Which vehicles are typically exempt from requiring a smog check?

Vehicles that are typically exempt from requiring a smog check include electric vehicles and newer vehicles under 2 years old.

Electric vehicles do not produce tailpipe emissions, which makes them exempt from smog check requirements aimed at controlling air pollution from combustion engines. This exemption encourages the use of environmentally friendly transportation options.

Newer vehicles, generally defined as those manufactured within the last two years, are also exempt. This is based on a principle that these vehicles meet the latest emissions standards and are less likely to have issues that would contribute to air pollution.

While diesel vehicles are subject to different emissions requirements depending on the state and specific regulations, they are not universally exempt from smog checks. This nuance is important because diesel engines may still require inspections based on specific criteria.

Thus, the inclusion of all these types of vehicles under one umbrella of exemption, as stated in the selected answer, is fundamentally accurate, as they conform to regulations aimed at minimizing smog emissions.