Can Your Car Pass Smog with Check Engine Light On?

If your car’s check engine light is on, you may be wondering if you can still pass smog. The answer is: it depends.

In most states, you will not be able to pass smog if your car’s check engine light is on. This is because the check engine light indicates that there is a problem with your car’s emissions system. When the emissions system is not working properly, it can cause your car to emit harmful pollutants into the air.

However, there are some states that have a “waiver” program for vehicles with check engine lights. This means that you may be able to pass smog even if your check engine light is on, if you meet certain criteria. For example, in California, you may be able to get a waiver if your car is less than four years old and has less than 75,000 miles on it.

If you are unsure whether or not you can pass smog with your check engine light on, you should contact your local DMV or smog inspection station.

What to Do If Your Check Engine Light Is On

If your check engine light is on, the first thing you should do is have the code read by a mechanic. This will tell you what is causing the problem.

In some cases, you may be able to fix the problem yourself. For example, if the check engine light is on because of a loose gas cap, you can simply tighten the gas cap and the light will go off. However, if the problem is more serious, you will need to take your car to a mechanic to have it fixed.

How to Pass Smog with Check Engine Light On

If you live in a state that has a waiver program for vehicles with check engine lights, you may be able to pass smog even if your check engine light is on. However, you will need to meet certain criteria. For example, in California, you may be able to get a waiver if your car is less than four years old and has less than 75,000 miles on it.

To get a waiver, you will need to take your car to a smog inspection station that is certified to issue waivers. The smog inspection station will then test your car’s emissions to make sure that they meet the state’s standards. If your car’s emissions meet the standards, you will be issued a waiver and you will be able to pass smog.

It is important to note that getting a waiver does not mean that your car is no longer polluting. It simply means that your car’s emissions are below the state’s standards. If you want to reduce your car’s emissions, you should have the problem that is causing the check engine light to come on fixed.

Conclusion

If your car’s check engine light is on, you should have the code read by a mechanic to find out what is causing the problem. If the problem is minor, you may be able to fix it yourself. However, if the problem is more serious, you will need to take your car to a mechanic to have it fixed.

If you live in a state that has a waiver program for vehicles with check engine lights, you may be able to pass smog even if your check engine light is on. However, you will need to meet certain criteria and you will need to have your car’s emissions tested at a certified smog inspection station.