STAR Certified Smog Check in Sacramento, CA
Sacramento's one-stop shop for smog checks: regular & directed, out-of-state, hybrid, diesel, gross polluter, RVs, trucks & minivans, all in one visit.
Smog checks for every kind of vehicle
Whatever you drive, we've got the equipment and certification to test it, and to help you figure out what's next.
STAR Smog Check
Regular & STAR-directed vehicle testing for your state-required emissions check or a change of ownership.
Learn more → Call for pricing →Out-of-State Vehicles
Bringing a vehicle into California? We handle the out-of-state smog inspection the state requires.
Learn more → Call for pricing →Hybrid & Diesel
Specialized testing for hybrid and diesel vehicles, which follow their own inspection requirements.
Learn more → Call for pricing →Gross Polluter
STAR station testing for vehicles flagged as gross polluters or previously failed smog checks.
Learn more → Call for pricing →RVs, Trucks & Minivans
Larger vehicles welcome. We test RVs, trucks, and minivans in addition to passenger cars.
Learn more → Call for pricing →Walk-Ins Welcome
No appointment needed for most vehicles. Swing by during business hours and we'll get you in and out quickly.
Call for current pricing →Quick, straightforward, no surprises
Call or Drive In
Walk-ins welcome during business hours. No appointment necessary for most vehicles.
We Test Your Vehicle
An OBD-II scan plus a visual & functional inspection of your emissions system.
Results Submitted Electronically
If you pass, results go straight to the state, so there's no paperwork for you to carry around.
Free Retest
Car wouldn't pass the first time? No worries. We provide a free retest within 30 days for 1996 and newer vehicles.
Get $5 Off, Sent to Your Inbox
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Understanding your smog check
A quick guide to what a smog check actually does, why California requires it, and what it means for your vehicle.
What Is a Smog Check?
A smog check is an emissions test that measures how much pollution your vehicle's exhaust and onboard systems produce. California requires most vehicles to pass one periodically, on a schedule set by the state.
Why California Requires It
California's Smog Check Program, administered by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), exists to reduce vehicle emissions and help the state meet air quality standards. A passing result is typically required to keep your vehicle legally on the road.
What Is a STAR Station?
STAR stations meet higher performance standards and are authorized to test vehicles that are officially directed to them, including gross polluters and vehicles specifically flagged for STAR testing. Being STAR certified is a mark of trust.
What Gets Tested
Most inspections combine an OBD-II scan (reading your vehicle's onboard computer for stored emissions codes and readiness monitors) with a visual and functional check of your gas cap, check-engine light, and emissions equipment.
Common Reasons Vehicles Fail
The check-engine light being on, missing or disconnected emissions equipment, unset OBD-II readiness monitors (common after a battery disconnect or recent repair), a bad gas cap, or aftermarket modifications can all cause a failed test.
Emissions & Air Quality
Vehicle emissions contribute to smog and regional air quality, which matters a lot in the Central Valley air basin. Reducing per-vehicle emissions through regular testing is one of the ways California works to protect public health.
When You Need a Smog Check
Most vehicles need a passing smog certificate on a schedule set by the state. Some newer vehicles and certain hybrids/EVs are exempt for a period. If you're not sure where your vehicle stands, just give us a call.
Sacramento's straightforward smog check shop
We keep it simple: honest inspections, clear explanations, and no run-around if your vehicle needs attention before it can pass.
- STAR Certified Smog Check Station
- Regular, directed, out-of-state, hybrid, diesel & gross polluter testing
- RVs, trucks & minivans welcome
- Fast turnaround, walk-ins welcome
- Based in Sacramento at 1600 Kitchner Rd, Suite C
Certifications & Affiliations
5.0 stars from 98+ reviews
Loved your visit? A quick review on Google or Yelp helps other drivers find us and means a lot to our team.
Common questions
How long does a smog check take?
Most standard smog checks take about 20-30 minutes. Gross polluter and directed-vehicle testing can take a bit longer, but we keep the process as fast and straightforward as possible.
What if my vehicle fails the smog check?
We'll walk you through exactly what needs attention and point you toward next steps so you know what to fix before coming back for a retest.
Do you test out-of-state, hybrid, or diesel vehicles?
Yes. In addition to standard smog checks, we handle out-of-state vehicle inspections, hybrids, diesels, gross polluters, RVs, trucks, and minivans.
Do I need an appointment?
Walk-ins are welcome during business hours. Feel free to call ahead if you'd like to confirm current wait times.
Do you offer a retest if my vehicle doesn't pass?
Yes. If your vehicle doesn't pass the first time, we offer a free retest within 30 days for 1996 and newer vehicles.
What are your hours?
We're open Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:30 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM-3:00 PM, and Sunday 9:00 AM-2:00 PM.
Smog checks for south Sacramento and nearby
Our STAR-certified station is at 1600 Kitchner Rd in the Freeport Manor area of Sacramento (95822). Drivers from across the city and nearby communities come to us for a fast smog check, with walk-ins welcome seven days a week.
- Freeport Manor
- Land Park
- South Land Park
- Hollywood Park
- Curtis Park
- Oak Park
- Fruitridge
- Meadowview
- Pocket-Greenhaven
- Elk Grove
- West Sacramento
Visit or Contact Us
Sacramento, CA 95822
Sat: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Sun: 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
Send Us a Message
We'll get back to you as soon as we can, or just give us a call.