EXPERIENCE COUNTS WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR VALUABLE VEHICLE THIS SHOULD ANSWER ALL YOUR QUESTIONS
The STATE has found that both YOU and the STATE get a more RELIABLE and HONEST test this way. Test Only Stations provide a type of "Checks and Balances" for the program.The State found that many shops had lowered their smog check prices so low that they needed to purposely fail vehicles in order to sell them repairs which would make up for the low prices. Since consumers were being "ripped off" and the smog inspection data being collected was inaccurate, this prompted the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs to step in to both protect the consumer and to maintain the integrity of the program. Therefore, Test Only Stations were created. Test Only Stations are subjected to a higher rate of scrutiny by the State thus maintaining the integrity of the program.
Why are there Test Only Stations ?
Why are there Test Only Stations ?
Why am I required to go to a STAR Station ?
Why am I required to go to a STAR Station ?
The State sends 35% of all cars to STAR stations (see reason above)
Some are RANDOM
Some are picked because they fit a particular type or model that has emission problems
Not necessarily because YOUR car has had problems
NOT necessarily because the YOUR car is older. We test all years.
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What is a STAR Station ?
What is a STAR Station ?
STAR stations are Smog Check stations that meet higherperformance standards established by the Bureau of Automotive Repair and are allowed to test ALL vehicles.
State law requires that a percentage of vehicles have their Smog Check Inspection performed at a STAR station
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Who needs a smog check ?
What cars are exempt from a smog check ?
When a vehicle is sold, who is responsible for the smog check ?
How long is a smog certificate good for ?
Will my motorhome be tested on a dynomometer ?
Vehicles over 6 years old must have biennial ( every 2 years) smog checks.
Vehicles over 4 years old on change of ownership.
(Except for sales to immediate family)
Vehicles brought in from out of state.
Diesel powered vehicles 1998 and up and less than 14,000gvw.
Who needs a smog check ?
What cars are exempt from a smog check ?
Currently, smog inspections are required for all vehicles except diesel powered vehicles over 14,000 GVW, electric, natural gas powered vehicles over 14,000 lbs, hybrids, motorcycles, trailers, or vehicles 1975 and older.Vehicles registered in areas subject to the biennial smog certification program are required to submit evidence of a smog certification every other renewal period. Owners of vehicles six or less model years old will pay an annual smog abatement fee for the first six registration years instead of being required to provide a biennial smog certification. When you transfer a vehicle that is four or less model years old a smog certification is not required.

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The seller is required to provide the buyer with a valid smog inspection certification at the time of the sale or transfer. Smog certifications are good for 90 days from the date of issuance.
The inspection is not required on a transfer if a biennial smog certification was submitted to DMV within 90 days prior to the vehicle transfer date (a vehicle inspection report may be required for proof of certification).
The inspection is not required when you transfer a vehicle that is four or less model years old a smog certification is not required.
When a vehicle is sold, who is responsible for the smog check ?
How long is a smog certificate good for ?
Smog certifications are good for 90 days from the date of issuance.
Also see for how often.................
Will my motorhome be tested on a dynomometer ?
Any vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR; fully loaded weight) of 10,000 pounds or more is excused from dynamometer testing. Your Smog Check technician will be able to give any such vehicle a manual two-speed idle test.
Can I get a regular smog check at a STAR Station ?
Can I get a regular smog check at a STAR Station ?
Yes the smog check is exactly the same at a STAR Station. You get a more reliable and honest check at a STAR Station.
What If my vehicle fails ?
What If my vehicle fails ?
The vehicle will need to be repaired at a test and repair station. Test Only Stations are not allowed to diagnose or repair vehicles. This insures an unbiased and fair smog check. The vehicle will need to be retested after the repairs. Many repair stations can do the retest or you can return to the test only station for the retest.
State regulations do not allow unauthorized repair stations to do the repairs. There is a very important reason for this. If the station is an authorized Smog Check Repair Station they will have the proper equipment to check their repairs to make sure your vehicle was repaired properly.
Do I have to go to an official Test and Repair Facility ?
Do I have to go to an official Test and Repair Facility ?
What if I cannot afford the smog repairs ?
What if I cannot afford the smog repairs ?
The State of California offers Consumer Assistance for those who are required to go to a Test Only Station OR are considered low income. For more information on this program, log onto .......
http://www.bar.ca.gov/80_BARResources/ftp/pdfforms/CAP_App.pdf
Is it difficult for an out-of-state vehicle to pass the California smog check ?
Is it difficult for an out-of-state vehicle to pass the California smog check ?
No. The vehicle is tested according to the manufacturers specifications as it was originally built. No additional equipment or adjustments are needed.
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Unlike some shops we have no surprise extra fees. No extra charge to electronically transmit the certificate. No extra charge for older cars. No extra charge for newer cars. No extra charge for the fuel evap test. No extra charge for four or all wheel drive.
No bait and switch !
No bait and switch !
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