I was surprised to see the map below, especially after I was told by an "expert", and former smog checker, that every car in California has to pass the dynamometer test ("Enhanced Areas" shown on the map, where the car is tested under load at different speeds). Notice that this area consists mainly of Southern California - San Diego and L.A. All of San Francisco, for example, is exempt from this restriction! The Basic areas still maintains the old test, where the engine is run at idle and 2000 rpm, without the dyno.

   The smog test you have to pass depends on the ZIP code of the area where your vehicle is registered!

   All the information on the current smog regulations is available on the web at www.dca.ca.gov.  Look up Automotive Repairs, and then Smog Check.