it will still fail smog inspection because they hook up a OBDII scanner that checks the ECU for codes and emission output.

IF you remove the bulb the car will run just like it does with the light on, it will not make a differenc, just like a burnt out bulb i would suspect.

you can disconnect the battery for about 15 minutes to clear the codes and turn out the light, but the light will eventually come back on after the car completes a driving cycle for the emission checks in the ECU, it will stay out for about 2-3 days depending on how much you drive the car.

What I do (since my light is also on) is use a scanner to reset the light myself and then take the car in for emmission testing (i live in Texas and they will also fail the car if does not pass smog check) I have used the scanner for the last 2 years to pass emission testing, I have a dreaded vacume leak that I can seem to find that turns on my Check engine light.

I use the www.obd-2.com scanner with a home PC or laptop.

hope this helps.

Dan