Most stations do use a price structure in relation to the amount of work required to inspect different vehicles, as well as a calculation of the wear and tear that a particular vehicle may present to the smog station’s testing equipment; hence the slightly higher prices for older model and or larger vehicles, such as …

Besides, What do you do if your car can’t pass smog?

If your vehicles smog check doesn’t pass, you have two choices: repairing the faulty components or stop driving your car. Your DMV registration can’t be renewed if your smog check fails. Now, your failed smog test might cost you in repairs.

Keeping this in mind, Do smog shops make money? Compared to many small businesses the smog shop can be highly profitable in relation to what the buyer has invested. Add to that, with constant demand for the service and a pricing profile in the industry that is both competitive and profitable for owners, this type of business usually is much in demand.

Do Star smog checks cost more?

Except for an $8.25 State Certificate fee, STAR Test Only centers and STAR Test & Repair stations will have different prices, typically between $29.95 and $59.95 plus state fee.

What is the difference between a smog check station and a star station?

Smog test centers can perform the test itself and give you a certification. Smog repair stations can repair your vehicle so it can pass the test. … STAR Test and Repair Centers are the only smog centers that can inspect, repair and certify your vehicle.

What happens if you fail smog twice?

Failing a Second Time

If you can prove that you have taken and failed the emissions test twice, and if you can prove that you have spent a certain amount of money getting your vehicle inspected and repaired, the state may give you a waiver.

Can I get an extension on my smog check in California?

Eligible low income vehicle owners may receive a one time two year extension to complete necessary emissions related repairs. … This program is designed to allow Income Eligible applicants ample time to repair their smog failing vehicles.

Can you sell a car in California that won’t pass smog?

You might be wondering “can you sell a car that won’t pass smog”. By California law, a vehicle must be sold with a smog inspection certificate which has been conducted in the past 90 days . … This means that if the vehicle didn’t pass inspection, then it shouldn’t be sold to a private party being another individual.

How do I become a smog technician in California?

Complete the BAR (Bureau of Automotive Repair) specified diagnostic and repair training, and have two years of work experience. Complete Level 1 engine and emission control training (68 hours), and Level 2 smog check Training (28 hours), as well as pass the state licensing exam within the past two years.

How do I get a smog license in Nevada?

To become certified in Nevada as a smog technician, you’ll need to take a class on the rules and regulations enforced by the Silver State. Upon completion, you’ll be administered a test which you must pass with a score of at least 80%.

Do I need a star smog check?

If the DMV only mentions Smog Certification Required, you may take your vehicle to any Smog Check station. So long as there is no mention of STAR, your vehicle is considered to require a “regular” smog check and it can be tested at any smog station which performs smog inspections.

How do you get a star certified smog?


To become STAR-certified, stations must apply for certification and meet the specific inspection-based performance standards.

  1. Verify the station meets STAR eligibility requirements. …
  2. Determine the station type and apply for a Smog Check station license. …
  3. Schedule an appointment for a station visit.

What is Star Station for smog check?

STAR stations are Smog Check stations that meet higher performance standards established by the Bureau of Automotive Repair. Some STAR stations are licensed to perform only tests, while others are licensed to perform both tests and repairs. The station is required to post a sign on the services it performs.

What is a star station for smog check?

STAR stations are Smog Check stations that meet higher performance standards established by the Bureau of Automotive Repair. Some STAR stations are licensed to perform only tests, while others are licensed to perform both tests and repairs. The station is required to post a sign on the services it performs.

Are there different types of smog checks?

The California DMV requires vehicles undergo one of

two different smog check types

based randomly or determined by a vehicle’s specific smog check history.




These stations include:

  • Test Only centers.
  • Test & Repair centers.
  • STAR Test Only stations.
  • STAR Test & Repair stations.

What is smog Star certification?

The STAR Program is a certification program for both test-only and test-and-repair Smog Check stations that wish to certify directed and gross-polluting vehicles. STAR test-and-repair stations also must provide repair assistance services under BAR’s Consumer Assistance Program.

Can you pass a smog test with the check engine light on?

If your check engine light is on, you’ll automatically fail your smog test. … If you have a broken oxygen sensor, even with the check engine light off you’ll fail your smog test. Before you test your car, bring it in to your local auto repair shop for a diagnosis and any necessary repairs.

How do you fix a smog problem?


Everyone can do their part to reduce smog by changing a few behaviors, such as:

  1. Drive less. …
  2. Take care of cars. …
  3. Fuel up during the cooler hours of the day—night or early morning. …
  4. Avoid products that release high levels of VOCs. …
  5. Avoid gas-powered yard equipment, like lawn mowers.

How do I fix my emissions failure?


How to reduce your car’s emissions (and pass the NCT in the…

  • Repair the exhaust. Inspect your exhaust and repair any holes that you see. …
  • Get a service. …
  • Fuel additives. …
  • Use better quality fuel. …
  • Inflate tyres. …
  • Before the test.

Can I get an extension on my vehicle registration California?

Registration extensions apply to:

We are waiving late fees and penalties for vehicle registration renewals due between March 16 and May 31, 2020 — as long as you renew your registration within 60 days of the original expiration date.

What is the grace period for expired tags in California?

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does not offer a grace period for paying your annual vehicle registration fees. Be sure to pay your renewal fees on or before the expiration date shown on your current registration card, or DMV will charge penalties.

How long can you drive with expired tags in California?

If you continue driving with expired tags for over 6 months, your vehicle can be impounded under California Vehicle Code § 22651(0)(1).

Can I sell a car that hasn’t passed smog?

You can legally sell a vehicle that is in Planned Non-Operation status; however, the buyer will not be able to operate the vehicle legally on state roads and highways until he or he gets the vehicle inspected and it is able to get a clean bill of health in the form of a smog certificate.

Can you trade in a car that hasn’t passed smog?

While true that it is the sellers responsibility to smog the vehicle, it is NOT illegal to sell a vehicle that has not been smogged. If the buyer is informed beforehand that the vehicle has not been smogged in the last 90 days prior to the sale,the seller is no longer responsible.

What happens if seller does not provide smog?

Generally speaking, the seller (dealer or individual) must provide the buyer with a valid smog inspection certification at the time of the sale. … If an exception does not apply and a vehicle is not sold with a valid smog certificate, then the sale transaction is illegal and arguably void/enforceable.