Hybrid Vehicles Smog Check

Beginning in April 2015, the California Department of Motor Vehicles began mailing registration renewal notices that require a smog check for hybrid vehicles with registrations due in July 2015.

In addition, any change-of-ownership smog inspection and all out-of-state hybrid vehicles registering in California for the first time must complete a smog check starting in April 2015.

For this reason, Hollywood Star Smog Check is a trusted and official hybrid smog check station serving California drivers.

Hybrid Smog Check Inspection Process

• Most hybrid vehicles follow a smog check procedure similar to a
  2000 or newer gasoline-powered vehicle.
• The inspection process includes:
  • A visual inspection of emission control components
  • An On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system scan
• Hybrid vehicles do not receive a visible smoke test or a tailpipe emissions test.
• Because of this updated process, inspections are typically faster and rely on modern diagnostic technology.
• Hollywood Star Smog Check Station is certified by the State of California and uses the latest
  BAR-OIS inspection system.
• As a result, we provide fast, reliable, and efficient smog check inspections for hybrid vehicles.
• California’s hybrid smog check procedures also follow inspection standards used in other states.

For more details, refer to the State of California 2021 Smog Check Manual
.

Hybrid Vehicles and Smog Check

• Hybrid vehicles are designed to meet strict California emission standards while offering improved fuel economy compared to conventional vehicles.
• Over time, emission control systems in hybrid vehicles can experience wear and deterioration similar to other vehicles.
• As a result, emissions levels can increase significantly when an emission control system malfunctions.
• For this reason, identifying and repairing emission-related issues early helps keep emissions low throughout the life of the vehicle.

Hybrid Smog Check Testing in California

• When hybrid vehicles entered the California market in 2000, existing BAR-97 equipment from 1997 could not test them accurately.
• During inspections, many hybrids switched into electric mode, which prevented proper emissions testing.
• Fortunately, this limitation has been resolved with the Bureau of Automotive Repair’s
  On-Board Diagnostic Inspection System (BAR-OIS).
• The BAR-OIS inspection process includes:
  • A visual inspection of emission control components
  • A scan of the vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system
• In addition, Hollywood Star Smog Check Station is certified by the State of California and fully equipped with the latest BAR-OIS technology to inspect hybrid vehicles correctly.

For more details, visit our

California BAR-OIS information page
.

Contact us in Los Angeles, California, to request information about hybrid smog check inspections.

We are California’s leading STAR smog check station in Los Angeles, California, near: Hollywood, Los Angeles, Sunset, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Los Feliz, Hollywood Hills, Burbank, Studio City, Valley Village, Sun Valley, Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Universal City, Glendale, Pasadena, Sunland, Panorama City, Reseda, Northridge, Tarzana, Mission Hills, Granada Hills, San Fernando, Beverly Hills, Culver City, and San Fernando Valley. Check out our coupon page for discounts.