SMOG Q&A WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS LATEST UPDATED 2026
1. Visual Inspection Protocols
Q: During the visual inspection, the technician notices the air pump drive belt
is missing. How should it be entered? A: Missing.
Explanation: Any required emission control component that is not present,
or has been disconnected/removed, must be documented as "Missing." This
constitutes a visual inspection failure, and the vehicle cannot be certified
until the component is restored to factory configuration.
Q: The vehicle is equipped with aftermarket headers. What is the correct
procedure? A: Check to see if there is a CARB EO number for the headers.
Explanation: Any aftermarket component that modifies the exhaust system
(like headers) must be certified by the California Air Resources Board
(CARB) to ensure it does not increase emissions. If the part lacks an
Executive Order (EO) number—or if it is not specifically listed as
approved for that exact vehicle application—the vehicle fails the visual
inspection.
2. Equipment Maintenance & Reporting
Q: What can cause the Emission Inspection System (EIS) to display an "HC
hang-up" message? A: A dirty inline filter.
Explanation: An "HC hang-up" occurs when hydrocarbons from a previous,
dirtier vehicle remain in the sampling hose or the system's internal filters. A
dirty inline filter restricts flow and prevents the system from properly
purging, causing the system to detect lingering hydrocarbons. Regular
maintenance of these filters is mandatory for accurate readings.
Q: An active military person is seeking a smog check for a vehicle that will
NOT be registered in CA. What is true? A: If the vehicle passes, a Vehicle
Inspection Report (VIR) is issued.
, Explanation: Even if a vehicle is not destined for California registration, a
technician can still perform a "voluntary" smog check. If the test is
performed and the vehicle passes, the system will generate a Vehicle
Inspection Report (VIR). This serves as official documentation of the test
results for the customer's records or for their home state's requirements.
Using the illustration above, Which of the following emission control are required
on the Federally certified 1976 Jeep with a 4.2L engine -ANSWER ✔✔A. PCV,
TAC, EVP, EGR, SPK
how long must the station keep records pertaining to smog check and or repairs to
be available for the BAR to inspect and or copy -ANSWER ✔✔B. 3 years
When a specially constructed (SPCN) vehicle is in the smog station for a biennial
inspection, what vehicle make should be entered in the EIS machine -ANSWER
✔✔A. The SPCN make
Which of the following vehicle does not need a BAR label? -ANSWER ✔✔D.
Cars with an engine that has been changed but was offered that year for that model
by the manufacturer
The technician notices that the dipstick is missing. How should he/she enter this
finding into the Emission inspection System (EIS) -ANSWER ✔✔C. The PCV is
missing
Upon performing a visual inspection, the technician notices that the EGR vacuum
hose has crack in it. How should the technician enter this finding into the Emission
inspection system (EIS) -ANSWER ✔✔D. Enter the EGR system as Defective.
While conducting a visual inspection, the technician notices the purge hose is there
but is not attached to the EVAP canister. how should the technician enter this into
SOLUTIONS LATEST UPDATED 2026
1. Visual Inspection Protocols
Q: During the visual inspection, the technician notices the air pump drive belt
is missing. How should it be entered? A: Missing.
Explanation: Any required emission control component that is not present,
or has been disconnected/removed, must be documented as "Missing." This
constitutes a visual inspection failure, and the vehicle cannot be certified
until the component is restored to factory configuration.
Q: The vehicle is equipped with aftermarket headers. What is the correct
procedure? A: Check to see if there is a CARB EO number for the headers.
Explanation: Any aftermarket component that modifies the exhaust system
(like headers) must be certified by the California Air Resources Board
(CARB) to ensure it does not increase emissions. If the part lacks an
Executive Order (EO) number—or if it is not specifically listed as
approved for that exact vehicle application—the vehicle fails the visual
inspection.
2. Equipment Maintenance & Reporting
Q: What can cause the Emission Inspection System (EIS) to display an "HC
hang-up" message? A: A dirty inline filter.
Explanation: An "HC hang-up" occurs when hydrocarbons from a previous,
dirtier vehicle remain in the sampling hose or the system's internal filters. A
dirty inline filter restricts flow and prevents the system from properly
purging, causing the system to detect lingering hydrocarbons. Regular
maintenance of these filters is mandatory for accurate readings.
Q: An active military person is seeking a smog check for a vehicle that will
NOT be registered in CA. What is true? A: If the vehicle passes, a Vehicle
Inspection Report (VIR) is issued.
, Explanation: Even if a vehicle is not destined for California registration, a
technician can still perform a "voluntary" smog check. If the test is
performed and the vehicle passes, the system will generate a Vehicle
Inspection Report (VIR). This serves as official documentation of the test
results for the customer's records or for their home state's requirements.
Using the illustration above, Which of the following emission control are required
on the Federally certified 1976 Jeep with a 4.2L engine -ANSWER ✔✔A. PCV,
TAC, EVP, EGR, SPK
how long must the station keep records pertaining to smog check and or repairs to
be available for the BAR to inspect and or copy -ANSWER ✔✔B. 3 years
When a specially constructed (SPCN) vehicle is in the smog station for a biennial
inspection, what vehicle make should be entered in the EIS machine -ANSWER
✔✔A. The SPCN make
Which of the following vehicle does not need a BAR label? -ANSWER ✔✔D.
Cars with an engine that has been changed but was offered that year for that model
by the manufacturer
The technician notices that the dipstick is missing. How should he/she enter this
finding into the Emission inspection System (EIS) -ANSWER ✔✔C. The PCV is
missing
Upon performing a visual inspection, the technician notices that the EGR vacuum
hose has crack in it. How should the technician enter this finding into the Emission
inspection system (EIS) -ANSWER ✔✔D. Enter the EGR system as Defective.
While conducting a visual inspection, the technician notices the purge hose is there
but is not attached to the EVAP canister. how should the technician enter this into
