STAR smog stations will be able to issue a certificate of compliance t a vehicle passing a smog check when a motorist is referred by the DMV to such a station for vehicle registration renewal. A non “star” station may not issue a certificate to the motorist’s vehicle. They may however, test and issue certificates to vehicles not directed by the DMV to a “STAR” smog check station.

smog test only stations are not allowed to profit or perform any auto repairs, whether smog check related or not. in the past smog test only centers typically charged more for their smog inspection in order to cover their expenses. In today’s market however, with competition being so great, and the fact that there are plenty of test only directed vehicles to go around, the cost of the test only smog check has been dramatically reduced.

Proper and regular maintenance according to your Owner’s Manual, and not tampering with the emissions control equipment are keys to passing Smog Check and lowering emissions from your vehicle. Also a good 15 minute drive helps to ensure a proper warm-up of all emission related components which helps out in the emissions part of the smog check.

First and foremost we’ll help explain to you why you failed and some suggestions as to what to do next. You will also need to get your vehicle repaired so it can pass its Smog Check retest in order to complete your registration.

Please check California Bureau of Automotive Repair website for step by step procedures.
http://www.bar.ca.gov

Please refer to California Bureau of Automotive Repair website where you can enter license plate or vehicle identification number (VIN) to check the history.
http://www.bar.ca.gov

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. The Bureau of Automotive Repair Retirement Program is now offering $1000.00 for eligible motorists to voluntarily retire their high-polluting vehicles. If you don’t think it’s worth repairing the Bureau of Automotive Repair may buy your carl

Senate Bill 210 (Leyva; Chapter 298, Statutes of 2019) instructed CARB to develop and execute a comprehensive regulation for the inspection and maintenance of heavy-duty vehicles (HD I/M) to ensure that their emissions control systems are working properly while on California’s roads. The Board approved the regulation on December 9, 2021 and it will be gradually implemented starting in January 2023. The program, called Clean Truck Check, combines periodic vehicle testing requirements with other emissions monitoring techniques and expanded enforcement strategies to identify vehicles needing emissions-related repairs and ensure that any necessary repairs are carried out. Once fully implemented, the program will lead to significant reductions in smog-forming and carcinogenic toxic air pollution, essential for meeting federal air quality requirements and ensuring clean airin California’s communities.