has already expired, you can still get a smog check and renew your registration at the DMV, but you may face a late renewal penalty. The smog check itself doesn't cost extra, but the DMV will charge a late fee if your registration lapsed. It's cheaper to renew on time.

Diesel vehicles and vehicles registered as commercial have different smog check rules. If your vehicle is a diesel truck or registered for business use, call the Redlands DMV office at (909) 335-4800 to confirm what you need before you pay for a test.

What to do before you go to the smog station

Before you visit a smog station, make sure your vehicle has been driven for at least 10 minutes so the engine is warm. A cold engine can produce false readings. If your check engine light is on, you can still get a smog check, but you'll likely fail. Consider having a mechanic scan the code first to see if it's something quick to fix.

Check that your gas cap is tight and not cracked. A loose or damaged gas cap is one of the easiest reasons to fail a smog check, and it's also one of the cheapest to fix. If the cap is missing, buy a replacement at any auto parts store for $5 to $15 before you test.

Bring your vehicle registration and proof of ownership (title or registration card). Some stations also ask for your driver's license. If you're not the registered owner, bring a letter from the owner authorizing you to have the test done, though most stations will test the vehicle regardless as long as you have the registration.

Retesting after a repair and what happens next

Once your vehicle is repaired, you can return to any licensed smog station for a retest. You don't have to go back to the same station where you failed. Bring your original smog report and your vehicle registration. The retest follows the same process as the initial test and takes 10 to 15 minutes.

If you pass the retest, the station will submit your results to the DMV when ready. Your registration will be updated within a few days. If you fail again, you have another 30 days to make repairs and retest. Some repair shops offer a warranty on their work, so if the same problem fails again, ask whether they'll fix it for free.

If you've had multiple failures on the same vehicle, the California Bureau of Automotive Repair may require you to visit a referee station instead of a regular smog station for your next test. Referee stations are run by the BAR and perform more thorough inspections. Your repair shop or the regular smog station will tell you if you need to go to a referee station.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a smog check if my check engine light is on?

Yes, you can get a smog check with the light on, but you will almost certainly fail. The light indicates a problem the vehicle has detected. Have a mechanic scan the code first to see what needs fixing, then get the smog check after the repair.

How long does a smog check take?

The actual test takes 10 to 15 minutes once you're in the testing bay. Wait time depends on how busy the station is — you might wait 30 minutes or longer if you arrive during lunch or late afternoon. Arriving early in the morning usually means a shorter wait.

What if I fail the smog check twice?

After two failures on the same vehicle, you may be required to take your vehicle to a referee station run by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair. Referee stations perform more detailed inspections and cost more, but they can help identify problems that regular stations miss.

Do I need an appointment for a smog check in Redlands?

Most smog stations in Redlands do not take appointments and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Call ahead to confirm hours and ask about wait times, but expect to arrive and wait your turn. A few larger shops may take appointments — ask when you call.

Can I get a smog check if my vehicle is registered out of state?

Yes, you can get a smog check in California even if your vehicle is registered elsewhere. You'll need your out-of-state registration and proof of ownership. The results will be valid for California registration purposes once you move your registration to California.