If a vehicle's engine is not offered by the manufacturer for that model year, where should the vehicle be inspected?

• A. At the dealer's service department.
• B. At a standard Smog Check station.
• C. At the DMV.
• D. At a state referee station.

Answer: (D)

When the engine in a vehicle isn’t offered by the manufacturer for that model year, the normal test procedures don’t apply because there isn’t a standard data set for that configuration. In California, such cases are handled at a state referee station. The Referee has the authority to review the non-standard engine setup, determine the correct testing method, and issue the proper emissions certification if the vehicle meets requirements. Regular Smog Check stations rely on standard data and testing procedures and may not be equipped to evaluate non-OEM configurations. DMV doesn’t perform the testing, and dealer service departments aren’t the official testing or certification point. So, the state referee station is the appropriate place to have the vehicle inspected.