Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) licenses and governs the automotive repair and smog check facilities in California. The goal of the smog check program is to reduce the air pollution produced by motor vehicles.
Most vehicles in California are required to pass a smog check every two years for registration renewal. Your DMV Registration Renewal Notice will indicate if your vehicle needs a smog check. You may take your vehicle to any smog check center, unless it requires a smog check at a STAR center (which is also stated in the DMV renewal notice). STAR centers are those that meet a higher standard of performance and accuracy as compared to regular smog check centers. STAR certification is also governed by the BAR.
For more information about the various programs administered by BAR, please visit the following website:
http://www.bar.ca.gov/01_ConsumerActivities/index.html
Please note; you may be eligible for Consumer Assistance Program that provides financial assistance for vehicle retirement or emissions-related repairs. Further information can be obtained at the following link:http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/80_BARResources/01_CAP&GoldShield/cap_program.html
NEW - California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) introduces smog requirements for Hybrid Vehicles!
All six years and older hybrid vehicles, with registration date July 1, 2015 or later are now required to get a smog test every two years. All our facilities are equipped with the latest equipment to perform smog tests for hybrids.
What do I take with me at the smog center?
1. The vehicle that needs to be registered
2. DMV registration renewal notice
3. Method of payment
What happens at the smog center?
1. The smog technician will provide you with an estimate of the cost
2. The admin/technician will provide you a form to fill out (we automate this process to save you time and provide a hassle-free experience)
3. The technician will perform a visual inspection of the vehicle
4. The technician will connect your vehicle to smog testing equipment
5. The test scores are electronically transmitted to the DMV
6. If your vehicle passes, you receive the Smog Check Certificate; if it fails, you are required to repair your vehicle
7. You make the payment (which should match the estimate)
What happens next?
1. You take the Certificate to the DMV to register your vehicle. Some facilities (like ours) do registration work too
2. If your vehicle failed the test; it needs to be repaired, and retested. Some facilities offer retests for free
Most vehicles in California are required to pass a smog check every two years for registration renewal. Your DMV Registration Renewal Notice will indicate if your vehicle needs a smog check. You may take your vehicle to any smog check center, unless it requires a smog check at a STAR center (which is also stated in the DMV renewal notice). STAR centers are those that meet a higher standard of performance and accuracy as compared to regular smog check centers. STAR certification is also governed by the BAR.
For more information about the various programs administered by BAR, please visit the following website:
http://www.bar.ca.gov/01_ConsumerActivities/index.html
Please note; you may be eligible for Consumer Assistance Program that provides financial assistance for vehicle retirement or emissions-related repairs. Further information can be obtained at the following link:http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/80_BARResources/01_CAP&GoldShield/cap_program.html
NEW - California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) introduces smog requirements for Hybrid Vehicles!
All six years and older hybrid vehicles, with registration date July 1, 2015 or later are now required to get a smog test every two years. All our facilities are equipped with the latest equipment to perform smog tests for hybrids.
What do I take with me at the smog center?
1. The vehicle that needs to be registered
2. DMV registration renewal notice
3. Method of payment
What happens at the smog center?
1. The smog technician will provide you with an estimate of the cost
2. The admin/technician will provide you a form to fill out (we automate this process to save you time and provide a hassle-free experience)
3. The technician will perform a visual inspection of the vehicle
4. The technician will connect your vehicle to smog testing equipment
5. The test scores are electronically transmitted to the DMV
6. If your vehicle passes, you receive the Smog Check Certificate; if it fails, you are required to repair your vehicle
7. You make the payment (which should match the estimate)
What happens next?
1. You take the Certificate to the DMV to register your vehicle. Some facilities (like ours) do registration work too
2. If your vehicle failed the test; it needs to be repaired, and retested. Some facilities offer retests for free
INFORMATIONAL VIDEOS - PRODUCED AND COPYRIGHTED BY SMOG CENTER LLC
PART I - What is a Smog Test?
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PART II - Visual Test Fails
This video outlines the most common reasons for failure in a Visual Test |
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PART III - Functional Test Fails
This video outlines the most common reasons for failure in a Functional Test |
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PART IV - Emission Test Fails
This video outlines the most common reasons for failure in an Emissions Test |
