A STAR smog station meets higher performance standards, and the DMV directs some vehicles to STAR stations. A Test-Only station performs inspections but not repairs. Your renewal notice states which applies to your car, and you must follow it.
Key takeaways
- Read the notice before choosing a station.
- Test-Only stations do not repair vehicles.
- Call a station to confirm it can test your car.
What STAR means
STAR is a state program that certifies smog stations meeting specific performance standards. Some vehicles are directed to STAR stations because of how they or their test history are flagged. Others can use any licensed station.
What Test-Only means
A Test-Only station performs smog inspections and is not allowed to do repairs. Some vehicles are directed to these stations. If your notice says Test-Only, you must use one.
How to read your notice
The notice states one of several options, such as any station, STAR, or Test-Only. Do not guess. If the language is unclear, call the DMV or a station with the notice in hand.
What to ask a station
Ask whether the station can test your vehicle under your notice's requirement. A shop that cannot should tell you so on the phone.
Where Peña's fits
Call us with your notice and we will tell you honestly whether we can test your car. If we can, the repair bay is in the same building for a failure.
Why the state flags some vehicles
The DMV and the Bureau of Automotive Repair use data from past test results to direct some vehicles to stations with stricter performance standards. A vehicle can be flagged because of its model, its test history or random selection for quality control. The notice language is the instruction. Being flagged does not mean your car has a problem, only that you must use a particular type of station.
What to do if you are not sure
Read the exact wording on the notice and note any phrase such as Test-Only or STAR. Call a station and read it to them. If the station cannot test you under that requirement, ask for a referral rather than testing anyway, because a test at the wrong type of station may not count. The DMV and BAR websites list station types if you want to verify before you drive.
Need help in south Bakersfield?
Questions about smog check? Read our Smog Check page, call (661) 599-9098 or request a time. Peña's Auto Electric, Smog & Repair, 303 Taft Hwy, Suite B, Bakersfield, CA 93307. Mon to Fri 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Sat 8 AM to 1 PM.
Frequently asked questions
What is a STAR station?
A smog station certified to meet state performance standards.
Can any station test a Test-Only vehicle?
No. Your notice requires a Test-Only station.
Do I need STAR?
Only if your notice says so.
Can a Test-Only station repair my car?
No. It only tests.
Related reading
Sources
- California Bureau of Automotive Repair, Smog Check program and consumer information
- California DMV, Smog certification and registration renewal