Smog Check Stations
     The State of California has five different types of facilities performing automotive-related
functions under the Smog Check program. The various stations are designed to provide consumers with multiple options to meet their needs.

1. Test-and-Repair Stations
    Test-and-repair stations are licensed by the state to provide Smog Check tests and repairs. Under
current law, test-and-repair stations are prohibited from certifying repaired Gross  polluters. Test-Only stations and Gross Polluter Certification (GPC) stations are able to certify repaired Gross Polluters. 4,948 Test & Repair stations statewide (October, 2000 data)
    Bryant Automotive is both a GPC and a CAP (Customer Assistance Program) Station. Give us a call if you have questions.
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2. Gold Shield Guaranteed Repair Stations
    Gold Shield Guaranteed Repair stations are licensed test-and-repair stations which meet high performance standards. While they cannot certify Gross Polluters, Gold Shield stations guarantee the emissions-related repairs they make on these highest-polluting vehicles. If a repaired Gross Polluter does not pass its re-test within 10 days or 1,000 miles after repairs have been made, the Gold Shield station will make additional emissions-related repairs at no further cost to the consumer. 2,042 GSGR stations statewide (October, 2000 data)
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3. Gross Polluter Certification Stations
    A Gross Polluter is a vehicle that miserably fails the tail pipe emissions test. Standards vary from vehicle to vehicle, but, for passenger cars & light trucks a gross polluter's emissions are 2 to 2 ½  times the normal fail standard.
    Gross Polluter Certification (GPC) stations are Gold Shield stations that have been selected by the state, allowing Gross Polluters to be repaired and certified at the same location.
321 GPC stations statewide (October, 2000 data)
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4. Test-Only Stations
    Test-Only stations are licensed by the state to perform only tests on vehicles and are prohibited from performing any repair services. Gross Polluters can also be certified at Test-Only stations. In addition, 15% of vehicles in the state's smoggiest regions (Enhanced Areas) will be directed to these stations for their initial Smog Checks as specified on their DMV registration renewal form. As of the October, 2000 data, there were507 Test Only Stations statewide.
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5. Consumer Assistance and Referee (CAR) Centers
    Consumer Assistance and Referee Centers (CAR) are state-contracted facilities that handle special cases affecting Smog check consumers. They grant Repair Cost Waivers and Economic Hardship Extensions. They also perform a number of other important functions for consumers, including: certifying vehicles receiving Limited Parts Exemptions; certifying gray market vehicles, specially-constructed vehicles, and vehicles with unusual engine changes; verifying certain disputes between a shop and consumer; and helping resolve other special Smog Check issues. CAR Centers do not perform initial Smog Checks unless Bureau of Automotive Repair officials specifically direct a motorist to one. To make an appointment at a CAR Center, call 1-800-622-7733.
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Smog Check Consumer Assistance Program (CAP):
 Clearing California's Air By Capping Consumer Costs

Repair Assistance:  This option allows qualified motorists to receive up to $500 emissions-related repairs from the state. All participants must take their vehicles to Smog Check repair stations specifically authorized by the state to perform repair assistance services. Motorists may qualify for repair assistance in one of two ways: Income-Eligible–Motorists whose household income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines qualify for repair assistance. For example, a family of four whose income does not exceed $2,629 per month, or $31,543 per year, would qualify for repair assistance. Qualified consumers must pay the first $20 towards diagnosis and/or emissions-related repairs before the state makes its contribution of up to $500

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Test-Only  Referral –Certain vehicles are required to have their Smog Check inspections at stations that perform only tests, and no repairs. This requirement is indicated on the vehicle's DMV registration renewal notice. Motorists whose vehicles fall under this criteria also qualify for repair assistance. Qualified consumers must pay the first $100 towards diagnosis and/or emissions-related repairs before the state makes its contribution of up to $500 . (Note: Test-Only referrals who qualify should apply for Income-Eligible assistance.)
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Vehicle Retirement: This option is available to motorists who want to voluntarily retire their vehicles to the state rather than repair them. Eligible consumers can receive $1,000  in exchange for their vehicles. Vehicles are retired at one of the state's authorized dismantlers.
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Repair Cost Waiver:  This option is available to motorists who either do not qualify for repair assistance or choose not to retire their vehicles. It allows a vehicle to be registered without passing its Smog Check inspection by providing a temporary (two-year) extension of time to complete all emissions-related repairs. To qualify, at least $450 in emissions-related repairs must be made to the vehicle at a licensed Smog Check station. The waiver may only be used once by motorists during their ownership of the vehicle.
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Exceptions: Although there may be other vehicle restrictions that apply for each Smog Check CAP option, none of the options are available if the vehicle has missing, modified, or disconnected emission control equipment; is not fully operational; is being initially registered in the state; or is being sold (change of ownership).

                For more information on any of our Smog Check Consumer Assistance Program
                options, call 1-800-952-5210.
                The Consumer Assistance Program Application is located on our website, www.smogcheck.ca.gov, in a PDF format (Requires the Adobe Acrobat Reader,         which is available for free from Adobe Systems).

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Last Updated: 02/10/2006