Smog check: exemption: fee.

Existing law establishes a motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program, commonly known as smog check, that is administered by the Department of Consumer Affairs. The smog check program requires inspection of motor vehicles upon initial registration, biennially upon renewal of registration, upon transfer of ownership, and in certain other circumstances. Existing law exempts specified vehicles from being inspected biennially upon renewal of registration, including, among others, all motor vehicles manufactured prior to the 1976 model-year. Existing law establishes an annual smog abatement fee for specified motor vehicles exempt from being inspected biennially upon renewal of registration. Existing law establishes the Air Quality Improvement Program that is administered by the State Air Resources Board for the purposes of funding projects related to, among other things, the reduction of criteria air pollutants and the improvement of air quality. Existing law requires, until January 1, 2024, that a portion of the registration fees for motor vehicles and vessels be deposited into the Air Quality Improvement Fund and, upon appropriation, be expended for the implementation of the program. Existing law specifies the types of projects that are eligible to receive funding under the program. This bill would allow owners of certain motor vehicles that are subject to the smog check program to pay a $200 smog abatement fee in lieu of passing a smog test if the motor vehicle meets specified criteria. The bill would require the fee to be deposited in the Air Quality Improvement Fund.