Smog Test Information
Test Only - In order to comply with state law, the California
Department of Consumer Affairs/Bureau of Automotive Repair (DCA/BAR) directs a portion
of the vehicles registered in Enhanced Smog Check Areas to Test-Only stations. Enhanced
Areas are those parts of the state with "serious," "severe," or "extreme" ozone
pollution problems like oxygen sensors, Mass Air Flow Sensors, faulty spark plug
wires, spark plugs and air filters .
What is a Test Only? - Test-Only facilities are licensed Smog
Check stations that, by law, are only allowed to test cars; they cannot repair them.
Any needed repairs must be performed elsewhere at either a Smog Check station designated
as a Test-Repair or Gold Shield station. To learn more about the various station
types, and what station best fits your Smog Check needs.
High Emitter Profile - The majority of vehicles directed to
Test-Only stations are selected by application of the High Emitter Profile (HEP),
which identifies the vehicles most likely to fail their Smog Checks. The High Emitter
Profile (HEP) uses data from several different sources. Some of it comes from the
state Vehicle Identification Database (VID), which collects data from each Smog
Check performed in California. The VID is used by the Department of Motor Vehicles
(DMV), BAR, and other government agencies. In addition, general vehicle data such
as make, model-year, vehicle miles traveled, and engine size help define the HEP.
This information is used to determine which vehicles are most likely to fail their
Smog Checks, especially at Gross Polluter levels--at least two times the emissions
level allowed for a particular vehicle. No single factor identifies a vehicle for
a Smog Check to be done at a Test-Only station. The data is weighted and vehicles
selected using this computer profiling of vehicles most likely to fail their Smog
Check. DCA/BAR has gradually increased the number of vehicles directed to Test-Only
stations to meet the air quality improvement goals of the State Implementation Plan
(SIP). The SIP is a blueprint outlining the methods California will use to meet
federal air quality standards.
Two Percent Randomly Selected - As required by State law, two
percent of the vehicles in the Enhanced Areas are also directed to Test-Only stations
for their Smog Checks. These vehicles are selected randomly to evaluate the overall
effectiveness of the Smog Check Program.
How Motorists are Notified - The Department of Motor Vehicles
(DMV) notifies owners of vehicles that have been selected to have their Smog Checks
performed at Test-Only stations. The registration Renewal Notice sent for these
vehicles will say "Smog Certification Required at Test-Only Center".
Consumer Assistance Program - You may qualify for up to $500
in financial assistance to repair your car if it requires a Smog Check at a Test-Only
station and failed that test.
Smog Check Station Types and Services
The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) licenses or contracts with several different
types of Smog Check facilities. The various stations are designed to provide consumers
with multiple options to meet their needs.
Test-and-Repair Stations
Test-and-repair stations are licensed by the state to provide Smog Check tests
and repairs to most vehicles. Under current law, test-and-repair stations are prohibited
from certifying repaired Gross Polluters or vehicles that have been directed to
Test-Only stations for inspection. Only Test-Only stations and Gold Shield stations
are able to certify repaired Gross Polluters.
Test-Only Stations
Test-Only stations are licensed by the state to perform only tests on vehicles.
They are prohibited from performing any repair services. Gross Polluters can be
certified at these stations. In addition, potentially high-polluting vehicles in
the state's smoggiest regions are directed to these stations for their initial Smog
Check inspection, as specified on the Department of Motor Vehicles registration
renewal form.
Gold Shield Stations - Consumer Assistance Program
Gold Shield stations are licensed test-and-repair stations that have received
additional certification by BAR. In addition to the services provided by regular
test-and-repair stations, Gold Shield stations can certify vehicles identified as
Gross Polluters. They can also perform the "after-repairs" certification of vehicles
directed to Test-Only stations for an initial inspection, as long as the Gold Shield
station has performed repairs to the directed vehicle. Gold Shield stations also
contract with the Bureau of Automotive Repair to perform state subsidized emissions-related
repairs on vehicles participating in the Consumer Assistance Program. Gold Shield
stations located in the Basic program areas of the state can certify Enhanced area
vehicles for new and used car dealers who purchase them and offer them for sale
in the Basic and Change of Ownership program areas.
Consumer Assistance Program applicants - You must apply and be approved for Repair
Assistance prior to going to a Gold Shield station for state subsidized repairs.
If you are approved, you will receive a Letter of Eligibility to present to the
Gold Shield station.
Gold Shield Stations - Change of Ownership Areas
Gold Shield stations are licensed test-and-repair stations that have received
additional certification by BAR. Gold Shield stations located in the Change of Ownership
areas of the state can certify vehicles identified as Gross Polluters and can certify
Enhanced area vehicles for new and used car dealers who purchase them and offer
them for sale in the Basic or Change of Ownership area. They do not perform repairs
on vehicles participating in the Consumer Assistance Program.
Test Repair - Dealer Stations
Test Repair - Dealer stations are licensed test-and-repair stations located in
the Basic program area that are also licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles
as a New or Used Motor Vehicle Dealer. These stations are allowed to certify vehicles
previously registered in the Enhanced program area prior to offering them for sale
in the Basic program area, and are allowed to offer the same service to other local
vehicle dealers. These stations are not allowed to certify Gross Polluters.
Referee Centers
Referee Centers are state-contracted facilities that handle special cases for
consumers who own vehicles that need specialized inspection services. They perform
a number of important functions for consumers, including: the certification of vehicles
issued a Limited Parts Exemptions; grey market vehicles, specially-constructed vehicles,
and vehicles with engine changes, verifying certain disputes between a station and
consumer; issuing Smog Check repair cost waivers and hardship extensions; and helping
resolve other Smog Check issues. To make an appointment at a Referee Center, call
1-800-622-7733.
Consumer Tips
As with other consumer products and services, it is always best to shop around
for quality service that best meets your needs. Since market forces drive the price
of a Smog Check and any related repair work, some stations may charge different
prices than others. To determine what services a station provides, or for other
information about the Smog Check program, please log onto the Smog Check website
at www.smogcheck.ca.gov or call 1-800-952-5210.
Need to get your vehicle "smogged" to obtain your vehicle registration sticker?
Vehicles seven years old need a Smog Check test every other year in order to re-register
the car or truck with the Dept. of Motor Vehicles and to also help California reach
its daily goal of removing an extra 100 tons of smog-forming emissions from the
air.
The Automobile Club of Southern California recommends the following maintenance
tips to ensure your vehicle is operating cleanly to pass the state-mandated Smog
Check. The Auto Club offers Test-Only Smog Checks at its facilities in Los Angeles
and Costa Mesa. Its 70 local offices issue vehicle registration stickers once your
vehicle has passed the Smog Check. The Auto Club's Approved Auto Repair (AAR) Network
has facilities that perform the test as well. To find our Test-Only centers, or
to locate a repair facility in the AAR Network in Southern California.
SAFETY - Make sure your tires are in good condition and properly
inflated. Make sure the "check engine" light or any other dashboard warning lights
are NOT on. Make sure that your vehicle has no fluid leaks and no safety issues.
Remember, your vehicle will be strapped down on a dynamometer and required to perform
flawlessly under stressful conditions.
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AND PREPARATION - Don't change the size
of the tires from the original specifications. The dynamometer test equipment is
calibrated to the "stock" tire size. Over- or under-sized tires will alter the speed
calculations performed by the test equipment and may prevent your vehicle from going
through the test since the machine won't sense the correct speed for your vehicle's
tire size. Make sure your vehicle has a clean air filter and fresh engine oil.
Make sure your vehicle's gasoline cap fits your vehicle, isn't damaged and is
turned tightly in place. A vehicle without a gas cap is an automatic Smog Check
test failure. The week of the Smog Check test, take the vehicle out for an extended
drive, preferably on the freeway and especially if you're regularly a "short trip"
driver. Drive approximately 30 minutes or longer at varying speeds on freeways,
surface streets and up hills.
THE DAY OF THE SMOG CHECK TEST - Fill the gas tank of your vehicle
with the grade of fuel stated in the owner's manual. Make sure all fluids are topped
off and that all non-essential items are removed from the trunk or the rear of the
vehicle. The dynamometer weighs your vehicle before the test, and if the vehicle
is heavier than it should be, the weight will make it harder to pass. Drive at least
30 minutes before arriving at the Smog Check test facility to ensure the car or
truck has reached full operating temperature.
Ask the repair facility if they can perform the test within 15 minutes of your
arrival. This will let the vehicle return to normal operating temperature quickly.
Remember to bring the DMV renewal notice with you to the repair facility. The paperwork
has a bar code on it that needs to be scanned for the Smog Check test. If you don't
have the paperwork, the repair facility may charge you for the extra time it takes
to input the vehicle identification number that they could pick up from the bar
code.
Active Stations:
Stations with inspection activities during the time period. This count differs
from the number of stations licensed because a station that is licensed to do smog
inspections may not have any activity during a particular time period.
Licensed Technicians:
A count of licensed technicians. Some licensed technicians may not be assigned
to stations. Counts are broken down by license classification:
-
EA - licensed to conduct BAR-97 loaded-mode tests (ASM)
in Enhanced areas as well as BAR-90 (TSI) tests,
-
EB - licensed to conduct BAR-90 (TSI) tests in basic and
change-of-ownership areas,
-
EU - formerly an advanced license, this classification is
being phased out.
Basic: Refers to those portions of the state with moderate air
pollution. Biennial testing (every two years) is required in Basic areas. The two-speed
idle test is used in Basic Areas; dynamometer testing is not required.
Certificates Issued - Counts all Smog Check inspections resulting
in the issue of a certificate, or waivers resulting in the issue of a certificate.
Change of Ownership - These are predominantly rural areas of
the state with the cleanest air. Vehicles registered in Change-of-Ownership areas
require testing only during a sale or prior to initial California registration.
The two-speed idle test is used in Basic Areas; dynamometer testing is not required.
Cost Waiver - The Repair Cost Waiver allows a vehicle to be
registered without passing its Smog Check inspection. A motorist must spend $450
on emissions-related repairs by a licensed Smog Check technician at a licensed Smog
Check station in order to qualify for a Repair Cost Waiver.
Station Types:
-
REG - Regular - Licensed to perform official smog inspections
and repairs. Prohibited from issuing certificates to Gross Polluters.
-
GS - Gold Shield - Licensed to perform official smog inspections
and repairs. Issue certificates to Gross Polluters; perform state-subsidized
repairs; perform the "after repairs" certification test on vehicles that were
directed to, and failed their Smog Check at a Test-Only station, provided that
the vehicles were repaired at the Gold Shield station.
-
TST - Test Only - Licensed to perform official smog inspections
and issue certificates to all vehicles. Prohibited from performing all diagnostics
and repairs.
-
REF - Referee - Issues repair cost waivers and economic
hardship exemptions, inspects vehicles granted limited parts exemptions, inspects
vehicles with engine changes, inspects gray-market and special construction
vehicles, and resolves disputes between customers and Smog Check stations.
-
Gov. Fl. - Government Fleets - sites established by government
agencies to test their vehicles.
-
Bus. Fl. - Business Fleets - sites established by businesses
and corporations to test fleets which they manage.
Enhanced - These are the areas of the state with the most severe
air pollution, as determined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Biennial inspection (every two years) using the BAR-97 loaded-mode (dynamometer)
test is required for vehicles registered in Enhanced areas. Vehicles must also be
inspected when sold, or upon initial California registration.
Failure Types
-
Gross Polluter: A subset of tailpipe failures, gross polluters
emit the most pollution of all failures, usually double the allowable limit
or more.
-
Tailpipe: Any vehicle which fails because of excessive concentration
of pollutants as measured at the tailpipe.
-
Functional: The gas cap test, ignition timing and exhaust
gas recalculation (EGR) check are part of the functional test.
-
Visual: Missing, modified or disconnected emissions parts
as noted by the technician during their visual inspection of the vehicle.
Note: the above categories are not mutually exclusive -- a vehicle may be counted
in any combination of them.
Hardship - The Economic Hardship Extension allows a vehicle
to be registered immediately without passing its Smog Check inspection and gives
a vehicle owner up to two years to complete the repairs needed to bring the vehicle
into compliance with emissions standards. To obtain an extension, a vehicle must
be brought to a Referee Center, where tests may be performed.
First Test - This is the first test on any vehicle for an inspection
cycle. If a vehicle has not been tested for 180 days prior to a test, then that
test is considered an initial episode test regardless of the outcome of any prior
test. No tests in the 180 days following an initial episode test are considered
as an initial episode tests regardless of the outcome of any intervening tests.
Referee Activity - Tests performed and waivers or extensions
issued at "Referee" sites.
Unique Vehicles - Includes all unique vehicle identification (VIN)
or license plate numbers. If a vehicle failed during the previous time period and
passed an after-repairs test during the current one, it will be included. If it
fails during the current period and gets a certificate or other tests later, it
is included in the report.
Vehicle Information Database - The Bureau of Automotive Repair's
central Smog Check computer, which transmits vehicle information to, and collects
test result information from, Smog Check station test equipment.
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