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Diesel Smog Check in San Diego, CA
Diesels from 1998 and newer with a GVWR of 14,000 lb or less are in California's smog program; older or heavier diesels are exempt. Smog rules for diesels depend on the model year and weight rating, so call our Golden Hill STAR station at (619) 228-9146 before you come in.
Call us before you come in and we'll confirm whether yours needs a check and whether we can test it here.
- 5.0★ · 1,621 Google reviews
- STAR certified
- BAR-licensed station #310739
- Test-only station
- Walk-ins welcome
Information to have ready
- Model year of the diesel.
- GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating). Check the label in the driver's door jamb.
- Your DMV renewal notice or the documents DMV sent you, if DMV asked for a smog check.
Diesel smog rules, simplified
In: diesels from 1998 and newer, GVWR 14,000 lb or less.
Out: diesels from 1997 and older, plus any diesel over 14,000 lb GVWR.
No first-years exemption: gas and hybrid vehicles skip the renewal check for their first eight model years, but diesels get no newer-model-year exemption.
After we confirm by phone that we can test your diesel here, book or walk in. You approve a written estimate before the inspection starts.
If a diesel fails
The vehicle inspection report lists the results and any open safety recalls. With the check engine light on, the vehicle will not pass. We're test-only, so the repair happens elsewhere. Emissions repairs are done at a test-and-repair or repair-only station of your choice. Find a licensed repair station with BAR's Auto Shop Locator. Within 30 calendar days of the paid, failed inspection, the $30 smog retest is $21.75, plus the $8.25 certificate on a pass.
Brands we test
Toyota and Honda lead our F Street job photos, followed by Ford, Nissan and Mazda. Browse every brand on the vehicles we smog check page.
Straight from Google
5 out of 5 stars
“Excellent service! The technician was very professional, helpful and super fast he got the smog check done quickly. … Definitely recommend this smog check place!!!”
Frequently asked questions
Which diesels need smog checks?
Those from 1998 and newer with a GVWR at or under 14,000 lb.
Is an older diesel exempt?
Yes, diesels from 1997 and older are exempt.
Is a heavy-duty diesel exempt?
Yes, if it's rated over 14,000 lb GVWR.
My diesel is new. Do I get the eight-year exemption?
No. Diesels get no newer-model-year exemption.
Can you test my diesel?
Phone (619) 228-9146 with the model year and door-label GVWR first; we'll tell you if the F Street bay can handle it.
Station hours
San Diego STAR Smog Check
2484 F St, Suite A, San Diego, CA 92102
(619) 228-9146
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
We're closed Sundays. Holiday hours are kept current on our Google Business Profile. The waiting room has Wi-Fi, and we speak Spanish (se habla español). Cash, all major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay all work.
Diesel owners call us from Golden Hill, Barrio Logan, National City and Lemon Grove.
Call about your diesel
Have the model year and GVWR handy when you call.
San Diego STAR Smog Check · 2484 F St, Suite A, San Diego, CA 92102 · BAR license #310739 · (619) 228-9146