So in California, the smog check industry is privately owned. The State of California does not regulate the actual cost of the smog inspection. Smog stations are allowed to set their own prices. Most stations do use a price structure in relation to the amount of work required to inspect different vehicles, as well as a calculation of the wear and tear that a particular vehicle may present to the smog station's testing equipment; hence the slightly higher prices for older model and or larger vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs. Older model vehicles which may present pollutants to the smog machine's testing bench (sensors) shorting the equipment's time span between maintenance requirements, as well as the requirement for emission testing procedures specific to the vehicle being inspected, such as a ignition timing inspection or EVAP test, all add to the cost of performing the smog check. We should also mention, the maintenance costs and operating expense of a smog test station in California is much higher compared to that of stations' elsewhere.
Now that we know smog stations are privately owned businesses and set their own prices, let's look at what the average smog prices are. Typically a station will charge between $29.95 and $89.95 for a smog check plus fees, depending on the type of vehicle and the type of smog inspection required (STAR, regular, BAR-97 or DAD OIS). The total price may or may not include the California Smog Certificate Fee of $8.25, which is charged only when a vehicle passes the test. The $8.25 certificate fee amount is set by the state and can not be changed by the smog station. The station may not reduce the cost of the certificate fee nor add charges to the fee. The fee is collected by the smog station and turned into the state. There may also be an EFT (Electronic Transmission) fee which a station owner may charge to make up for the toll cost they pay as the smog machine transmits vehicle smog test information to the BAR (Bureau of Automotive Repairs), and ultimately the DMV. This fee is usually between $1-$3, and is charged regardless of whether a vehicle passes or fails the smog inspection. The ETF is not a state mandated or collect fee. Some stations charge an ETF fee and some don't; and then some incorporate the fee into their smog check price.
Our sincere recommendation, like any other purchase of services or goods, it is always best to shop around. Hopefully this information puts you a bit at ease amount the different smog check prices for your truck and SUV.
posted by SmogTips Support
