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XC90T8MOMdriver

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
There is a $20 Smog Abatement Fee from the Volvo dealership on a new PHEV purchase bill. I understand this type of fee will continue to exist for the cars first 6 years annually by the DMV charge. I read somewhere that hybrid cars are exempt from smog tests. Keep in mind smog test and smog abatement fee are two different things. I’m guessing that I can’t get out of the annual smog Abatement Fees as a new hybrid/phev owner. Anyone have experience with this?
 
What state are you in?

In California, all cars must pass smog checks every 2 years once it reaches a certain age. During the first few years, you don't need to do any smog check. This is independent of being a hybrid or regular car.

From the DMV website:

Currently, smog inspections are required for all vehicles except diesel powered vehicles 1997 year model and older or with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR) of more than 14,000 lbs, electric, natural gas powered vehicles over 14,000 lbs, motorcycles, trailers, or gasoline powered vehicles 1975 and older.

Vehicles registered in areas subject to the biennial smog certification program are required to submit evidence of a smog certification every other renewal period. Owners of vehicles six or less model years old will pay an annual smog abatement fee for the first six registration years instead of being required to provide a biennial smog certification. The registration renewal notice mailed to you by the department will indicate if a smog certification is required. If a smog certification is required and you have not had a smog inspection, you may still pay your registration fees to avoid any late fees. However, you will not receive your new registration or year sticker until the smog information has been received by DMV.
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
What state are you in?

In California, all cars must pass smog checks every 2 years once it reaches a certain age. During the first few years, you don't need to do any smog check. This is independent of being a hybrid or regular car.

From the DMV website:

Currently, smog inspections are required for all vehicles except diesel powered vehicles 1997 year model and older or with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR) of more than 14,000 lbs, electric, natural gas powered vehicles over 14,000 lbs, motorcycles, trailers, or gasoline powered vehicles 1975 and older.

Vehicles registered in areas subject to the biennial smog certification program are required to submit evidence of a smog certification every other renewal period. Owners of vehicles six or less model years old will pay an annual smog abatement fee for the first six registration years instead of being required to provide a biennial smog certification. The registration renewal notice mailed to you by the department will indicate if a smog certification is required. If a smog certification is required and you have not had a smog inspection, you may still pay your registration fees to avoid any late fees. However, you will not receive your new registration or year sticker until the smog information has been received by DMV.
Let's clear this up, by paying The Smog Abatement Fee $20.00 it simply saves you the hassle of having to bring new car in for a smog check/test.

I've read your copy/paste on Dmv site. That first paragraph says my "electric" vehicle does not require a smog inspection.

Is anybody seeing this too?
I might have to call the Dmv. Being exempt from paying the annual fee would be sweet.
 
That first paragraph says my "electric" vehicle does not require a smog inspection.
I don't consider the T8 to be an electric vehicle. It's a plug-in hybrid with a combustion engine so it still produces exhaust gases.
 
I don't consider the T8 to be an electric vehicle. It's a plug-in hybrid with a combustion engine so it still produces exhaust gases.
Precisely. The T8 is not an "electric" vehicle (even though is pluggable and has an electric engine) as say a Tesla would be. In 6 years time, you will need to do smog checks like any other car with an internal combustion engine.
 
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