Smog check rules for CA
 

Does anyone know what the rules are for frequency of smog checks for CA? I know it depends on the County and how old your car is. But what are the specifics??

It used to be that my 2009 370Z was only required to be smog once every few years - can't remember exactly, but maybe 5-6 years?? But for the last 3 years, they required it twice (which comes out to every other year). This year, they are making me go to a STAR station.

If registering the car in a different county would help reduce the frequency of them requiring the car to be smoged, I would do it. I own another property in Orange County, which I think has more lenient smog rules, so I can register my car at that address. I'm in LA County.

Never mind. Looks like all vehicles 8 years or newer do not require a smog check. All others are every other year. All counties require smog checks except for El Dorado, Riverside, Placer, San Diego, San Bernardino, and Sonoma Counties.

Only certain zip codes in those six counties are exempt from biennial smog checks. All the populated areas are not exempt.

CA sure does have alot (too many) rules/regulations when it comes to vehicles.

All we have to do is renew our registration.