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Bakersfield Smog Check

Cars in Bakersfield need a smog inspection every other year, since DMV lists Kern County as requiring one at registration renewal. The station chooses its own price, and you also pay the $8.25 certificate fee.

Once every 2 years
In Kern County, a Smog Check at renewal
Kern County
The DMV smog county list includes it, and no ZIP limits are shown
$8.25 + charge
the certificate fee plus what the shop charges
Panorama Drive
a Referee center's Bakersfield address listed in the BAR locator

Bakersfield smog check requirements

The DMV county list includes all of Kern County, without ZIP codes or partial areas, so the same rule applies in Bakersfield. BAR requires it every other year at renewal. Your notice has the final say on whether this renewal needs one. Check the California Smog Check page for model-year exemptions.

Older cars and diesel vehicles in Bakersfield

  • Cars that run on gas, are hybrid, or use alternative fuel are covered from model year 1976. Cars from 1975 and older are not.
  • A tailpipe test applies to cars built before 2000, while most newer cars get an OBD check.
  • Coverage for diesels starts at model year 1998, while 1997 and older are not covered. Diesel vehicles weighing over 14,000 pounds are exempt.

Bakersfield smog check cost

Expect quotes to differ around town, because prices for inspections are not regulated by BAR. Every station charges the same $8.25 certificate fee.

Smog check locations and the Referee center in Bakersfield

Run a search on the BAR Auto Shop Locator. If STAR appears on your notice, visit a STAR station. In the locator, the State of CA Smog Check Referee center appears at 1801 Panorama Drive in Bakersfield, (800) 622-7733. Also see Fresno and Los Angeles. Check the emissions test by city list.

Bakersfield smog check questions

Is a smog check required throughout Kern County?

DMV lists Kern County with no ZIP limits, and that covers Bakersfield. For your car, your renewal notice confirms it.

Does Bakersfield have a Referee center?

Yes. One is listed at 1801 Panorama Drive in the BAR locator.