the Price of a Smog Check

Required emissions testing for all types of vehicles to ensure EPA standards of greenhouse gas emissions are being met and followed.

There is nothing in the world I dislike more than taking a vehicle to have a smog check done. The economy is causing cuts in all areas of government, including motor vehicle, which means there are few employees working, and a lot of people waiting to have their vehicles checked. The entire process took around three hours, which was not a fun adventure when toting a two-year-old and a six-year-old along. Employees were rude and had very little interaction with people waiting. The waiting area was dirty and cramped, and the chairs were tiny, hard, and plastic. I recommend having somebody else take a vehicle to get a smog check if at all possible!

Try to go early in the morning or late afternoon--people typically try to bring their vehicles into these places on their lunch hours thinking they will be in and out in a breeze. The result is a huge back-up between 10:30 and 1:30, and it is more difficult to sit in a hot, dirty, cramped little room waiting for your vehicle. Try to bring a book with you, and if you must bring children with you to have this done, bring snacks, toys, and games to keep them occupied!