Smog Check Information
The first "Smog Test" program was initiated in March 1984. The program was started
as a result of "SB 33" enacted into law in 1982. The program consisted of a biennial
and change of ownership smog check, a "BAR 84" idle emissions test and a visual
and practical evaluation of different emission control devices. Licensed stations
were limited to a maximum $50 repair work charge and were required to maintain accreditation
to perform smog checks and mechanical emissions repair work. This program is generally
referred to as the "BAR 84" program.
While leaving the testing process essentially unmodified 1997 saw important changes
to the smog test program. In general the program added low income assistance for
smog check compliance and initiated a vehicle retirement program. The retirement
program arose out of fact that most pollution was created by a minority of vehicles
and if those vehicles were removed from the road a significant reduction in pollution
would be realized.
- "AB 42" exempted vehicles manufactured before 1974 from smog check testing. Also
required that vehicles 30 years old or older be except from the Smog Check program
starting in 2004.
- "AB 57" created "CAP" a financial assistance program.
- "AB 208" provided funding for low-income assistance and vehicle retirement
- "AB 1492" exempted vehicles less than four years old from the biennial smog check
"AB 1105" enacted in 1999 made further modifications to the smog check program.
It removed the biennial smog test requirement for all vehicles whose model year
was six years old or less. Additionally the Bureau of Automotive Repairs (BAR) could
to exempt vehicles which fit a low-emitter profile. The CAP repair assistance program
was modified and the retirement amounts paid to drivers scrapping their vehicles
was increased.
In perhaps the most dramatic restructuring of the smog check program "AB 2289" the
Air Resource Board and the Bureau of Automotive Repair jointly sponsored the legislation
in 2010. The program created a new license the "STAR" license which replaced the
old "Gold Shield" program. It allowed STAR smog test and repair locations to both
repair a vehicle and provide a smog certification. High polluter vehicles and randomly
selected vehicles are now directed to STAR smog test locations, rather than smog
test-only locations. To improve the quality of testing smog technicians and smog
stations have a STAR score. The BAR checks a smog test location testing results
against state wide statistics for vehicle profiles. If a station passes or fails
vehicles outside of the average the STAR licence can come under review. To help
reduce cost, the BAR now allows certain vehicles year 2000 or later whose on board
diagnostic system (ODB II) complies with BAR requirements to no longer need a tail-pipe
test. According to the BAR this system has saved consumers in 22 states time and
money.