Smog Check Program

The Smog Check Program is administered by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), which is a part of the California Department of Consumer Affairs.  The Air Resources Board (ARB), by contrast, is a part of the California Environmental Protection Agency.

For information about your vehicle and the Smog Check Program, please visit the BAR website, or contact them toll-free at (800) 952-5210. 

OBD-Only Based Smog Check Inspections  

ARB staff has released a report evaluating the benefits and challenges of eliminating tailpipe testing as part of the Smog Check inspection procedure for all or most vehicles equipped with On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD II) Systems.

Transitioning Away from Smog Check Tailpipe Emission Testing in California for OBD II Equipped Vehicles, March 2009
(PDF)

Remote Sensing Pilot Study  

The reports for the study initiated by ARB and BAR have been finalized and are available below.

Evaluation of Remote Sensing for Improving California's Smog Check Program, March 3, 2008 (Final Report)
 (PDF)

Review of Literature on Remote Sensing Devices, August 26, 2004 (Paper Study)
(PDF)

Estimating Benefits of Improvement Strategies (including RSD) for the California I/M Program:
An Inspection and Emissions Forecasting System, March 1, 2008 (Modeling Report)  
(PDF)

Estimating Benefits and Costs of Improvement Strategies for the California I/M Program:
Implementation Options for Using RSD, March 2, 2008 (Implementation Report)  
(PDF)

Use of California Remote Sensing Pilot Project Data for On-road Fleet and Emissions Characterization,
and Evaluation of the Enhanced Smog Check Program, October 2005
(PDF) 

Response to Peer Review Comments, March 7, 2008  
(PDF)

Smog Check Documents

Environmental Impacts of Implementing a Low Pressure Evaporative Test
in the California Smog Check Program
(PDF)

Control Concept Evaluation - Four-Wheel Dynamometer Requirements As Part of Smog Check
South Coast Air Basin
(PDF)

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