Not running it on the dynamometer is possible if the vehicle is registered in a non-enhanced smog check area, but the tailpipe test must still be conducted as part of the 2-speed idle test.
Note, this only applies to 1999 and older gasoline powered, or 1997 and older diesel powered vehicles. These vehicles must undergo the "old" BAR-97 smog check; which requires the vehicle be administered the tailpipe test (either with or without dyno depending on the county it is registered in). Newer vehicles no longer require the tailpipe test, and so in essence, yes, they can get a smog check without being driven on a dynamometer or having a probe placed in the tailpipe during the smog inspection. Late model vehicle smog inspections consists simply of reading the OBD-II data from the ECU (engine control unit) and visual smog component inspection.
2000 and newer gasoline powered vehicles, and 1998 and newer diesel powered vehicles no longer need the tailpipe test. Please follow this link to learn about the
smog testing procedures for newer vehicles which no longer require the tailpipe test.
