Where to take your smog test in Fontana
Fontana has two types of smog test stations: Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) certified stations and STAR (Smog Check Referee) stations. Most people use certified stations because they are faster and more numerous. You can find them by searching "smog check" on Google Maps or by visiting the California Bureau of Automotive Repair website and entering your zip code (92335 or 92337 for Fontana) into their station locator.
Certified stations in Fontana include independent shops, tire shops, and some dealerships. They typically charge between $30 and $50 for a smog test, though prices vary by location. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment — many now require reservations, especially during peak testing periods.
STAR stations are referee stations run by the state and used only when you fail a test and want a second opinion. There is one STAR station in San Bernardino County, but you would only visit it after failing at a certified station.
Key Takeaways
- Certified smog check stations in Fontana charge $30 to $50 and can be found through the California Bureau of Automotive Repair locator tool by zip code.
- You need your vehicle registration, proof of ownership, and a valid ID to take the test; bring your keys so the technician can start the engine.
- Smog tests take 10 to 30 minutes and test your vehicle's emissions through a tailpipe probe or onboard diagnostic port depending on your vehicle's year and type.
- If you pass, the station uploads your results to the state within 24 hours and you can renew your registration when ready.
- If you fail, you have 30 days to repair your vehicle and retest at any certified station; the second test costs the same as the first.
What documents and information you need to bring
Bring your vehicle registration, proof of ownership (title or registration document), and a valid photo ID. The technician will need to see that the vehicle is registered to you or that you have permission to test it. If you are testing a vehicle you do not own, bring a notarized letter from the owner authorizing the test.
Have your keys ready so the technician can start the engine and run the test. Some stations may ask for your vehicle identification number (VIN), which is on your registration and on the driver's side of your dashboard. Write it down before you go if you want to speed up the check-in process.
How the smog test works and what gets tested
The smog test measures your vehicle's emissions of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and hydrocarbons. For vehicles made in 1996 or later, the technician plugs a diagnostic scanner into your vehicle's onboard diagnostic (OBD) port, usually located under the steering wheel or dashboard. The scanner reads data from your engine's computer and takes about 10 minutes.
For older vehicles (1995 and earlier), the technician inserts a probe into your tailpipe and measures emissions directly. This test also takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Either way, your engine must be running and warmed up, which is why the technician needs your keys.
The test does not require you to drive the vehicle or take it on a road test. You sit in the waiting area while the technician performs the test at the station.
What happens if you pass your smog test
If your vehicle passes, the station prints a smog certification document and uploads the results to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 24 hours. You can use this document to renew your vehicle registration when ready — you do not have to wait for the DMV to receive the electronic record, though it is safer to wait a day or two to be certain.
Your smog test is valid for 30 days from the test date. If you do not renew your registration within that window, you will need to take another test. Keep your smog certification document in your vehicle until your registration renewal is complete.
What to do if you fail the smog test
If your vehicle fails, the station gives you a copy of the failed test results showing which emissions exceeded the limit. You have 30 days from the test date to repair your vehicle and retest. You can retest at any certified smog station in California, not just the one where you failed.
Common reasons for failure include a faulty oxygen sensor, a loose gas cap, a clogged air filter, or a malfunctioning catalytic converter. The test results will tell you which emissions were high, which can help a mechanic diagnose the problem. Repairs can range from $50 (gas cap, air filter) to $500 or more (catalytic converter, engine work).
When you retest, you pay the full test fee again (typically $30 to $50). If you pass the second test, you are done. If you fail again, you have another 30 days to repair and retest. After two consecutive failures, you may become ineligible for registration renewal until you pass.
Smog test requirements by vehicle age and type
Most vehicles registered in California must pass a smog test every two years. However, some vehicles are exempt. New vehicles (typically those less than four model years old) are exempt for their first two registration renewals. Vehicles that are 1975 or older are also exempt, as are some electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Diesel vehicles have different testing requirements than gasoline vehicles. If you own a diesel truck or car, confirm with the station that they can test diesel vehicles — not all certified stations do. The California Bureau of Automotive Repair locator will show you which stations near you test diesel.
Vehicles registered in other states but driven in California for more than 20 days in a year must also pass a California smog test before registration renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a smog test take?
A smog test typically takes 10 to 30 minutes from start to finish. OBD tests (1996 and newer vehicles) are usually faster, around 10 to 15 minutes. Tailpipe tests (1995 and older) may take slightly longer. Wait times at the station depend on how busy it is; calling ahead can help you avoid a long wait.
Can I test my vehicle if the check engine light is on?
No. If your check engine light is on, your vehicle will fail the smog test because the light indicates a fault in the emissions system. You must have a mechanic diagnose and repair the problem first, then clear the code before retesting. The diagnostic scan is separate from the smog test and costs extra.
What if I just moved to Fontana from out of state?
When you register your vehicle in California, you must pass a smog test as part of the registration process. You cannot register a vehicle without a passing smog test unless it is exempt by age or type. Take your test at any certified station in Fontana and bring the passing certificate to the DMV when you register.
Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
Many Fontana stations now require appointments, especially during busy seasons. Call ahead to confirm. Some stations still accept walk-ins, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour. Booking an appointment online or by phone is faster and guarantees a time slot.
What if my vehicle fails and I cannot afford repairs?
If repairs cost more than a certain amount (the threshold varies by vehicle age and type), you may be ineligible for a repair cost waiver from the state. Contact the California Bureau of Automotive Repair or your local air quality management district to learn whether your vehicle qualifies. A waiver allows you to register without passing the test, but it is not automatic and has strict income and repair cost limits.