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Smog Check Stations Fact Sheet
Smog Check Station Types and Services
The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) licenses or contracts with several different types of Smog Check facilities. The various stations are designed to provide consumers with multiple options to meet their needs.
Test–and–Repair Stations
Test–and–Repair stations are licensed by the state to provide Smog Check tests and repairs to most vehicles. Under current law, Test–and–Repair stations are prohibited from certifying repaired Gross Polluters or vehicles that have been directed to Test–Only stations for inspection. Only Test–Only stations and Gold Shield stations are able to certify repaired Gross Polluters.
Repair–Only Stations
Repair–Only stations are licensed by the state to provide repairs to vehicles that fail a smog check. Repair–Only stations may provide repairs to many types of vehicles or to specific types of vehicles only. Under current law, Repair–Only stations are prohibited from certifying vehicles.
Test–Only Stations
Test–Only stations are licensed by the state to perform only tests on vehicles. They are prohibited from performing any repair services. Gross Polluters can be certified at these stations. In addition, potentially high–polluting vehicles in the state's smoggiest regions are directed to these stations for their initial Smog Check inspection, as specified on the Department of Motor Vehicles registration renewal form.
Gold Shield Stations – Consumer Assistance Program
Gold Shield stations are licensed Test–and–Repair stations that have received additional certification by BAR. In addition to the services provided by regular Test–and–Repair stations, Gold Shield stations can certify vehicles identified as Gross Polluters. Gold Shield stations can perfom the initial testing and certification of vehicles directed to Test–Only. They can also perform the "after–repairs" certification of vehicles directed to Test–Only stations for an initial inspection, as long as the Gold Shield station has performed repairs to the directed vehicle. Gold Shield stations also contract with the Bureau of Automotive Repair to perform state subsidized emissions–related repairs on vehicles participating in the Consumer Assistance Program. Gold Shield stations located in the Basic program areas of the state can certify Enhanced area vehicles for new and used car dealers who purchase them and offer them for sale in the Basic and Change of Ownership program areas.
Consumer Assistance Program applicants – You must apply and be approved for Repair Assistance prior to going to a Gold Shield station for state subsidized repairs. If you are approved, you will receive a Letter of Eligibility to present to the Gold Shield station. To obtain an application, call 1-800-952-5210 or click here.
Gold Shield Stations – Change of Ownership Areas
Gold Shield stations are licensed Test–and–Repair stations that have received additional certification by BAR. Gold Shield stations located in the Change of Ownership areas of the state can certify vehicles identified as Gross Polluters and can certify Enhanced area vehicles for new and used car dealers who purchase them and offer them for sale in the Basic or Change of Ownership area. They do not perform repairs on vehicles participating in the Consumer Assistance Program.
Test–and–Repair / Dealer Stations
Test–and–Repair / Dealer stations are licensed Test–and–Repair stations located in the Basic program area that are also licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles as a New or Used Motor Vehicle Dealer. These stations are allowed to certify vehicles previously registered in the Enhanced program area prior to dealers offering them for sale in the Basic program area, and are allowed to offer the same service to other local vehicle dealers. These stations are not allowed to certify Gross Polluters.
Referee Centers
Referee Facilities are state–contracted facilities that provide specialized inspection services. They perform a number of important functions for consumers, including: certification of vehicles issued Limited Parts Exemptions; inspection of grey market vehicles, specially–constructed vehicles, and vehicles with engine changes, verification of certain disputes between a station and consumer; issuance of Smog Check repair cost waivers; and assistance in the resolution of other Smog Check issues. To make an appointment at a Referee Facility, call 1–800–622–7733.
Consumer Tips
As with other consumer products and services, it is always best to shop around for quality service that best meets your needs. Since market forces drive the price of a Smog Check and any related repair work, some stations may charge different prices than others. To determine what services a station provides, or for other information about the Smog Check program, please see Help With Smog Check or call 1–800–952–5210.
