The test at the smog check stations shall be performed in accordance with procedures prescribed by the department and may require loaded mode dynamometer testing in enhanced areas, two-speed idle testing, testing utilizing a vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system, or other appropriate test procedures as determined by the department in consultation with the state board. The department shall implement testing using onboard diagnostic systems, in lieu of loaded mode dynamometer or two-speed idle testing, on model year 2000 and newer vehicles only, beginning no earlier than January 1, 2013, and on model-year 1996-99, inclusive, vehicles only, beginning no earlier than January 1, 2025. However, the department, in consultation with the state board, may prescribe alternative test procedures that include loaded mode dynamometer or two-speed idle testing for vehicles with onboard diagnostic systems that the department and the state board determine exhibit operational problems. The department shall ensure, as appropriate to the test method, the following:

(a) Emission control systems required by state and federal law are reducing excess emissions in accordance with the standards adopted pursuant to subdivisions (a) and (c) of Section 44013.

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(b) Motor vehicles are preconditioned to ensure representative and stabilized operation of the vehicle’s emission control system.

(c) For other than diesel-powered vehicles, the vehicle’s exhaust emissions of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and oxides of nitrogen in an idle mode or loaded mode are tested in accordance with procedures prescribed by the department. In determining how loaded mode and evaporative emissions testing shall be conducted, the department shall ensure that the emission reduction targets for the enhanced program are met.

(d) For other than diesel-powered vehicles, the vehicle’s fuel evaporative system and crankcase ventilation system are tested to reduce any nonexhaust sources of volatile organic compound emissions, in accordance with procedures prescribed by the department.

(e) For diesel-powered vehicles, a visual inspection is made of emission control devices and the vehicle’s exhaust emissions are tested in accordance with procedures prescribed by the department, that may include, but are not limited to, onboard diagnostic testing. The test may include testing of emissions of any or all of the pollutants specified in subdivision (c) and, upon the adoption of applicable standards, measurement of emissions of smoke or particulates, or both.

(f) A visual or functional check is made of emission control devices specified by the department, including the catalytic converter in those instances in which the department determines it to be necessary to meet the findings of Section 44001. The visual or functional check shall be performed in accordance with procedures prescribed by the department.

(g) A determination as to whether the motor vehicle complies with the emission standards for that vehicle’s class and model-year as prescribed by the department.

(h) An analysis of pass and fail rates of vehicles subject to an onboard diagnostic test and a tailpipe test to assess whether any vehicles passing their onboard diagnostic test have, or would have, failed a tailpipe test, and whether any vehicles failing their onboard diagnostic test have or would have passed a tailpipe test.

(i) The test procedures may authorize smog check stations to refuse the testing of a vehicle that would be unsafe to test, or that cannot physically be inspected, as specified by the department by regulation. The refusal to test a vehicle for those reasons shall not excuse or exempt the vehicle from compliance with all applicable requirements of this chapter.

(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 681, Sec. 15. (AB 1263) Effective January 1, 2024.)