How to Check Car Smog in California

The state of California is working hard to bring vehicle smog, or emissions, under control with the introduction of the Department of Consumer Affairs' Smog Check Program. The program includes mandatory smog checks, or inspections, every second year for all vehicles six years old or more. In 2009, the state permanently removed 22,000 offending vehicles from the roads. Lower-income drivers can obtain assistance from the state to ensure that their vehicles meet air quality standards. Drivers may apply state payments for retiring their vehicles to the purchase of a newer, lower-emission car.

Things You'll Need

• Internet

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Instructions

How to Check the California Smog Level Index

• 1

  Online, go to aqmd.gov, the official website of the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

• 2

  To the left of the screen, find and click on "Current Hourly Air Quality" to bring up a map of the south coast.

• 3

  Zoom in or out to locate the area of interest.

• 4

  To the left of the color-coded map find and compare the color-code chart for air quality levels from good (green) to hazardous (dark red).

How to Check a Vehicles Emission Level

• 5

  From the home page of aqmd.gov, scroll down and find on the left, "Current Programs, Events and Topics."

• 6

  Click on the "Clean Air Vehicles" subheading.

• 7

  On this page, choose and click on one of the years highlighted. Information on makes and models regarding fuel mileage and emissions for comparison of vehicles from that year is provided here.