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**Types of Smog Checks in California**
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) mandates two distinct types of smog checks for vehicles, determined either randomly or based on the vehicle's smog check history.
When reviewing your DMV registration documents, you may encounter either "Smog Certification Required" or "Smog Certification Required at a STAR station." Here's what you need to know:
A. **Smog Certification Required**
If your DMV paperwork mentions "Smog Certification Required" without the mention of "STAR," you have the flexibility to visit any Smog Check station for your vehicle's smog certification. These "regular" smog checks can be performed at:
- Test Only centers
- Test & Repair centers
- STAR Test Only stations
- STAR Test & Repair stations
All smog test stations in California are equipped to conduct "regular" smog checks. These checks are necessary for initial California registration, as well as when buying or selling a vehicle in California up to three months before the registration expiration date.
B. **Smog Certification Required at a STAR station**
If your DMV paperwork states "Smog Certification Required at a STAR station," your vehicle must undergo inspection at one of these designated stations. STAR stations can be of two types:
- STAR Test Only Stations: These stations exclusively perform smog inspections and do not offer smog check repairs.
- STAR Test & Repair Stations: These stations not only conduct smog inspections but also provide smog check repairs and certifications for all types of vehicles.
Regardless of the type of smog certification required, you can visit either of these smog test centers if your DMV documentation mentions "Smog Certificate Required at a STAR station."
**What If My Car Requires Smog Check Repairs?**
In case your vehicle fails the smog check, it is essential that only the vehicle owner, a STAR Test & Repair station, a regular Test & Repair station, or a Smog Repair Only station performs the diagnosis and repairs. General auto mechanics, unless they are smog check certified, are not permitted to conduct smog check repairs.
It's important to note that the State of California will not reimburse CAP (Consumer Assistance Program) applicants for expenses incurred on smog check repairs at auto repair centers that lack smog check certification.
If your vehicle fails at a regular Test Only smog test center or a STAR Test Only station, you should seek repairs at a smog check & repair center or a STAR Test & Repair station. STAR Test & Repair stations are capable of conducting both Test Only inspections and smog check repairs. They are held to the highest smog check standards and are part of the Bureau of Automotive Repair's CAP program.
**Different Types of California Smog Stations**
There are five main types of smog stations in California, each with its distinct duties and responsibilities:
1. **Test & Repair Station**: These stations can perform "regular" smog inspections and diagnose and repair vehicles that have failed the smog check. However, they cannot certify vehicles requiring STAR smog checks.
2. **Test Only Center**: Test Only centers are authorized to conduct all "regular" smog inspections but are not allowed to perform smog repairs. Their primary responsibility is to provide unbiased and accurate smog inspections. They cannot certify vehicles requiring STAR smog checks.
3. **STAR Test Only Center**: STAR Test Only centers are authorized to perform both "regular" and Test Only smog inspections but are not permitted to perform smog repairs. Their primary role is to conduct impartial and accurate smog inspections for all DMV-required vehicles.
4. **STAR Test & Repair (CAP)**: These stations have authorization from the Bureau of Automotive Repairs to carry out regular smog inspections, Test Only smog checks, and smog check repairs. STAR Test & Repair stations are the only type of smog check center capable of inspecting, repairing, and certifying all vehicles. They actively participate in the State's Consumer Assistance Program and undergo monthly inspections by the State of California.
5. **Repair Only Station**: Repair Only stations are authorized to diagnose and repair vehicles that have failed the smog check but cannot conduct inspections or certify any vehicle.