Straight answers to the questions we hear most. Still unsure? Text or book online — we're happy to help.
Usually no. Most drivers can walk in during business hours. If you have an older vehicle, an RV, a van, a diesel vehicle, or a modified vehicle, please text us or book an appointment.
Most smog checks take about 15 minutes. Older vehicles, modified vehicles, vans, and RVs can take longer, sometimes up to an hour.
If the state determines your vehicle is more likely fail a smog check, the California DMV will send you a registration renewal notice stating whether you must take your vehicle to a STAR station. Owners of vehicles that fall under this High Emitter Profile, (or those who own a vehicle among the 2% randomly selected) will see the following printed on their renewal: Smog Certification Required at STAR certified smog Center. By law, test-only STAR facilities cannot repair your vehicle. You must take it to a Smog Test and Repair. For more info on station specifics, visit the official site of the Bureau of Automotive Repair.
The Department of Motor Vehicles renewal notice will indicate whether a Smog Check is required to re- register your vehicle. Most areas of the state require vehicles to have a Smog Check performed every two years, when being sold, and when being initially registered in California. These areas are called Enhanced and Basic program areas. There are other areas in California which are called change-of-ownerhsip areas. In these areas, all of the former occaisons require a smog inspection, except the regular, biennial requirement.
Not all vehicles must get a Smog Check. Smog Check need depends on the type of vehicle, the model-year, and the area in which the vehicle is registered. Additionally, some vehicles only need a Smog Check when they are being sold or being registered in California after previously being registered in another state.
If you received the DMV registration renewal paper saying “SMOG Certification Required at a STAR station”, you are at the right place. San Juan Auto Smog is a Star Certified Smog Check Station. STAR Smog Station means, DMV has chosen your car to be inspected at a smog station which is monitored closely by the BAR (Bureau of Automotive Repair) and must conform to high standards established by the Bureau of Automotive Repairs. The actual process of the smog does not differ between a STAR and non STAR station, only the compliance of the station performing the inspection with the BAR regulations.
STAR smog stations will be able to issue a certificate of compliance to a vehicle passing a smog check when a motorist is referred by the DMV to such a station for vehicle registration renewal. A non “star” station may not issue a certificate to that motorist’s vehicle. They may however, test and issue certificates to vehicles not directed by the DMV to a “STAR” smog check station.
Smog test only stations are not allowed to perform any auto repairs, whether smog check related or not. In the past smog test only centers typically charged more for their smog inspection in order to cover their expenses. In today’s market however, with competition being so great, and the fact that there are plenty of test only directed vehicles to go around, the cost of the test only smog check has been dramatically reduced.
Keep up with regular maintenance, avoid tampering with emissions equipment, and drive for about 15 minutes before the test so the vehicle is fully warmed up.
First and foremost we’ll help explain to you why you and go over your options for remedying it. You may also need to get your vehicle repaired so it can pass its Smog Check retest in order to complete your registration.
Please refer to California Bureau of Automotive Repair website where you can enter license plate or vehicle identification number (VIN) to check the history. https://www.bar.ca.gov
You may qualify for up to %80 of your repair bill, up to a maximum quantity, in financial assistance to repair your car if it requires a Smog Check and failed that test. The Bureau of Automotive Repair Retirement Program is now offering a cash payment for eligible motorists to voluntarily retire their high-polluting vehicles. If you don’t think it’s worth repairing, the Bureau of Automotive Repair may buy your car!
Eligibility depends on factors such as vehicle ownership and household income. For current requirements, visit: https://www.bar.ca.gov/cap/repair#eligibility
Some vehicles that fail their smog inspections give off such high levels of pollution that a category called “Gross Polluter” was created. This quantitatively defined as failing in any sampled emissions test category by 3x the limit or greater. BAR identifies these vehicles to encourage their immediate repair. Gross Polluters are some of the worst polluting vehicles on California roadways.
Many 2000 and newer vehicles qualify for one free retest within 60 days, with some small exceptions.
Yes. We can smog-test all-wheel-drive vehicles, including older models that require different testing procedures.
Yes. We can perform a smog test on your car whether or not it has been directed to a STAR center.
Yes. We use the Vehicle Identification Number that is imprinted on the vehicle itself to identify the vehicle with the DMV.
No. If the check engine light is on, the vehicle will not pass.
Aftermarket parts such as air intakes need a sticker with an eo# affixed to the vehicle to prove that those parts are legal for street use in California. If you have specific questions about specific parts on your car, ask us before we start the smog check, not after we start. View CA’s Aftermarket Part Lookup Resource. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/applications/aftermarket-parts-database
The Registration Renewal form that was mailed to you by the DMV helps things go smoother. If you do not have access to that form you can just bring the current registration. If you do not have either of those articles, please inform the service representative and they will go over your options for registration with you. Should there be any complications we will be able to inform you within five minutes.
Bring your DMV renewal notice if you have it. If not, we can usually look up your vehicle using your license plate number or VIN.
Yes. All test results are electronically submitted to the DMV when the test is complete.
Yes. We welcome 1999 and older vehicles. Because these tests can take longer, please text us or book an appointment.
Yes, we test RVs and vans here. Please text us or book an appointment here first because these vehicles require more space and time than other smog tests. You may also save time and money by removing the engine cover before the test begins.
Yes. We welcome heavy trucks. Heavy trucks require more space than passenger cars. Please text us or book an appointment.
We test many diesel cars, trucks, vans, and RVs. If you are unsure, text us your plate number, and we will get back to you the same business day.
We will explain why it failed and help you understand the next step. Repairs are usually needed before a retest can be completed.
CAP may help eligible drivers with repair assistance after a failed smog check. In some cases, it may also help with vehicle retirement. Learn more here: https://www.bar.ca.gov/cap
You can look up your smog history through the California Bureau of Automotive Repair's website using your license plate or VIN. https://www.bar.ca.gov/inspection
For official requirements and Smog Check information, visit the California Bureau of Automotive Repair: https://www.bar.ca.gov If you don't find your question, don't worry! Just text us at: (916) 961-6009 and we will get you an answer as quickly as possible.
Call or text (916) 961-6009 and we'll point you in the right direction.