A smog check inspection is performed by a station that has been licensed by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). Depending on the situation, the owner may be required to take the vehicle to one of the following types of smog check stations:

• Test-only station, one that can perform the smog check test, but cannot make repairs. Has not bet the BAR's highest performance standards. Often times these non-STAR stations are operated by technicians who are either new or have under performed in the past. These stations are considered undesirable.
• Test-and-repair station, one that can both perform the smog check and repair the vehicle. Often times a test-and-repair station suffers from a conflict of interest. As a consumer, it may seem fishy that a station which is in business to repair vehicles that do not pass emissions tests is also the one performing the test. This can lead to the thought that the station intentionally did not allow the vehicle to pass in order to make more money on the repair.
• Repair-only station, one that can only repair the vehicle, but cannot perform the test itself. These stations do not perform any sort of test and are not authorized to.
• STAR station, one that meets the BAR's higher performance standards. Some STAR stations are test-only stations, while other STAR stations are test-and-repair. These are the crown jewel of the California Bureau of Automotive Repair smog check stations. The technicians at these locations have exemplified superior knowledge, customer service and testing procedures. Lake Smog Test only in Pasadena has been awarded the STAR certification and is considered one of California's top smog test only stations. Lake Smog Test does not perform any repairs therefore the customer can be assured that they are receiving an unbiased, accurate and superior emissions test. STAR Stations are only focused on performing accurate testing of your vehicle. 

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Until a smog certificate can be provided registration will not be renewed. If the vehicle fails the smog check, the owner will be required to complete all necessary repairs and pass a smog check retest in order to complete the registration. If the costs of repairing the vehicle outweigh its value, the state may buy it and have it scrapped. The buyback program is part of California's Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) that also offers consumer assistance for repairs related to smog check. The program is administered by the Bureau of Automotive Repair.

Here a few of the frequently asked questions regarding California's emissions inspections. A STAR Certified Smog Check station like Lake Smog Smog in Pasadena can help perform these required inspections in a accurate and timely manner.

Q: Does my vehicle qualify for a smog exemption?
A: Smog inspections are required unless your vehicle is:
-Gasoline powered 1975 year model or older
-Diesel powered 1997 year model and older or with a Gross Vehicle Weight rating (GVWR) of more than 14,000 lbs
Electric
-Natural gas powered with a GVWR rating of more than 14,000 lbs.
-Motorcycle

Q: What is a STAR station?
A:The new STAR Program begins January 1, 2013, and will replace the Gold Shield and Test Only program. If your DMV registration renewal notice states your vehicle requires a smog check at a STAR station, you may still take your vehicle to a Gold Shield or Test Only station before the new program begins. If your vehicle registration states your vehicle requires a smog check at a Gold Shield or Test Only station, you must take your vehicle to a STAR station after December 31, 2012.

Q: When a car is sold, who is responsible for the inspection?
A: The seller is required to provide the buyer with a valid smog inspection certification at the time of the sale or transfer. Smog certifications are good for 90 days from the date of issuance.
The inspection is not required on a transfer if a biennial smog certification was submitted to DMV within 90 days prior to the vehicle transfer date (a vehicle inspection report may be required for proof of certification).

​Q: My car is new. Am I still required to get the biennial smog inspection?
A: Vehicles registered in areas subject to the biennial smog certification program are required to submit evidence of a smog certification every other renewal period. Starting January 1, 2005, owners of vehicles six or less model years old will pay an annual smog abatement fee for the first six registration years instead of being required to provide a biennial smog certification. The registration renewal notice mailed to you by the department will indicate if a smog certification is required. If a smog certification is required and you have not had a smog inspection, you may still pay your registration fees to avoid any late fees. However, you will not receive your new registration or year sticker until the smog information has been received by DMV.

Q: A family member gave me a car. Is a smog inspection required?A: If you acquire a vehicle that is currently registered in California from a spouse, domestic partner, sibling, child, parent, grandparent, or grandchild, you are entitled to an exemption from the smog inspection. Other family members or relations are not exempt and are required to obtain a smog inspection certification.





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tags: Pasadena Smog Check, South Pasadena STAR Station, Smog Test Only.

    In Los Angeles County, Police have started to take vehicle emissions enforcement to a whole new level by implementing Smog Check Points similar to how they have done DUI checkpoints in the past. These new Smog Check points are set up in high density areas across the county and require Angelenos to stop and have their cars exhaust fumes measured using a testing device. The goal with this type of enforcement is to catch gross polluting vehicle owners in the act. Cars are than towed if found to be emitting emissions beyond the legal limit. The end cost to the drivers who get caught can be enormous due to the fines and towing fees, not to mention the lost time. Smog test stations like Lake Smog Test in Pasadena encourage motorists to perform the state required emissions inspection in a timely manner to avoid any of these potential issues.

      One of the reasons Police agencies have decided to go this route is because some vehicle owners decide to modify their cars exhaust system and intentionally remove the catalytic converter (CAT) for performance gains. Most cars will yield higher performance figures at the cost of increased pollution if the CAT is illegally removed. Therefore, this type of enforcement tests all cars, even if they are brand new. It is important to make sure your vehicle is operating within the laws of California in order to avoid being fined during these Smog Check Points. Make sure to visit a STAR Certified Smog Check Station like Lake Smog in Pasadena California to have your vehicle accurately tested with only the best equipment available. 

Lake Smog Test Only
Pasadena, CA 91104
626 -798-0049



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tags: Pasadena Smog Check. Smog Test in Pasadena

      California is the most populated state in the nation with nearly 40 million people! On top of that, we are only behind Texas in land size within the continental US. These factors result in the Golden State having the highest number of cars of all the 50 states. With these enormous figures, it is critical that California enforces certain emission standards to ensure the well being of our environment for generations to come. Many other states have followed suite and began to require vehicle emissions inspections following in our footsteps. Since it's inception, California's emissions protocols have helped significantly reduce the amount of air pollution our vehicles emit and has helped remove millions of gross polluting automobiles from our roads. 
       Have you ever been behind a pre-1975 car and thought to yourself "What is this horrible smell?!" Well before the US changed it's laws in 1975, every vehicle on our roads smelled just like that due to the lack of a catalytic converter in the exhaust system. We now know that these horrible exhaust fumes are not only damaging for the environment but also a serious health risk for our bodies! With today's efficient catalytic converters found on all cars model year 1975 & newer, we no longer expose ourselves to these harmful fumes. Do your part, make sure your car is operating within the legal emissions standards of California and visit a Smog Test center.


Lake Smog Test Only
​626-798-0049
765 E. Washington Blvd.
Pasadena CA 91104