CARB 2035 Zero-Emission Vehicle Mandate — Where We Are in 2026
California's 2035 ZEV mandate requires 100% new vehicle sales to be zero-emission by 2035. As of 2026, ZEV market share continues to climb. Here's what it means for the future of smog inspections in California.
Quick read: California's CARB 2035 mandate requires all new vehicle sales to be zero-emission by 2035. This doesn't mean existing gas vehicles disappear — they remain on roads (and need smog inspections) for decades after. The smog inspection program will continue serving the existing fleet well past 2050.
The 2035 mandate
California's Advanced Clean Cars II rule, finalized by CARB in 2022, requires:
- 35% ZEV sales by 2026 (we're roughly on track)
- 68% ZEV sales by 2030
- 100% ZEV sales by 2035 (no new gas, diesel, or hybrid sales after this date)
"ZEV" includes battery-electric, fuel-cell, and plug-in hybrid (with at least 50 miles electric range).
What this means for smog inspections
Critical point: existing gas vehicles continue to need smog inspections for as long as they're on roads. The 2035 mandate affects new sales, not existing vehicles. Implications:
- Your 2024 Camry will still need smog in 2032, 2034, 2036, etc.
- The average US vehicle lives 12-15 years; mass smog inspection demand persists into the 2040s
- Diesel pickup demand for smog testing continues indefinitely (work trucks have long lifespans)
- Hybrid vehicles continue requiring smog through their full lifecycle
The shift our network is positioned for
As ZEV adoption grows:
- BEV exempt-status verification becomes more common (we already do this free)
- Hybrid + PHEV smog volume stays steady
- Older gas vehicle volume gradually declines but remains substantial
- Diesel commercial inspection continues
Our network is positioned to serve both the existing fleet (smog) AND the growing EV registration/verification needs (free DMV verification for BEVs).
What you should know as a consumer
If you're buying a vehicle in 2026:
- Buying gas/hybrid? Plan for biennial smog inspections every 2 years.
- Buying BEV? No smog needed — just DMV registration.
- Buying PHEV? Still needs smog every 2 years.
- Buying diesel? Still needs smog if ≤14k GVWR.
The 2035 mandate doesn't change anything about your current vehicle — only new vehicles sold after that date.
Sources: California Air Resources Board (arb.ca.gov), Advanced Clean Cars II rule documentation, CARB 2026 progress reports.
Need a smog check? Text (760) 800-SMOG for $10 off your first visit at any of our 15 STAR-certified locations.