Depending on the vehicle you are selling, you may need a STAR smog check or regular smog check. To play it safe, we recommend visiting a STAR smog test station (either STAR smog test only or STAR smog check & repair station will suffice). Advise the smog technician you are obtaining a smog check because you intend on selling your vehicle.
If you'd like to find out exactly which type of smog center you must visit (STAR or Regular) you may contact the DMV at (800) 777-0133. But again as mentioned, by visiting a STAR certified smog check center you won't have to waste time calling the DMV. A STAR certified smog check center, whether Test Only or Test & Repair, is allowed to smog check all vehicles.
As for the actual smog inspection... if your vehicle is 2000 & newer gasoline powered or 1998 & newer diesel powered, and weighing under 14,000 GVWR, the smog test center will adminsiter the new OIS smog inspection. All other vehicles 1975 through 1999 will be administered the older BAR-97 smog inspection.
The main difference between the OIS system and the BAR-97 is the use of a dynamomoter during the smog inspection and the sampling of exhaust emissions. The BAR-97 uses the dyno and will insert an emission probe into the tailpipe of your vehicle during the smog test. The smog machine will analyze your vehicle's emissions output and pass or fail your vehicle according to its emission results, along with the technician's various visual and functional inspections.
The OIS system will only check your vehicle's computer trouble codes (check engine light), along with various visual and function inspections performed by the smog technician.
For more information follow the links below:
Types of California Smog Checks
DAD-OIS Smog Check System
