Where to take your vehicle for a smog check in Redlands

Redlands has two main routes for smog testing: the official Redlands Smog Check Station run by the city, and private certified smog stations scattered throughout town. The city station is located on Industrial Avenue and handles both initial tests and referee inspections (the retest you get if you fail). Private stations are faster if you just need a routine pass-through test and don't mind paying slightly more.

To find a private station near you, search "smog check near me" or visit the Bureau of Automotive Repair website, which lists every certified station in California by zip code. Private stations must display their certification number on the window. Both the city station and private stations can test any vehicle registered in California, regardless of where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • Redlands has a city-run smog station on Industrial Avenue and multiple private certified stations; both can perform your test.
  • Your vehicle must pass smog check every two years if it is a passenger car, or annually if it is a truck or motorcycle.
  • Bring your registration, proof of current insurance, and your vehicle keys; the test takes 30 to 45 minutes.
  • If you fail, you can return to the same station for a referee inspection, which costs less and is your chance to dispute the results.
  • You cannot register your vehicle with the DMV until your smog test passes and the results are sent to the state.

What documents and information you need to bring

Bring your current vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and your vehicle keys. The technician will need the registration to pull your vehicle's history and confirm it is due for testing. Insurance proof is required by law in California, though the smog station will not verify coverage — they just need to see it.

Have your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ready; it is on your registration and on the driver's side dashboard. If your vehicle has had recent repairs or modifications, bring receipts or service records. This is not required, but it helps if your vehicle fails and you need to explain what work was done.

How the smog test works and what happens if you fail

The technician will connect your vehicle to a machine that measures emissions from your tailpipe. The test itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will sit in the vehicle while they run the diagnostic, then they will print your results on the spot. A pass means your vehicle meets California's emissions standards. A fail means your vehicle produced too much pollution and needs repairs before it can be registered.

If you fail, you have two options. You can take your vehicle to a mechanic, have the problem fixed, and return to any smog station for a retest. Or you can request a referee inspection at the same station where you failed. A referee is a state-certified inspector who can review the original test results and may overturn them if the test was performed incorrectly. Referee inspections cost less than a regular retest and are worth requesting if you believe the failure was a mistake.

Timing: when your vehicle is due and how long results take

Passenger cars need a smog check every two years. Trucks, motorcycles, and vehicles older than 1975 have different schedules — check your registration to see your due date. You can test up to 60 days before your registration expires without penalty. Testing earlier than that will not help you renew sooner; the state will still use your original expiration date.

Results are sent electronically to the California Department of Motor Vehicles within one business day. You do not need to do anything with the results yourself — the DMV pulls them automatically when you renew your registration online or in person. If you are renewing in person at the Redlands DMV office, bring your smog receipt as backup proof, though it is rarely needed.

What to do if your vehicle fails and needs repairs

A failed smog test usually points to a specific problem: a faulty oxygen sensor, a loose gas cap, a failing catalytic converter, or an engine misfire. The smog station will print a report showing which emissions standard your vehicle did not meet. Take this report to a mechanic — it narrows down what needs fixing and saves diagnostic time.

Some repairs are inexpensive (a gas cap replacement costs $15 to $30). Others are costly (a catalytic converter can run $800 to $2,000). If the repair cost is high, you can get a second opinion from another mechanic before committing. Once repairs are done, return to any smog station for a retest. You do not have to return to the same station where you failed.

Redlands city station hours and contact information

The Redlands Smog Check Station is located at 1425 Industrial Avenue, Redlands, CA 92374. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., though hours can shift seasonally. Call ahead at the city's public works department to confirm current hours before you drive over.

Private stations in Redlands often have longer hours, including some that stay open until 6 or 7 p.m. on weekdays and offer Saturday afternoon appointments. If you cannot make the city station's schedule, a private station may be faster. Costs are similar — expect to pay $30 to $50 for a basic smog test at either location.

What happens after you pass and how to renew your registration

Once you pass, the smog station sends your results to the DMV electronically. You will receive a receipt showing your test passed. Keep this receipt for your records, though you do not need it to renew your registration — the DMV has the results already.

Renew your registration online through the California DMV website, by mail, or in person at the Redlands DMV office. Online renewal is fastest and takes about 10 minutes. You will need your registration number and the last four digits of your Vehicle Identification Number. Your new registration tags will arrive by mail within two weeks. You cannot legally drive with expired tags, so renew as soon as your smog test passes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a smog check if my vehicle has a check engine light on?

No. The smog station will not test a vehicle with an active check engine light. You must have a mechanic diagnose and repair the problem first, then clear the code. After the code is cleared, the vehicle's computer needs to run through a complete cycle (usually 50 to 100 miles of normal driving) before the smog test will be valid.

What if I just moved to Redlands and my registration is from another state?

You must register your vehicle in California within 20 days of moving here. Contact the Redlands DMV to start the registration process. Once your California registration is issued, you will receive a smog test due date. You cannot renew an out-of-state registration in California — you must convert it to a California registration first.

Do I need an appointment for a smog check in Redlands?

The city station typically operates on a walk-in basis, though wait times can be 30 minutes to an hour during peak times. Private stations often take appointments online or by phone, which guarantees a shorter wait. Call ahead to either location to ask about current wait times before you go.

What if my vehicle is too old to pass smog check?

Vehicles manufactured before 1975 are exempt from smog testing in California. Vehicles from 1975 to 1979 test every two years like newer cars. If your vehicle is newer than 1975 and repeatedly fails, a mechanic can help you understand whether repairs are worth the cost or whether it makes sense to replace the vehicle.

Can I renew my registration before my smog test passes?

No. The DMV system will not allow you to renew until your smog results are on file. You must pass the smog test first, wait for results to reach the DMV (usually one business day), then renew your registration. Plan ahead if your registration expires soon — do not wait until the last week.