[beachstartup]

ca doesn't even do smog checks on newer vehicles (i believe 5 years, not sure though).

i haven't done one in over a decade because i lease my cars as a business expense.

also, ca has 'test-only' smog centers which do not perform repairs - if you fail there, you have to get your car tested and repaired somewhere else.

needless to say ca highly incentivizes you to buy new clean cars. it quickly becomes very expensive to fix an old, polluting car under this regime. imagine how fast the bills can pile up if the first or second fix doesn't work. with new econo class cars available for ~$100/month on finance or lease, it doesn't really make sense to keep an old clunker around unless it's a collectible.

[thrownaway2424]

The 6-year exemption for new vehicles does not apply to diesels. Diesel cars are required to get smogged every two years.

[geggam]

incentivizes you to buy and old clunker ( pre emissions ) and keep it running forever... or a truck...

[Evolved]

Interesting to note is that 1997-older diesel trucks/cars did not and still do not require any smog testing at all.

"Currently, smog inspections are required for all vehicles except diesel powered vehicles 1997 year model and older or with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR) of more than 14,000 lbs, electric, natural gas powered vehicles over 14,000 lbs, motorcycles, trailers, or gasoline powered vehicles 1975 and older."[0]

[0] https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/vr/smogfaq