Smog check: visual inspection.

(1) Existing law establishes a motor vehicle inspection and maintenance (smog check) program, developed, implemented, and administered by the Department of Consumer Affairs. The smog check program provides for the inspection of a motor vehicle, among other circumstances, upon its initial registration, upon transfer of ownership, and for vehicles registered in certain areas of the state, biennially upon renewal of registration. A violation of smog check requirements is a crime. Existing law requires the smog test to include a visual or functional check of emission control devices specified by the department. This bill, notwithstanding this provision, would prohibit a smog check technician from conducting an under-the-hood visual inspection as part of a smog check inspection. Because a violation of this prohibition would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. (2) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.