San Diego STAR Smog Check

Home / Services / Hybrid Smog

Hybrid Smog Check in San Diego, CA

Hybrids need a California smog check on the same schedule as gasoline cars, and the Toyota Prius is one of the three models we see most. Bring your hybrid and DMV renewal notice to our STAR station at 2484 F St, Suite A, in Golden Hill. Walk in or book online.

5.0★ · 1,621 Google reviews

Hybrid smog check in San Diego, CA: Toyota Prius at our F Street station

Fully electric vehicles are exempt; a hybrid isn't.

  • 5.0★ · 1,621 Google reviews
  • STAR certified
  • BAR-licensed station #310739
  • Test-only station
  • Walk-ins welcome

What to bring

  • Your hybrid.
  • Your DMV renewal notice or the documents DMV sent you. The notice says whether a smog certification is needed this time and whether a STAR station is required.

How it works

  1. Walk in or book online

  2. Approve the written estimate

  3. Inspection

    for your hybrid's model year.

  4. Vehicle inspection report

    in hand.

Newer hybrids: the renewal smog check doesn't start until after the first eight model years; until then, owners pay a smog abatement fee with the DMV renewal. Add eight to the model year: a 2018 hybrid's first renewal check came due in 2026.

Your DMV renewal notice may require a STAR station. We are STAR certified.

If your hybrid fails

We'll explain the report. We're a test-only station, so we don't do emissions repairs. 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. Once it's fixed, the $30 smog retest applies within 30 calendar days: $21.75, plus the $8.25 certificate on a pass.

Had the 12-volt battery replaced or codes cleared recently? Drive normally for a week or two before testing. Some emissions repairs may be covered by your manufacturer's warranty; check your owner's manual.

Hybrid smog check in San Diego, CA: Toyota Prius at our station

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

“Came to get a quick smog check during my lunch for registration renewal. … It was really quick and they took care of everything. Highly recommend! I’ll definitely return”
yarina c., Google review

Frequently asked questions

Do hybrids need smog checks in California?

Yes, on the same schedule as gasoline cars.

When does a new hybrid need its first smog check?

Add eight to the model year. Until that year, you'll pay a smog abatement fee with your DMV renewal.

Is my electric car exempt?

Fully electric vehicles are exempt.

Can you fix my hybrid if it fails?

No, we're test-only. Find a licensed repair station with BAR's Auto Shop Locator. Back here within 30 calendar days, the retest is $21.75, plus the $8.25 certificate if it passes.

What's the price for a hybrid smog check?

See our coupon page.

Station hours

San Diego STAR Smog Check
2484 F St, Suite A, San Diego, CA 92102
(619) 228-9146

Opening hours
DayHours
Monday9 AM–5 PM
Tuesday9 AM–5 PM
Wednesday9 AM–5 PM
Thursday9 AM–5 PM
Friday9 AM–5 PM
Saturday9 AM–4 PM
SundayClosed

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.

Prius and other hybrid owners come from South Park, North Park, Golden Hill and Coronado.

Book your hybrid smog check

Coupon first, then book or walk in. Our STAR Smog Check page covers the rest.

San Diego STAR Smog Check · 2484 F St, Suite A, San Diego, CA 92102 · BAR license #310739 · (619) 228-9146