Smog Check

  Voluntary surveys play a key role in California’s success toward meeting vehicle emissions reduction standards A simulated roadside vehicle emissions survey may be coming to a street near you. At first glance, they might look like DUI checkpoints, but they have a much different purpose and there are no…

The Department of Consumer Affairs’ (DCA) Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) has many resources that not only benefit consumers but also help improve the environment. One of those is the Smog Check Referee Program, which assists consumers with resolving special emissions situations, ultimately improving California’s air quality. Referees are conveniently…

Program offers eligible Californians up to $1,200 in repair assistance and $1,000 or $1,500 for vehicle retirement Great for the consumer and great for the environment, California’s Smog Check Program is an important part of the state’s efforts to improve the air we breathe while helping Californians. Smog Checks are…

Eligible consumers may receive up to $1,200 in emissions-related repairs SACRAMENTO – The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) has adopted emergency regulations updating the Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) to increase assistance contributions available to consumers during the ongoing state of emergency in California. The regulations increase the state’s contribution toward…

Article authored by Matt Woodcheke, Consumer Connection staff Question: My car needs expensive repairs to pass Smog Check and I don’t know if I should put money into it or cut my losses. What do you recommend? Answer: The Bureau of Automotive Repair’s (BAR) Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) offers a…

Regulation and oversight help keep consumers—and their cars—safe Having car trouble is trouble enough; getting it fixed shouldn’t be. That’s because, decades ago, California enacted robust car-repair legislation to protect you and your vehicle—protection that continues strong today. FIXING PAST PRACTICES In the early and mid-20th century, if you had…

Smog Check stations caught using “clean gassing” to issue fraudulent certificates SACRAMENTO, CA – The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) has filed, for prosecution by the Attorney General’s Office, accusations against nine Smog Check stations because investigations showed them to be issuing fraudulent certificates. Through analysis of Smog Check Program…

California’s Smog Check Program is an important part of the state’s efforts to improve the air we breathe. Smog Checks are designed to identify vehicles with excess emissions so they can be properly repaired or retired. For eligible consumers whose vehicles fail Smog Check, there’s help. The Consumer Assistance Program…

The California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) recently hosted visitors from the Korean Transportation Safety Authority for a frank conversation about smog. For Peel by DCA coverage of the visit, check out the video below. South Korea’s emissions program for light-duty vehicles is based on California’s Smog Check system, and…

Program assists consumers with special emission situations The Smog Check Program is a critical part of the state’s strategy to improve the air quality in California. Addressing any issues identified during your vehicle’s Smog Check is an important contribution you can make toward this effort and ensures we all breathe…