What is California Smog Check?
The Smog Check Program has greatly reduced air pollution created by millions of cars in California. According to the California Air Resources Board, the program removes about 400 tons of smog-forming pollutants from California’s air every day. With no surprise, the California Smog Check Test is known to be among the toughest smog tests in the U.S. Although greatly reducing pollution created from cars, the California Smog Check Program did not meet its expectations. Studies have shown that the program managed to only reduce the two main polluting emissions by only 12.3% and 9.8%. (hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide )This is a great letdown since it was predicted to have lowered the polluting rate by 25%. The program is inevitably quite unsuccessful, but is still actively running in the state of California. In addition, inefficiency in this program is how the people in California only have to have their car smog checked every 2 years, so they only prepare their car before the day of inspection. Since people don’t find the need to be aware of their high use of fuel emissions, they are subconsciously polluting far more than they really have to. California’s automobile emission standards are among the highest […]
What is a Test Only station?
Q.What is a Test-Only station? Test-Only stations are licensed Smog Check stations that are only allowed to test cars. State law prohibits them from making repairs. Q.How will I know if I need to take my car to a Test-Only or Gold Shield station? You will be notified on the registration renewal notice sent by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if your vehicle must be inspected at a Test-Only or Gold Shield station.
California Smog Check Program
California Smog Check Program: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law a bill to revamp California’s smog-check program. No earlier than January 1, 2013, smog check stations will be required to measure the emissions of model-year ’00 and newer vehicles using onboard diagnostic testing. The new law also directs that a procedure be developed for testing vehicles that are not able to be tested through an onboard diagnostic computer system. California Greenhouse Gases: California voters rejected Proposition 23 with a resounding 61% “no” vote. Many proponents of the failed measure jumped ship to support its less controversial cousin: Proposition 26. Proposition 23 would have suspended implementation of California’s “Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006.” The state would not have been able to pursue regulations intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as cap-and-trade. Proposition 26 serves the function of delaying or preventing any new or increased fees including, but not limited to, fees associated with the implementation of the Global Warming Solutions Act. New fees will now require approval by two-thirds of the state legislature or two-thirds of registered voters. Prior to the passage of Proposition 26, lawmakers were able to balance the state budget and introduce laws that were revenue neutral with a simple […]
How can I help my vehicle pass a Smog Check?
Q.How can I help my vehicle pass a Smog Check? Performing proper and regular vehicle maintenance according to your owner’s manual, and not tampering with the emissions control equipment are keys to passing Smog Check. Q. What happens if my vehicle fails a Smog Check? In order to complete your registration, you will need to obtain the repairs necessary for it to pass its Smog Check retest. Before beginning repairs, find out if you are eligible for our Consumer Assistance Program (CAP). Q. What are the environmental benefits of the Smog Check Program? The Smog Check Program has greatly reduced air pollution created by millions of cars in California. According to the California Air Resources Board, the program removes about 400 tons of smog-forming pollutants from California’s air every day.
What is a Gross Polluter vehicle?
The Smog Check program has identified Gross Polluter (GP) vehicles as a significant source of smog emissions. Gross Polluter vehicles are chosen through these strategies: Vehicles tested at licensed stations which exceed at least one of the gross polluter standards (twice the maximum emission limits) Vehicles selected from the High Emitter Profile (HEP) database which have a high probability of failing the Smog Check inspection. Once a vehicle is classified or designated as a Gross Polluter it has to initially be tested at a Test Only inspection station. If the vehicle fails this inspection it must undergo repairs and return to a Test only center, State Referee station or a Gold Shield CAP (Consumer Assistance Program) repair center for certification. Vehicles, which are not classified, as gross polluters, do not have to seek a Test Only inspection and can visit any local smog station. Your DMV paperwork or documents will indicate which type of test your car or vehicle requires. It is estimated that 50% of the smog in the state of California is produced by motor vehicles. Gross Polluters represent only approximately 10 to 15 percent of all these vehicles, however they are estimated to be responsible for more […]
California Vehicle Retirement Program?
What’s New? California’s updated voluntary vehicle retirement program is now available. The program is administered by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) and provides $1,000 per vehicle and $1,500 for low-income consumers for unwanted vehicles that have either FAILED or PASSED their last Smog Check Test and that meet certain eligibility guidelines. For more information, visitBAR’s website. You can also obtain a copy of the application, or call BAR at (866) 272-9642 . Background Voluntary accelerated vehicle retirement or “car scrap” programs provide monetary incentives to vehicle owners to retire older, more polluting vehicles. The purpose of these programs is to reduce fleet emissions by accelerating the turnover of the existing fleet and subsequent replacement with newer, cleaner vehicles. Reducing emissions from the existing fleet is a component of California’s State Implementation Plan, which outlines the State’s strategy for meeting health-based ambient air quality standards. Both State and local vehicle retirement programs are available. The State’s recently enhanced Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) was developed by the ARB in consultation with BAR and provides $1,000 per vehicle and $1,500 for low-income consumers for unwanted vehicles that have either FAILED or PASSED their last Smog Check Test. For information on the development of the […]