Which cars need a BAR-97 tailpipe test

Model years 1976 to 1999

Gasoline vehicles from 1976 through 1999 get a tailpipe test on the BAR-97 Emissions Inspection System (EIS). In BAR’s Smog Check Manual, gasoline includes alternative fuels such as propane, natural gas, ethanol and methanol.

1996–1999 vehicles also get the OBD II functional test. 1976–1995 vehicles get the older functional checks, such as ignition timing, the fuel cap test and the low pressure fuel evaporative test (LPFET).

Newer gasoline vehicles that still get a tailpipe test

• Vehicles without an OBD II system.
• Vehicles over 14,000 lbs GVWR. Most of them have no OBD II system.
• Vehicles BAR has identified as having problem OBD II systems.

Heavy vehicles over 14,000 lbs

A heavy gasoline vehicle still needs a smog check, on the BAR-97. Heavy diesels, and dedicated propane and natural gas vehicles over 14,000 lbs GVWR, are exempt from Smog Check. Heavy diesels fall under CARB’s Clean Truck Check instead.

ASM or TSI: the program area decides

• ASM (Acceleration Simulation Mode) is a loaded test on the dynamometer. It is required for 1976–1999 vehicles registered in an Enhanced program area.
• TSI (two-speed idle) is a 2500 RPM test and then an idle test, with no dyno. It is required in Basic and Change of Ownership program areas.

Vehicles that get TSI even in an Enhanced area

BAR lists vehicles that can’t go on a two-wheel-drive dynamometer. They get the TSI:

• Full-time all-wheel or four-wheel drive.
• Traction control that can’t be turned off.
• Body or chassis changes made for business use that rule out a loaded test.
• Vehicles that can’t safely fit on the dynamometer.
• Motorhomes over 8,500 lbs GVWR, as the DMV classifies them.
• Heavy-duty vehicles from 8,501 to 9,999 lbs GVWR with an unloaded drive axle weight over 5,000 lbs.
• Heavy-duty vehicles over 9,999 lbs GVWR.

The equipment you need

Giving ASM tests in an Enhanced area takes a dynamometer and a NOx cell or bench. Stations in Basic and Change of Ownership areas, and stations that only inspect heavy-duty vehicles, don’t need them. A station that isn’t STAR certified and only inspects 2000 and newer vehicles needs only the OIS.

Follow the EIS prompts: BAR’s manual says they apply the right test and standards. Check a VIN to see which test to expect before the car reaches the bay.