Some Things You Should Know About Smog Checks

Here are some frequently asked questions about California’s Smog Check Program.

What are the environmental benefits of the Smog Check Program?
Is my vehicle required to get a Smog Check?

How often does my vehicle have to be tested?

What is a Test-Only station?

What is a Gold Shield station?

Get Answers to all your Smog questions at the Bureau of Automotive Repairs.

How will I know if I need to take my car to a Test-Only or Gold Shield station?

How much does a Smog Check cost?  A1 Smog Current Coupon

How can I help my vehicle pass a Smog Check?

What happens if my vehicle fails a Smog Check?

What is CAP and how do I qualify?

Repair Assistance — If your DMV renewal notice requires a Smog Check at a Test-Only or Gold Shield station, you may qualify for up to $500 in repair assistance once you pay the first $100 in repair costs. You may also qualify if your income is within certain levels, regardless of where you got your Smog Check. If you qualify based on income, a $20 co-pay is all that you need.

Vehicle retirement — If you feel your car is not worth repairing, the State may buy the car from you for $1,000 and have it scrapped at a local dismantler.

Answers to these and other questions can be found at A1 Smog Shop, a Davis Smog Shop.  See “The Story of A1 Smog” in Video