A military vehicle not registered in California enters for a smog check. If it passes, what document is issued?

• A. No report is issued.
• B. A vehicle inspection report is issued.
• C. A temporary clearance is issued.
• D. A special out-of-state exemption is granted.

Answer: (C)

When a vehicle that isn’t registered in California comes in for a smog check and it passes, a temporary clearance is issued. This special document serves as short-term proof that the vehicle has met the smog requirement, allowing it to be driven while the owner completes California registration or any other required steps. It’s used for out-of-state or military vehicles because the standard California registration paperwork isn’t yet in place, so the temporary clearance covers the interim period. This isn’t a permanent certificate, and it’s not a general report or an exemption—the temporary clearance specifically accommodates the situation of a non-CA registered vehicle undergoing the test and awaiting final registration.