HYBRIDS EXEMPTED FROM SMOG CHECKS

Above: 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid

HYBRIDS EXEMPTED FROM CALIFORNIA SMOG CHECKS By CHUCK DAPOZ The state of California just made life a bit easier for owners of hybrid vehicles. The Department of Consumer Affairs announced that all hybrids are exempt from smog check inspections, at least until 2010. The exemption applies to the three hybrid models currently on the road ## the Honda Insight, Honda Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius ## and will be expanded as new hybrid models are launched. Two issues seem to have prompted the decision: ● Hybrids spout miniscule emissions, and those on the road today likely will remain clean machines for a long time. ● It seems Smog Check stations have a hard time or find it impossible to test some hybrids because they're not designed to meet current test criteria (e.g., emissions can't be measured at idle because the internal combustion engine doesn't idle when the car is stopped). If you own a 2000 model-year hybrid and recently have received a registration renewal notice, contact a DMV field office for instructions on how to complete your registration without a Smog Check certificate. This article originally appeared on the LA Car Blog. To view the current edition of the Blog, go to the Homepage and scroll down to LA Car Blog.