Smog Check Cost

Typical costs:

• Requirements and costs vary by state, and often from county to county within a state; if a smog check or emissions test is required, it might be provided free in some states or can cost $30-$90 or more at a certified private facility.
• For example, Pennsylvania^[1] requires an annual emissions check, generally done at the same time as the mandatory annual safety inspection; exact testing varies by regions within the state, but the combined tests typically cost $35-$90.
• New Jersey^[2] requires an emissions check every other year for vehicles at least five years old or older, as part of the vehicle registration renewal process; the emissions check is offered free of charge at state-operated inspection station or can cost $20-$60 or more at a private facility.
• Out of 254 Texas^[3] counties, 17 require an annual emissions test, done at the same time as the mandatory annual safety inspection; this typically costs $24-$40.
• A smog check in California^[4] typically costs $30-$90; this may include all fees, or there can be additional charges such as about $8 for a state certificate fee once the vehicle passes the test, or an electronic transmission fee (about $1-$3) for transmitting the vehicle's information via a dedicated phone line. About 18 out of 58 California counties do not require a smog check; six require a smog check only in certain zip codes and the remaining 34 counties require a smog check every two or when a vehicle more than four years old is sold.
• If the vehicle doesn't pass the emissions test, repairs can cost $100-$3,500 or more, depending on what is needed. For example, a complete tune-up with new spark plugs, wires, fuel filter, air filter and more can cost $200-$800 or more. Replacing a failed catalytic converter can cost $300-$3,000, depending on the year, make and model of vehicle, but averages about $1,000.

• The type of emissions testing required varies by state, and often by the age, make and model of vehicle. For example, in some Texas^[5] counties, older vehicles must have a tailpipe (ASM or TSI) test and new vehicles undergo a computerized On Board Diagnostics procedure.

• States may offer assistance with emission-related repairs for low-income owners, put a maximum on the amount an owner has to pay for repairs or pay a set amount to "retire" a failed vehicle. For example, California^[6] will pay up to $500 for emissions-related repairs for qualified motorists or $1,000-$1,500 to take a vehicle that failed the smog check off the streets. Illinois^[7] will waive the emissions check requirement if a vehicle has failed at least two tests, the owner has spent a minimum of $450 on emission-related repairs from a recognized repair technician, all the vehicle's emission control devices are properly connected and operating, and proper paperwork is presented.

• DMV.org (a privately owned website not associated with any state government) lists smog and emission rules by state^[8] .
• Most states maintain a searchable database of smog or emissions-testing stations, such as those provided by California^[9] , Illinois^[10] , Texas^[11] or Wisconsin^[12] .

1.  www.dmv.state.pa.us/inspections/emissions.shtml
2.  www.nj.gov/mvc/Inspections/Understanding.htm
3.  www.txdps.state.tx.us/rsd/vi/inspection/inspectionCriteria.aspx
4.  www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/smog.htm
5.  www.txdps.state.tx.us/rsd/vi/consumerinfo/emissionTesting.htm
6.  www.bar.ca.gov/80_BARResources/01_CAP&GoldShield/Factsheets/Website%20CAP%20FAQs.pdf
7.  www.epa.state.il.us/air/vim/faq/failure.html#11
8.  www.dmv.org/smog-check.php
9.  www.bar.ca.gov/pubwebquery/Station/StationList.aspx
10.  www.epa.state.il.us/air/vim/locations.html
11.  www.txdps.state.tx.us/rsd/vi/misc/rerf/emissionRepairLocator.aspx
12.  www.wisconsinvip.org/WivipPublic/

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