All 2 smog check stations in Rio Linda
Test-only, test-and-repair and STAR stations in Rio Linda
Smog check stations in California are licensed by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). In Rio Linda (Sacramento County), the 2 listed stations are 1 test-and-repair shop and 1 test-only station. A test-only station inspects and certifies your vehicle but does not repair it, so a car that fails has to be fixed somewhere else and brought back. A test-and-repair shop can run the test, diagnose a failure and do the repair under one roof.
STAR is a BAR certification for stations that meet higher performance standards. If your DMV renewal notice says your vehicle must be tested at a STAR station, only a STAR certified station can certify it; otherwise any licensed station will do. No station in Rio Linda is STAR certified today, so a STAR-directed vehicle has to go to a nearby city.
1 of the 2 stations has Google ratings. Among stations with at least 20 reviews, Smog And Dash rates highest at 5 stars from 24 reviews.
More smog check stations near Rio Linda
Smog check in Rio Linda: frequently asked questions
Stations in Rio Linda set their own prices, and prices change, so call ahead or bring a coupon. No Rio Linda station has a live coupon on SmogCheckDeals right now. The Bureau of Automotive Repair puts the statewide average at $69.16 (August 2026): about $65 for a 2000-or-newer vehicle and $73 for 1999-or-older, plus the $8.25 state certificate when the vehicle passes.
In most of California, gasoline vehicles more than eight model years old need a smog check every two years when the registration is renewed, and most vehicles need one when they change owners. A few rural areas only require it on a change of ownership. Your DMV renewal notice says whether this year’s renewal needs one.
Not at the moment: none of the 2 stations in Rio Linda is STAR certified. You only need one if your DMV renewal notice says the vehicle must be tested at a STAR station; if it does, look in a nearby city.
Rio Linda has 1 test-and-repair shop and 1 test-only station. A test-only station inspects and certifies but does not repair, so a failed vehicle is fixed elsewhere and brought back. A test-and-repair shop can test, diagnose and repair in one place. Both issue the same state certificate.
Bring the vehicle and its registration or DMV renewal notice. Make sure the check engine light is off before you go; on a 2000-or-newer vehicle an illuminated check engine light is an automatic fail.
The vehicle has to be repaired and pass a retest before the DMV renews the registration. Retest pricing is set by each station, so ask before the first test. Income-eligible owners can apply to BAR’s Consumer Assistance Program for repair assistance or vehicle retirement.
A passing smog check is sent to the DMV electronically and is valid for 90 days, so get it done within 90 days of renewing or selling the vehicle.
Stations come from the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) license register, checked daily.Hours and ratings come from Google. Coupons are published by the stations. The average price is from BAR’s August 2026 monthly report. How we get this data