Can a Car Pass Smog with Check Engine Light On?
Introduction
The check engine light is a warning light that illuminates when the car’s computer detects a problem with the engine.
It can be caused by a variety of issues, from minor problems to major ones.
If the check engine light is on, it’s important to get it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible.
One common question is whether a car can pass a smog test with the check engine light on.
The answer is that it depends on the state in which you live.
In some states, a car will automatically fail a smog test if the check engine light is on.
In other states, the car may still pass if the problem is minor.
States Where a Car Will Fail Smog with Check Engine Light On
The following states have strict emissions laws and will automatically fail a car if the check engine light is on:
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Washington
States Where a Car May Pass Smog with Check Engine Light On
The following states have less strict emissions laws and may allow a car to pass a smog test even if the check engine light is on:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
What to Do if Your Check Engine Light Is On
If your check engine light is on, the best thing to do is to get it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible.
The mechanic can diagnose the problem and let you know if it will affect your ability to pass a smog test.
If the problem is minor, the mechanic may be able to fix it on the spot.
If the problem is more serious, you may need to have the car repaired before you can take it for a smog test.
Conclusion
Whether or not you can pass a smog test with the check engine light on depends on the state in which you live.
In some states, a car will automatically fail if the check engine light is on, while in other states, the car may still pass if the problem is minor.
If your check engine light is on, it’s important to get it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible to avoid any potential problems.