Smog Plus is California's voluntary program that lets you fix emissions problems after you fail a smog check
If your vehicle fails an emissions test in California, you have two paths forward: repair it yourself, or enroll in Smog Plus (also called the Smog Abatement Performance Program). Smog Plus lets you register your vehicle even though it failed, as long as you commit to fixing the emissions problem within a set timeframe. You pay a fee upfront, get a temporary registration, and then have time to complete repairs at a shop of your choice.
The program exists because some repairs are expensive, and California recognizes that not every owner can fix a vehicle when ready. Smog Plus gives you a legal way to keep driving while you save money or schedule work. But it is not a free pass—you still have to complete the repairs, and if you do not, your registration will not renew.
Key Takeaways
- Smog Plus costs between $100 and $300 depending on your vehicle's model year and the type of failure, and you pay this fee when you enroll.
- You have 90 days from enrollment to complete repairs and pass a retest at a Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) station.
- You can choose any repair shop—you do not have to use a specific one—but the shop must be BAR-certified to perform smog repairs.
- If you do not complete repairs within 90 days, your registration will not renew and you cannot legally drive the vehicle.
- Smog Plus is only available for vehicles that fail by a small margin; vehicles that fail badly may not be may be able to access.
Who can enroll in Smog Plus
Not every vehicle that fails a smog check is may be able to access. California limits Smog Plus to vehicles that fail emissions testing but are not so far out of spec that repair is impractical. The California Department of Consumer Affairs, which oversees the Bureau of Automotive Repair, sets the threshold based on how much the vehicle exceeds the emissions standard.
Your vehicle must also be at least two model years old to be may be able to access. Very new vehicles are still under manufacturer warranty and are expected to pass without the program. Additionally, you cannot enroll in Smog Plus if your vehicle has already been enrolled in the program within the past five years—it is a one-time-per-five-years option.
When you fail your smog test, the test station will tell you whether your vehicle qualifies for Smog Plus. If it does, they will explain the fee and the 90-day repair window. If your vehicle does not may have access to, you must repair it before you can register it.
How to enroll and what happens next
Enrollment happens at the smog test station where you failed. You do not go to the Department of Motor Vehicles or a separate office. The test station staff will collect the Smog Plus fee (which varies by vehicle age and failure type), give you a receipt, and issue you a temporary registration that is valid for 90 days. This temporary registration lets you legally drive the vehicle while you arrange repairs.
Once enrolled, you have 90 days to find a BAR-certified repair shop, have the emissions problem fixed, and return to a test station for a retest. The 90-day clock starts the day you enroll, not the day you actually get repairs done, so time management matters if you are waiting for an appointment or saving money.
You can take your vehicle to any BAR-certified shop in California. The shop does not have to be the same station where you failed the original test. When repairs are complete, you return to any BAR test station (not necessarily the original one) and pay for a retest. If you pass, the Smog Plus enrollment ends and your vehicle is cleared to register normally.
What happens if you do not complete repairs in time
If the 90 days pass and you have not passed a retest, your vehicle registration will not renew. You cannot legally drive it, and you cannot register it again until you complete the repairs and pass a smog test. At that point, you will also have to pay the standard registration renewal fee in addition to the smog test fee.
If you need more time, some owners choose to let the registration lapse temporarily, complete repairs, pass a test, and then renew. This is legal but means you cannot drive the vehicle on public roads in the interim. There is no extension or grace period built into Smog Plus itself.
The cost of Smog Plus enrollment and repairs
The Smog Plus enrollment fee ranges from roughly $100 to $300, depending on your vehicle's model year and the type of emissions failure. Older vehicles and vehicles with certain types of failures cost more to enroll. The test station will quote you the exact fee before you commit.
This fee is separate from the cost of actual repairs. Common emissions repairs—oxygen sensor replacement, catalytic converter work, fuel system cleaning, or engine control module reprogramming—vary widely in cost depending on the shop and the vehicle. A sensor replacement might be $200 to $400, while catalytic converter work can be $800 to $2,000 or more. You will also pay for the retest itself, which typically costs $50 to $80.
The total out-of-pocket cost (enrollment fee plus repairs plus retest) can be substantial, which is why some owners choose to repair when ready after failing rather than enroll in Smog Plus. However, if you cannot afford repairs right away, Smog Plus gives you time to save or finance the work.
Choosing a repair shop and what to expect
Any shop that holds a Bureau of Automotive Repair smog repair license can perform the work. This includes independent shops, dealerships, and chain repair facilities. Before you commit, call a few shops, describe the failure (the test station will give you a printout), and ask for an estimate. Prices and turnaround times vary.
When you take your vehicle in, bring the smog test failure report. This document tells the shop exactly what failed and helps them diagnose the problem. A reputable shop will explain what they found, what they are fixing, and why. If the estimate seems high, get a second opinion—emissions repairs are straightforward enough that pricing should be comparable across shops.
After repairs are complete, ask the shop for a receipt and documentation of what was done. This is useful if you ever need to dispute a repair or if the vehicle fails again for the same reason.
Retesting and what happens if you fail again
Once repairs are done, you take your vehicle to any BAR test station for a retest. The retest costs the same as an initial smog test. If you pass, the Smog Plus enrollment is complete and your vehicle is cleared to register. You can then renew your registration normally at the DMV.
If you fail the retest, you have a choice: repair again and retest, or let the Smog Plus enrollment expire and handle it differently. If you choose to repair and retest again, you are still within the 90-day window as long as you have not exceeded the important date. However, you will pay for each retest. If the 90 days expire before you pass, your registration will not renew.
If the same problem fails again after repairs, the shop may warranty their work. Ask about this before you leave. If a different emissions system fails on the retest, that is a separate issue and you would need to address it through a new repair or a new Smog Plus enrollment (if may be able to access).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive out of state while enrolled in Smog Plus?
Your temporary registration is valid only in California. If you travel out of state, you can drive there, but you cannot register the vehicle in another state while enrolled. Once the 90 days end or you pass the retest, your status returns to normal.
What if I sell my vehicle while enrolled in Smog Plus?
The Smog Plus enrollment is tied to the vehicle, not the owner. If you sell it, the new owner inherits the enrollment and the 90-day important date. Make sure the buyer understands this before you complete the sale, because they will be responsible for finishing repairs and passing the retest.
Does Smog Plus cover repairs, or just the enrollment fee?
Smog Plus covers only the enrollment fee and gives you time to repair. You pay for all actual repairs separately. The program does not reimburse repair costs or cover the work itself.
Can I enroll in Smog Plus more than once?
No. You can only use Smog Plus once per vehicle per five-year period. If you fail again within five years of a previous enrollment, you must repair the vehicle before registration.
What if my vehicle is too old or too new for Smog Plus?
Vehicles newer than two model years are not may be able to access. Very old vehicles may also be ineligible if they fail too badly. The test station will tell you at the time of failure whether your vehicle qualifies.