In what situation would a vehicle require a waivered smog check?

A waivered smog check is applicable in cases where the vehicle owner faces financial hardship after making repairs to bring the vehicle into compliance with emissions standards. In these situations, the owner can demonstrate that they have made earnest attempts to repair the vehicle but still cannot afford the necessary costs to fully comply with smog check requirements. This waiver allows them some relief from the mandatory testing, emphasizing support for those who might struggle to meet costs associated with vehicle maintenance.

Other scenarios, such as a new engine replacement or a vehicle simply being over 20 years old, do not automatically qualify for a waiver. A new engine replacement may still require a smog check, and while vehicles over 20 years can have different emissions requirements, that doesn’t imply an automatic waiver. Similarly, vehicles that have passed previous checks are not exempt from future inspections; each new smog check requirement is based on current emissions regulations, regardless of past compliance.