Why do I have to smog check again? Just bought car in March 2010. It's a 1995 Ford Mustang GT 5.0.

I tried to call DMV and they just sent me through a maze of automated Q&A that helped about as much as Japanese speaking Spanish. My question is why do I have to smog my 1995 Ford Mustang this year because when I purchased it in March the guy who sold it had it smog tested. I even took it to DMV and didn't need to smog it myself because the smog certificate was valid as it was only two or three weeks old. Is DMV out to get me?

Answer:

The smog check required for the title transfer of your 1995 Ford Mustang is independent from the smog check required for it's biennial vehicle registration renewal. We agree with you, it does not make sense and serves no specific purpose other then conformity to regulation; but it is what it is. There will be no way around it. It's not your Ford Mustang that has to particularly go through this process, but all vehicles. During a vehicle's purchase and title transfer the smog check is used specifically for that purpose and not for the biennial smog inspection requirement.

posted by SmogTips Support