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Vehicle Inspections and Smog/Emissions Inspections in California

Published by Joe Webster.

California (CA), USA

Vehicle Inspections and Smog/Emissions Inspections in California

Inspections in California: Vehicle and Smog/Emissions

When you have a vehicle shipped to California, there are certain things you must do in order to lawfully have the car registered in the state. First you must be registered as a resident. From there, you can begin the process of vehicle registration. This process may require you to pass a vehicle inspection or smog/emission inspection before it can be registered. You will have anywhere from 10 to 20 days depending on circumstances, to complete this process so it is best to get started right after the vehicle enters the state.

What Is Included in a Vehicle Inspection?

Internal Inspection

  • Review of the engine compartment- check for leaks, fluid levels, condition of belts, and safe start features
  • Cab check and engine start- pressure gauges, mirrors, windshield, wipers, emergency equipment, lights, heater/AC, and brakes
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External Inspection

  • Steering - check boxes, hoses and linkage
  • Suspension - check springs, torques, mounts, and shock absorbers
  • Brakes - inspect slack adjustors, pushrods, chambers, hoses and lines, and linings
  • Wheels - check rims, tires, axle seals, hub oil, lug nuts, and spacers
  • Side of Vehicle - doors, windows, mirrors, fuel tank, exhaust system, frame, and drive shaft
  • Rear of Vehicle - splash guards, doors, ties and lifts

Depending on the vehicle type, other facets of the vehicle may be inspected also. Everything listed above is checked over to assure it is in good condition. Each facet inspected must meet the state standards before it can pass vehicle inspection.

What Is Included in a Smog/Emissions Inspection?

After establishing residency you have 20 days to complete California’s smog/emissions inspection. If you are already a registered resident, a new car may only have 10 days to pass this inspection. However, not all vehicles must undergo this inspection.

Vehicles Exempt from the Smog/Emissions Test

  • Gasoline powered vehicles made in 1975 and older
  • Diesel powered vehicles made in 1997 and older
  • Natural gas powered vehicles weighing over 14,000 lbs
  • Diesel powered vehicles weighing over 14,000 lbs
  • Electric or hybrid vehicles
  • Motorcycles

All vehicles are required to take a biannual smog/emissions test unless they are 6 years or older. In this case, as the owner you will be charged $20 annually for a smog abatement fee for the first 6 years. After 6 years of paying the smog abatement fee, you are required to take the biannual test.

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Joe Webster always knew the auto transport industry would be a great career option. And with decades of experience, Joe is now an established consultant for A1 Auto Transport.

Joe was born in Santa Cruz, California. During high school, Joe worked as a mechanic; a job continued to work part-time during his bachelor's degree.

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It’s my number one pick in auto shipping to this day.
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...my choice in terms of auto transport has to be A1 Auto Transport. It’s in the name, but also in the quality with which they do their jobs. I’ve never had a problem with this company.
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A1 Auto Transport... From the get go, they were very different from my past options. Their website was very professional and up to date, full of useful information. I requested a quote using their online form, and I got an email response within an hour. Surprisingly fast!
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I can safely say this is a legit company that will get the job done.
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There are a lot of options for auto transport these days, which surprisingly makes it harder to find a good company. I received more than 10 offers to ship my car, but I couldn’t decide on any of them... Fortunately, I made the right choice with A1 Auto Transport.
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We give A1 Auto Transport a big 10 out of 10! We chose them to move our car from California to Vermont, since we needed professionals.

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A-1 Auto Transport is a disclosed agent for the following shipping companies:

CSI Logistics
435 Division Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
FMC 22206
Intl Cargo
45 Campus Drive
Edison, NJ 08837
NO. 17858N
Trans Global Auto Logistics, Inc.
3401 E Randol Mill Rd,
Arlington, TX 76011
NO. 018191NF
CFR Rinkens
15501 Texaco Avenue
Paramount, CA 90723
NO. 013055NF
ABC Worldwide LLC
2840 NW 2nd Ave #105
Boca Raton, FL 33431
NO. 025472F
ShipYourCarNow LLC
1160 South Rogers Circle Suite 1
Boca Raton, FL 33487
NO. 025646
Merco Air & Ocean Cargo, Inc.
6 Fir Way
Cooper City, FL 33026
NO. 021869F
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