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Smog Checks

Conduct efficient smog checks and catch non-compliance using a mobile app.

Contrôle anti pollution|||Smog Checklist

Smog Checklist

  • Eliminate paperwork with digital checklists
  • Generate reports from completed checklists
  • Free to use for up to 10 users
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This smog checklist is used by smog technicians to record the measured vehicle emissions and indicate if they are within acceptable levels according to regulations. Indicate measured Hydrocarbons (HC), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) to see if the vehicle passed or failed the smog check. With the SafetyCulture (iAuditor) inspection app, smog technicians can do the following:

  1. Quickly and efficiently inspect as many vehicles as possible
  2. Capture all vehicle details and add optional photos
  3. Automatically generate comprehensive inspection reports; no need to re-enter details on a computer
  4. Modify SafetyCulture (iAuditor) inspection preset fields according to local regulatory requirements
  5. Integrate SafetyCulture (iAuditor) with existing systems used for smog checks
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Smog Checklist
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Published 1 Aug 2024
Article bySafetyCulture Content Team
|2 min read

What is a Smog Check?

Also called a vehicle emissions test, a smog check is a procedure done to determine if a vehicle’s emissions are within the acceptable levels set by a regulating body. Failure to pass a smog check can result in non-renewal of vehicle registration due to non-compliance with environmental regulatory requirements.

What is a Smog Checklist?

A smog checklist is a tool used by smog technicians in emission testing centers when conducting smog checks. It helps smog technicians record findings and document any observations that may indicate unsafe vehicular conditions or non-compliance with regulations.

Smog Check Procedure

Depending on state regulations, smog checks are required every 1-2 years and can include vehicle safety checks as well. Here’s an overview of what happens during a vehicle emissions test (according to the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR)).

1. Pre-test

Before each vehicle is inspected, smog technicians need to conduct a pre-test to ensure that smog test equipment are maintained and calibrated in accordance with BAR specifications.

2. Emissions Measurement

Smog technicians measure and record the readings of Hydrocarbons (HC), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) from the vehicle emissions. Testing equipment can vary but technicians use approved exhaust emission analyzers for vehicle emissions testing.

3. Visual and Functional Inspection

Smog technicians conduct visual and functional emissions inspection of the vehicle to check if there are any defective, tampered, missing, disconnected, or modified emission control systems and if other equipment, such as the malfunction indicator light, are working. 

Significance of Smog Checks

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates vehicle emissions and has set programs to help keep vehicle emissions in check and control its negative impact. Here are 3 compelling reasons to keep vehicle emissions in check.

  • Health
    Respiratory conditions and other medical ailments can be caused or exacerbated by prolonged exposure to chemicals and other air pollutants from vehicle emissions. The World Health organization (WHO) has recognized the contribution of vehicle emissions to air pollution and encouraged its reduction.
  • Environment
    According to the EPA, the transport sector is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gases in the US. Keeping vehicular emissions in check can help alleviate the negative impact of vehicles on the environment.
  • Economy
    Not only are individual car owners impacted if they don’t keep vehicle emissions in check and comply with smog regulations, states run the risk of suffering financial repercussions due to non-compliance with EPA regulations. Smog certifications are sometimes also required for sales and transfers.

Technology for Efficient Smog Checks

With the responsibility of emissions test centers to conduct smog checks for vehicles to renew their periodic registration, paper-based smog checklists can be inefficient and inconvenient when conducting smog checks. SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor), the world’s most powerful inspection app, can help smog technicians do the following:

Powerful Smog Checklists

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Vehicle Inspection Checklist

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Qualified vehicle technicians can use this vehicle inspection checklist to help ensure a vehicle’s safety and roadworthiness. Rate the overall condition of the vehicle at the end of this checklist.

SafetyCulture Content Team
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SafetyCulture Content Team

SafetyCulture Content Team
The SafetyCulture content team is dedicated to providing high-quality, easy-to-understand information to help readers understand complex topics and improve workplace safety and quality. Our team of writers have extensive experience at producing articles for different fields such as safety, quality, health, and compliance.

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Vehicle Inspection Checklist
Qualified vehicle technicians can use this vehicle inspection checklist to help ensure a vehicle’s safety and roadworthiness. Rate the overall condition of the vehicle at the end of this checklist.

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