Frequently Asked Questions—Quick Smog, Yuba City, CA

A smog check is an emissions inspection required by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) to ensure your vehicle meets environmental standards. It helps reduce pollution and ensures your car or truck runs efficiently.

Most vehicles in California must pass a smog check every two years for registration renewal. You may also need a test when buying, selling, or registering a vehicle from another state.

Quick Smog tests a wide range of vehicles, including:

• Gasoline-powered cars and SUVs

• Hybrids and light trucks

• Diesel vehicles (1998 or newer, under 14,000 lbs)

• Heavy-duty and commercial trucks

• 18-wheelers and fleet vehicles

We provide both basic and enhanced smog tests for compliance with California’s strict air quality laws.

Most smog checks at Quick Smog are completed in about 45 minutes or less. You can walk in without an appointment and receive same-day service.

You’ll need to bring:

• Your vehicle registration

• Driver’s license

• Payment method (we accept major forms of payment)

If your vehicle previously failed a test, please also bring your Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR).

A STAR-certified station meets high performance standards set by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). This means Quick Smog is authorized to test STAR-directed, test-only, and gross polluter vehicles with accurate, state-approved equipment.

Our certification ensures that your results are officially recognized by the DMV and electronically reported on your behalf.

Yes! We specialize in diesel smog testing for light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles—including 18-wheelers and fleet trucks.

Our technicians perform Clean Truck Checks and mobile diesel testing for both individual drivers and commercial operators. Whether you need to stay compliant with California’s Heavy-Duty Inspection Program or renew your registration, we’ve got you covered.

If your vehicle fails, our technicians will explain the reasons for failure and provide recommendations for repair. Once you’ve made the necessary fixes, simply bring your vehicle back for a retest.

We’ll help ensure your car meets all emissions standards before resubmitting to the DMV.

Yes! Quick Smog is licensed to provide vehicle registration and tag renewal services to the public. You can complete your smog test and registration renewal in one visit and get your sticker the same day—no DMV lines required.

Please note: Quick Smog is not affiliated with the DMV, but we are authorized to process renewals and issue valid registration stickers on-site.

We offer a full suite of registration services, including

• Tag renewal and same-day sticker issuance

• Title transfers (ownership changes)

• Out-of-state registration updates

• Duplicate registration cards

Our convenient one-stop service saves you time and eliminates the stress of long DMV visits.

Most vehicles six years or older require a smog check for registration renewal. You’ll typically receive a notice from the California DMV indicating that a smog inspection is needed. Bring your renewal notice with you, and we’ll handle the rest—including electronic reporting to the DMV.