| What
is a Test-Only Station? |
| Test-Only
Stations are privately-owned smog check stations licensed by the Bureau
of Automotive Repair (BAR) to inspect and certify most vehicles, including
Gross Polluters. They are prohibited from providing any repair services. |
| What
is the Test-Only Stations' role? |
| The
addition of test-only stations to the smog check program augments
a service previously provided on a temporary basis by state-contracted
Referee Centers. Now, owners of gross-polluting vehicles must have
their vehicles tested and certified at either a test-only station
or a Gold Shield Gross Polluter Certification Pilot station. |
| Why
is my car being tested on new smog equipment? |
| The
new equipment and the new test, which is performed under simulated
driving conditions, is required by state law in the state's smoggiest
regions (enhanced areas) in order to meet federal clean air standards.
The new equipment tests for oxides of nitrogen (NOx), an important
smog-causing compound. The old equipment did not test for NOx. |
| For
how long is a Smog Check certificate valid? |
| A
smog check certificate of compliance or non-compliance is valid for
90 days. |
| Who
is responsible for obtaining a Smog Check when a vehicle is sold? |
| It
is the responsibility of the seller to provide a valid smog certificate
at the time of delivery of the vehicle. There is no provision in the
law to sell a vehicle "as is." |
|
Information
taken from State of California's Web site. |
|
|
For
more information please visit our "Links"
page. |