What happens to a vehicle with non-functioning or missing emissions controls during a Smog Check?

A vehicle with non-functioning or missing emissions controls will fail the Smog Check because the purpose of this inspection is to ensure that a vehicle meets California's specific emissions standards aimed at reducing air pollution. Emissions controls are key components that manage and reduce the pollutants that a vehicle emits into the atmosphere. If these controls are inoperable or absent, it signifies a failure to meet regulatory requirements, and therefore, the vehicle cannot be deemed compliant with the law.

Passing a Smog Check necessitates that all required emissions systems are functioning effectively. When an inspector identifies that a vehicle lacks these controls or that they are not working as intended, it results in an automatic failure. This measure is crucial for both environmental protection and public health, as it helps to reduce the overall emissions produced by vehicles on the road. Thus, the correct understanding that a vehicle missing or not functioning emissions controls will fail the Smog Check helps emphasize the importance of compliance with emissions standards in California.