Q: What is the requirement?
The University of California is required to adhere to biennial smog testing for all of its gasoline powered vehicles except for 1975 model year vehicles, diesel vehicles 1997 model year or older or vehicles located in certain California Counties that are exempt from smog testing based upon eligible zip codes (see list below).
Reminder notices are sent in December preceding the year the passing smog test is due to each department that is responsible for vehicles with testing due the following year. The notice includes a list of the vehicles and their passing smog test due dates. Tests may be performed anytime before the due date, but within the same calendar year for the due date to be acceptable to the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR).
Q: When does smog testing begin?
The passing smog test begins eight (8) years after the model year and in the odd or even year that corresponds with the last number of the VIN (due in even years when the vehicle’s VIN ends with an even number and odd years with the vehicle’s VIN ends with an odd number).
Q: What are the consequences of non-compliance?
Our campus is required to report our compliance to the State of California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) on an annual basis. Failure to comply (except vehicles garaged in smog test exempt counties or taken out of operation) could result in the campus losing its exempt status. Exempt status allows UC Berkeley to register all of its new vehicles at no charge, with the registration remaining valid for as long as UC Berkeley owns the vehicle, and assign exempt license plates to new vehicles at no charge. Loosing our exempt status would require our needing to re-register our vehicles, renew registrations every year, and re-license every vehicle together with those charges, applying to nearly 600 vehicles.
Q: What actions will Fleet Services take on non-compliant vehicles?
To insure compliance, Fleet Services will assess a $92 per month charge per non-compliant vehicle beginning the month following the deadline and continuing until the vehicle achieves a passing smog test.
Additionally, Fleet Services may commandeer non-compliant vehicles prior to the formal reporting to BAR, having said vehicles towed to 3200 Regatta Blvd., Suite E, and recharge departments for all actions required to locate and commandeer the non-compliant vehicles.
Q: What is the requirement for diesel powered vehicles?
Diesel powered vehicles weighing <14,000 lbs are able to undergo the same biennial smog testing as stated above. Diesel powered vehicles weighing >14,001 lbs GVWR must undergo a smoke opacity test annually (see below).
California Counties that do not require biennial smog testing:
- El Dorado
- Lake
- Placer
- Riverside
- San Bernardino
- San Diego
- Sonoma
UC Berkeley confirms zip code to ensure smog testing is not required