USEFUL EMISSION RELATED LINKS

Q&As: Smog Check Program

 The Smog Check Program is an important part of the State’s efforts to improve the air we breathe. Smog Check inspections are designed to identify vehicles with excess emissions so they can be properly repaired. The Program has greatly reduced airpollution created by millions of cars in California. MORE 

Repair Assistance Program.

 The Repair Assistance Program is administered by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) and is designed to help improve California’s air quality. The Repair Assistance Program provides qualified consumers who own a vehicle that fails its biennial (every other year) Smog Check inspection up to $500 in financial assistance towards certain emissions-related repairs. MORE 

Vehicle Test History. California.

 This information will not be reported back in the ‘Vehicle Test History Report’. You may continue to look up a vehicle’s test history using either the VIN or the plate number. However, the Bureau recommends using the VIN to obtain the most accurate results as a vehicle’s plate number may change. MORE 

What is a STAR station?

Some vehicles require a Smog Check at a STAR station. STAR stations must meet specified performance standards established by BAR. Some STAR stations are licensed to perform only tests, while others are licensed to perform both tests and repairs. The station is required to post a sign on the services it performs. The STAR sign is bright red and can usually be found hanging directly under or near the station’s Smog Checksign.  123 Smog test is A STAR Station  

Smog Check Stations Fact Sheet

 The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) licenses and contracts with several different types of Smog Check stations to meet the needs of consumers and their vehicles. Stations are required to post a sign so that consumers can easily identify them. Look for the station’s official sign when selecting a station to perform your next Smog Check  MORE 

On-Board Diagnostic Systems

On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) is a term used to describe a computerized system that monitors the vehicle’s emission controls. This system includes self-diagnostic and reporting functions. Most 1996 and newer vehicles less than 14,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) (e.g., passenger cars, pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles) are equipped with second-generation OBD systems also known as OBD II. MORE