In order to comply with state
law, the California Department of Consumer Affairs/Bureau of Automotive Repair (DCA/BAR) directs a portion of the vehicles
registered in Enhanced Smog Check Areas to Test-Only stations. Enhanced Areas are those parts of the state with "serious,"
"severe," or "extreme" ozone pollution problems. What
is a Test-Only? Test-Only facilities are licensed Smog Check stations that, by law, are only allowed to test cars;
they cannot repair them. Any needed repairs must be performed elsewhere at either a Smog Check station designated as a Test-Repair
or Gold Shield station. To learn more about the various station types, and what station best fits your Smog Check needs, click here. High Emitter Profile - The majority of vehicles
directed to Test-Only stations are selected by application of the High Emitter Profile (HEP), which identifies the vehicles
most likely to fail their Smog Checks. The High Emitter Profile (HEP) uses data from several different sources. Some of it
comes from the state Vehicle Identification Database (VID), which collects data from each Smog Check performed in California.
The VID is used by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), BAR, and other government agencies. In addition, general vehicle
data such as make, model-year, vehicle miles traveled, and engine size help define the HEP. This information is used to determine which vehicles are most likely to fail their Smog Checks, especially at Gross
Polluter levels--at least two times the emissions level allowed for a particular vehicle. No single factor identifies a vehicle
for a Smog Check to be done at a Test-Only station. The data is weighted and vehicles selected using this computer profiling
of vehicles most likely to fail their Smog Check. DCA/BAR has gradually increased the number of vehicles directed to Test-Only
stations to meet the air quality improvement goals of the State Implementation Plan (SIP). The SIP is a blueprint outlining
the methods California will use to meet federal air quality standards. Two
Percent Randomly Selected - As required by State law, two percent of the vehicles in the Enhanced Areas are also
directed to Test-Only stations for their Smog Checks. These vehicles are selected randomly to evaluate the overall effectiveness
of the Smog Check Program. How Motorists are Notified
- The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) notifies owners of vehicles that have been selected to have their Smog Checks performed
at Test-Only stations. The registration Renewal Notice sent for these vehicles will say "Smog Certification Required
at Test-Only Center". Consumer Assistance Program
- You may qualify for up to $500 in financial assistance to repair your car if it requires a Smog Check at a Test-Only station
and failed that test. Click here for more information on the Consumer Assistance Program or visit our Web site at www.smogcheck.ca.gov This Information is from the
| 
