smog test – Smog Coupons

Why The Smog Test

Smog testing is a requirement every two years. The DMV mails out registration notices that remind you about smog testing every other annual re-registration mailing. The notice will tell you whether or not you must have your test performed at a test-only station or if you can go to any testing center. Test-only stations are just as they sound: they do not offer repair or tuning services in the event that you fail your test. STAR smog check stations, equipped with the latest testing devices, are ready to check your vehicle.

You get two attempts at passing. If you fail the first time, you retune/repair the engine and you are allowed to retest for free at the same test station. Be sure to ask your test-only station if they will do this for you and report them if they don't. Beyond two fails you must take the vehicle to a special government approved repair shop (there are hundreds). To solve this problem, we recommended making sure you go to a STAR s…

FAQs

What if I do not renew my registration and/or license by the expiration date? If the renewal application and fees are postmarked after the registration and/or license expiration date(s), a delinquency fee will be charged for each registration and/or license you are renewing. Delinquent renewals will not be processed until all fees are received. If you own a licensed Smog Check station and your ARD and/or Smog Check station renewal payments are delinquent, your station's analyzer(s) will be locked out and you will not be allowed to inspect, test, diagnose, repair, or issue certificates of compliance. Can I overnight my renewal payment? Yes. Payments may be sent overnight to the following address: Department of Consumer Affairs Cashiering Unit 1625 North Market Boulevard, Suite S100 Sacramento, California 95834 Can I expedite my renewal? No. Renewals are processed in the order they are received. The processing time is typically two weeks from the time of receipt. A license rema…

Smog Inspection rated STAR

STAR stations are Smog Inspection stations that meet higher performance standards established by the Bureau of Automotive Repair. 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. State law requires that a percentage of vehicles have their Smog Inspection performed at a STAR station. If your DMV renewal notice states your vehicle requires a Smog Check at a STAR station, you must take your vehicle to a STAR station for an inspection.

On Jan. 1, 2013, California began implementing a new vehicle Smog Inspection system known as the STAR Program. This new state program is another hurdle that anyone who drives on public roads must endure. City and DMV phones have been receiving a steady stream of angry/concerned calls from the few unfortunate individuals who received a STAR notice in the mail as well as local mechanic shops loo…

Consumer Assistance Program for Failed Smog Test

The Consumer Assistance Program is basically California's way to help drivers repair a vehicle to pass the smog test or pay them cash to get their clunkers off the road. The goal of the smog check program is to help improve or protect improvements in the state's air quality. Smog Test Repair Assistance (Failed Smog test Required) If you fail your smog check, and meet income requirements, California will send you a $500 smog check repair voucher that you may use at any participating smog test and repair station. Smog check and repair stations can be found by visiting Smog Coupons. Vehicle Retirement (Smog test NOT Required) If for any reason you want to turn in your clunker, California will pay income eligible drivers up to $1500 for the vehicle. All other drivers will be paid $1000. Repair Assistance FAQs 1. What is the Repair Assistance Program? The Repair Assistance Program is administered by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) and is desi…

Smog check results in declined smog levels

Resulting from smog check: Southern California's air continues to get cleaner. That's according to the South Coast Air Quality District, which said we had 10 fewer high ozone days during 2015's peak smog season than the previous year. Ozone is the primary gas in smog and can damage lungs. In total, there were only 82 days when smog levels exceeded federal standards for clean air. That may sound bad, but it’s better than in 2014 when there were 92 such days. A high smog day is defined as any day in which the amount of ground level ozone reaches more than 75 parts per billion. Typically, the region sees the most smog between May and October, in part because there is more sunlight which helps the chemical reaction that creates ozone pollution. The Air Quality Management District said smog check and pollution cutting programs helped cut down the number of smog days. So did Mother Nature. Rain can clean the air and helps prevents smog from forming. Next year the number of high…

Regulations Update

The following regulatory actions are under development. For more information on regulation proposals or to learn about future opportunities for public participation, visit the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) website. Mobile Automotive Repair Dealer Advertising BAR is working with automotive repair industry stakeholders to address Internet advertising of unlicensed repair service on various websites. In addition to consumer complaints, BAR enforcement staff continuously monitor public advertising forums to track the growing number of unlicensed individuals and businesses reaching consumers. After identifying unlicensed activity, BAR coordinates with law enforcement agencies to conduct sting operations throughout the State. In 2014, the Bureau began posting on its website a list of citations issued to individuals and businesses found performing repairs without a valid automotive repair dealer (ARD) registration. Nearly 500 citations have been issued since regulations adopted …

New Smog Check OBD Reference Guide

Since the implementation of On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) inspection procedures, the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) has identified specific vehicles with unique OBD test issues. Specialized testing exceptions must be followed when performing Smog Checks on these “vehicles of interest” to ensure the BAR OBD Inspection System (BAR-OIS) or BAR-97 Emission Inspection System function appropriately. Accordingly, BAR has adjusted the BAR-OIS and BAR-97 software to accommodate these testing issues and has updated the Smog Check OBD Reference Guide, formerly known as Appendix J. The Smog Check OBD Reference Guide provides information and instructions for the inspection of vehicles with known OBD testing difficulties. The guide allows inspectors to search testing information by vehicle make, year, and model to troubleshoot testing issues, including the following: No communication No OBD II Unset monitors False MIL illumination Remember, inspectors must enter the correct vehicle …

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

ARD Registration, Station Licensure, and License Renewals The Bureau of Automotive Repair’s (BAR) Licensing Unit is often asked about licensure and renewal, as well as other general business change requirements. Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions. ARD Registration and Station Licensure How do I apply for an automotive repair dealer registration? To apply for an automotive repair dealer (ARD) registration, submit a completed ARD application and the applicable fee. The application can be downloaded by visiting the BAR website at www.bar.ca.gov or by calling the BAR Licensing Unit at (916) 403-8477 or (855) 735-0462. Businesses wanting to apply for a Smog Check, lamp, and/or brake station license(s) must also apply for an ARD registration. How do I apply for a station license? To apply for initial licensure of a Smog Check, lamp, and/or brake station, an existing ARD or ARD applicant must submit the appropriate station application(s) and fee(s). Applications ca…

Significant contributions to healthier air

One of the contributions to healthier air worth noting is the reformulation of fuels resulting in cleaner blends of gasoline and diesel. Again, government regulatory action provided the initial impetus for change, and the scientists and oil companies responded with fuel blends that pollute less. “Clean” diesel and “top-tier” gasoline have made, and will continue to make, significant contributions to healthier air. The role of California consumers cannot be overlooked. By participating in the Smog Check Program and keeping their vehicles in proper maintenance, they have made an impact. California consumers have also embraced hybrid and electric vehicles at a higher rate than the rest of the country, signaling that Californians are serious about the environment and are willing to invest in cleaner alternatives. Last, but certainly not least, the automotive repair industry is on the front line in the war on smog. Each time a vehicle fails a mandated Smog Check, skilled technicians…