star stations – Page 2

California Smog Check Program

In California a smog inspection by STAR stations is required for vehicles that were manufactured in 1976 or later to participate in the biennial (every two years) smog check program in participating counties. The program’s stated aim is to reduce air pollution from vehicles by ensuring that cars with excessive emissions are repaired in accordance with federal and state guidelines. According to the STAR stations engineers, gas-powered vehicles that are six years old or newer are not required to participate; instead, these vehicles pay a smog abatement fee for the first 6 years in place of being required to pass a smog check. The six-year exception does not apply to nonresident (previously registered out-of-state) vehicles being registered in California for the first time, diesel vehicles 1998 model or newer and weighing 14,000 lbs. or less, or specially constructed vehicles 1976 and newer. The program is a joint effort between the California, the California Bureau of Automotive…

New Smog Check Test

Smog Check Program's Test Technology Californians getting a STAR smog check today may notice that the traditional tailpipe test used for many years has been replaced by a quicker, computer-based test for gasoline-powered cars model-year 2000 and newer, and for most diesel vehicles that are model-year 1998 and newer. it’s easy to find them by using a STAR smog check. This updated test uses the diagnostic capabilities of the vehicle's computer system instead of the traditional tailpipe probe to measure the vehicle's emissions. This On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system gathers information and determines if the vehicle's emission control systems are operating properly. A visual inspection of emission control components is still required as well.. The OBD only method of testing vehicles is the result of 2010 legislation (AB 2289-Eng) which is designed to improve the Smog Check Program and further reduce air pollution. The Smog Check program removes hundreds of tons of smog-forming poll…

Why Drive Clean

it is important to have your vehicle's smog level checked at a STAR smog check station. Californians drive 825 million miles every day – producing 5.4 million tons of smog forming pollutants and more than 350,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions daily. Since more than 50% of California's total smog pollution and 38% greenhouse gas pollution comes from motor vehicles - your car is a good place to start cleaning things up. If that’s not bad enough, more than 95% of Californians live in areas that fail to meet federal or state air quality standards - a rapidly increasing health hazard to you, your children, their children, and so on. California and the world are already seeing the impacts of climate change – rising sea levels, shrinking snowpack, extreme drought and increased wildfires, threatened cultures and other dangers. We need to begin now to avoid more substantial, more disruptive and more expensive change in the future. You can make a difference now by driving vehicles th…

Can You Register an out of State Vehicle in California?

How can I find the most qualified station for smog check near me ? Finding a qualified smog check station can be difficult at times, but Smog Coupons has made it easy. By visiting www.smogcoupons.com, you can find the best and closest smog check station to your home or place of work. The Bottom Line If you are a California resident and acquire a new car, truck, or motorcycle from another state, it must be certified to meet California smog laws to be registered in California. This includes certain diesel-powered vehicles. DMV cannot accept an application to register a vehicle in California that does not qualify for registration (California Health and Safety Code §§43150 - 43156). What Is Considered a New Vehicle? California considers any vehicle with less than 7,500 miles on the odometer at the time of purchase or trade by a California resident or business, to be a new vehicle. This is true whether or not the vehicle has been registered in another state. Aren't All Vehicles Cal…

Specially Constructed Vehicles Emission Control

What is the Specially Constructed Vehicle Emission Control Program? Existing law requires most 1976 and newer model year vehicles to pass an emissions control inspection (STAR stations) prior to original registration, transfer of ownership, and every second annual renewal. Since specially constructed vehicles (SPCNS) are homemade and do not have a manufacturer-assigned year model of the vehicle or they must be taken to a Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Referee Station for the original inspection. Upon completion of the inspection, the referee will affix a tamper-resistant label to the vehicle and issue a certificate that establishes the year model for future inspection purposes. What is an SPCNS Certificate of Sequence? An SPCNS certificate of sequence identifies a vehicle as one for which the owner may choose an emission control inspection based on the year model of the vehicle or the engine used in the vehicle (If the vehicle or engine does not resemble one previously manuf…

Largest Emission Reduction in History of Region

The South Coast Air Quality Management District has significantly strengthened the region’s pollution credit trading program, requiring major emission reductions from some of the largest facilities in the Southland. More efficient, cost-effective technologies are available that can substantially reduce emissions from the largest pollution sources in the region, and one of these technologies is using STAR smog check. The action taken by SCAQMD’s Governing Board is the largest single pollution cut adopted by the agency in recent years. The adopted changes to the RECLAIM program are expected to result in significant reductions of smog-forming nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions at RECLAIM facilities in the region. The new requirements were developed following three years of comprehensive analyses of the best available control technologies available. Specifically, the RECLAIM program changes include: Cumulative reductions of 12 tons per day of NOx credits from the 56 RECLAIM facili…

Some Questions and Answers on Smog Check

Where is the best and most advanced station for smog check near me? If you find yourself wondering about where to find the best and most advanced smog check station near you, all you have to do is go to www.smogcheckcoupons.com. With a few clicks, you can enter your own location and find the nearest and most suitable station for you. How does the air quality regulatory process work? Under the Federal Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes health-based air quality standards that all states must achieve. The California Clean Air Act also establishes requirements for cities and counties to meet. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) develops plans and regulations designed to achieve these public health standards by reducing emissions from business and industry. SCAQMD’s Governing Board adopts plans and regulations for the region and then submits them to the California Air Resources BoardLink to external website. and the Federal EPAL…

Smog Check Station Types

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. Smog Check Station Types and Services STAR Stations 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. BAR directs a portion of the vehicle fleet to STAR-certified stations for inspection and certification. These are known as "directed vehicles." Additionally, vehicles that fail inspection at very high emissions levels must also receive certification from a STAR smog check station. These vehicles are identified as "gross polluters." The Department of Motor Vehicles registration renewal notice indicates …

Referee Program (2)

Hard to Find Emission Parts Locator Service The Referee offers a Hard to Find Emission Parts Loca tor Service to assist consumers whose vehicles fail Smog Check inspections because of missing or modified emission-related parts that are difficult to find. The vehicle may be eligible for a Limited Parts Exemption if the Referee confirms the part is not available. Consumers requesting a Limited Parts Exemption must have their vehicle inspected by a Referee Center. The Hard to Find Emissions Parts Locator Service can be reached at (800) 622-7733. Vehicle Design Issues Affecting the Ability to Inspect The Referee can help consumers with vehicles that are too large to enter a Smog Check facility, or too wide or heavy to fit on a dynamometer. Vehicles with Emission Control Configuration Issues Referees can also assist consumers with vehicles that have difficulties passing a Smog Check inspection due to unusual emission control component configurations. Vehicles Modified for use by Di…

Referee Program

The Referee Program is a statewide network of smog inspection centers that assist motorists with unusual Smog Check issues. Referees provide the following specialized services not available through licensed Smog Check stations: Smog Check Dispute Resolution Sometimes consumers disagree with the results of their Smog Check. If you would like to dispute the results of your smog test or get a third party evaluation, make an appointment with the Referee. Repair Cost Waivers A Repair Cost Waiver is available in situations where a vehicle failed its Smog Check and the consumer had over $650 in emission-related repairs performed at a licensed Smog Check repair station to reduce the vehicle's emissions and cannot afford the additional repairs needed for the vehicle to pass the smog test. This one-time waiver allows the vehicle to be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles. To be eligible, the vehicle must not have any tampered emissions control systems or components and ha…

Smog Check Program Areas

The Smog Check Program divides the State into three areas determined by the air quality in the designated area. While the OBD II focused inspection is required statewide for most 2000 model-year and newer vehicles, 1976-1999 model-year vehicles may receive a different inspection, depending on program area. GeSTARnerally, the area in which a station is located determines the station license types and the station equipment requirements. A Smog Check is required in all program areas when an affected vehicle changes ownership, with the exception of gasoline vehicles four or less model-years old. A Smog Check is also required in all areas when a vehicle is initially registered in California. The ZIP Code locator can be used to determine your Smog Check area. The Smog Check Program Area Map provides a view of the California Smog Check Program areas. Program Areas All areas of California require Smog Check certifications when a specified model-year vehicle changes ownership or is re…

STAR Program

On January 1, 2013, the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) implemented an important change to the Smog Check Program. The STAR Program is the result of state legislation (AB 2289, Statutes of 2010) and years of planning to improve the Smog Check Program. One of the AB 2289 reforms establishes performance standards for Smog Check stations and inspectors. BAR certifies stations meeting program eligibility requirements. Smog Check at a STAR Station Some vehicles require a Smog Check at a STAR station. This includes vehicles that fail Smog Check due to excessively high emissions levels. It also includes vehicles, based on Smog Check history and other data, with the greatest likelihood of failing their next inspection. The Department of Motor Vehicles registration renewal notice indicates if a vehicle requires inspection at a STAR station. Instructions are provided on the back of the renewal notice to assist consumers with the STAR Program. STAR Stations STAR stations must meet speci…