What San Bernardino Smog Check requires
San Bernardino County follows California's statewide smog check program, which means your vehicle must pass an emissions test every two years if it is registered in the county. The test checks whether your car's exhaust meets state pollution standards. You cannot renew your vehicle registration without a passing smog check report — the Department of Motor Vehicles will not process your renewal until you submit one.
The smog check itself is performed at a Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) certified test-only station or a repair station that also performs testing. The technician connects your vehicle to a machine that measures tailpipe emissions and checks your onboard diagnostic system. The whole process takes about 30 minutes.
Not every vehicle needs a smog check. Vehicles registered in San Bernardino County are exempt if they are model year 1975 or older, or if they are brand new (model year vehicles less than four years old at the time of registration). Diesel vehicles over 14,000 pounds and some other specialty vehicles also have different rules. If you are unsure whether your vehicle needs testing, the DMV website has a lookup tool based on your vehicle's year and type.
Key Takeaways
- San Bernardino County requires a smog check every two years for most vehicles, and you cannot renew your registration without a passing test result.
- The test costs between $30 and $50 at a certified station and takes about 30 minutes; the fee is separate from any repairs your vehicle may need.
- If your vehicle fails, you have 30 days to fix the problem and retest at no additional charge at the same station.
- Vehicles model year 1975 or older and brand new vehicles less than four years old are exempt from smog check requirements.
- You can find certified test stations through the Bureau of Automotive Repair's online locator or by searching "smog check near me" in San Bernardino County.
Finding a certified smog check station in San Bernardino County
The Bureau of Automotive Repair maintains an online database of all certified test stations. You can search by city or zip code at the BAR website (bar.ca.gov). The search will show you the station's address, phone number, and hours. Most stations are independent shops, but some larger repair facilities and even a few quick-lube chains also perform smog checks.
Call ahead before you go. Ask whether they are currently accepting smog check appointments, what the test fee is (it varies slightly between stations), and whether they can test your specific vehicle type. Some stations have a wait time, especially during peak months like October and November when many registrations are coming due.
Bring your vehicle registration and a valid ID. The technician will need to see your current registration to confirm the vehicle's details and check whether a smog check is actually required for your vehicle.
What happens if your vehicle fails the smog check
If your vehicle fails, the test station will give you a printed report showing which emissions standards it did not meet. This report is not a repair order — it straightforward tells you what is wrong. You then have 30 days to have the vehicle repaired and bring it back to the same station for a retest at no additional charge.
You do not have to use the same repair shop that performed the smog check. You can take the failure report to any mechanic you trust. Common reasons for failure include a faulty oxygen sensor, a loose gas cap, a malfunctioning catalytic converter, or an engine light that is on. Many of these repairs cost between $100 and $500, though some can be more expensive.
If you cannot afford the repair right away, you can request a Repair information Program (RAP) referral from the test station. This program helps low-income vehicle owners pay for smog-related repairs. may be able to access and the amount of information vary by county program, so ask the station for details about what is available in San Bernardino County.
Timing your smog check before registration renewal
Your smog check is valid for 30 days from the test date. Plan to get tested within that window before your registration expires. If you test too early, your report will expire before the DMV processes your renewal, and you will have to test again.
Check your vehicle registration card to see your expiration date. You can also log into your DMV account online to see when your registration is due. Most people test about two weeks before their registration expires, which gives them time to handle a failure and retest if needed.
If your registration has already expired, you can still get a smog check, but you cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads until you renew it. Once you have a passing smog check report, you can renew your registration online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
Cost breakdown for smog check in San Bernardino County
The smog check test itself costs between $30 and $50 at a certified station. This fee covers the emissions test only and does not include any repairs. If your vehicle passes, that is your only cost. If it fails and you need repairs, those costs depend entirely on what is wrong with your vehicle and which repair shop you choose.
The smog check fee is separate from your vehicle registration renewal fee, which the DMV charges. You pay the test station for the smog check, and you pay the DMV for the registration renewal. Some people confuse the two and think the smog check is part of registration — it is not.
If you may have access to for the Repair information Program, you may be able to reduce or cover some repair costs. The amount varies, but some programs cover up to $500 or $1,000 of repair work. You will need to provide proof of income to the program administrator.
Smog check requirements for vehicles with check engine lights
If your vehicle's check engine light is on, it will fail the smog check. The light indicates that your vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected a problem — usually related to emissions. You must have the problem diagnosed and repaired before the vehicle can pass.
You do not need to go to the smog check station to have the light diagnosed. Any mechanic can read the diagnostic code using a scanner. Once you know what the code means, you can decide whether to repair it yourself or take it to a shop. Common codes related to smog failures include oxygen sensor problems, catalytic converter issues, and fuel system leaks.
After the repair is complete, the check engine light should turn off on its own after a few driving cycles, or a mechanic can clear it manually. Once the light is off, you can return to the smog check station for your retest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a smog check extension if my registration is about to expire?
No, the DMV does not grant smog check extensions. However, you can renew your registration online or by mail even if your smog check is not yet complete, as long as you submit the passing test report within a certain timeframe. Contact the DMV directly to confirm the current rules, as they can change.
What if I just moved to San Bernardino County from another state?
If you are registering an out-of-state vehicle in California for the first time, you will need a smog check before you can complete the registration. The vehicle must be model year 1975 or newer and at least four years old. Bring your out-of-state title and ID to a certified test station.
Do I need a smog check if I am selling my car?
No, the seller does not need to provide a smog check report. The buyer is responsible for getting a smog check when they register the vehicle in their name. However, some buyers ask for a recent smog check as part of the sale to confirm the vehicle is in good condition.
What if the smog check station says my vehicle cannot be tested?
Some vehicles cannot be tested at a standard test-only station — for example, very new vehicles, vehicles with modifications, or specialty vehicles. The station will tell you where to take your vehicle for testing. You may need to go to a repair station that has more advanced equipment, or contact the BAR directly for guidance.
How long does a smog check report stay valid?
A passing smog check report is valid for 30 days from the test date. You must submit it to the DMV within that window to renew your registration. If the 30 days pass without renewal, you will need to get tested again.