All hybrid vehicles now have to get smog checks. After all, they basically were exempt since their release date in 2000. When Hybrids were first put on the market, a smog test could not be conducted. Due to the inadequacy of the equipment for the hybrid vehicles.
The vehicles could not be tested with the traditional tailpipe test. Due to the hybrid changing over to its electric motor when traveling at low speeds.
Now with the Biennial Smog Test, Hybrid Vehicles get tests and checks. According to, BAR CA:
“All hybrid vehicles will be subject to a Smog Check. Just like traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Hybrid vehicles six model-years and newer are exempt from the biennial Smog Check requirement. Hybrid vehicles four model-years and newer are also exempt from the change-of-ownership Smog Check requirement.” Regarding diesel vehicles:
- Those models that were manufactured prior to 1998
- Or with a GVWR (gross vehicle weight) of 14000 pounds,
- electric, natural gas-powered vehicles over 14 thousand pounds,
- motorcycles
- trailers
- and gas-powered vehicles 1975 and older,
The mentioned above list will be exempt from smog checks.
Besides that, all other vehicles have to get a smog check. May be also charged until a smog check has been conducted on the motor vehicle.
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