STAR certification for smog check stations

What it is

The STAR program began on January 1, 2013, and replaced the Gold Shield program. Only Smog Check test-and-repair and test-only stations can be certified. Inspectors can’t, but their scores count toward the station’s eligibility. BAR charges no fee for STAR.

Why it matters: directed vehicles

A directed vehicle’s DMV registration renewal notice says “Smog Certification Required at a STAR station.” Directed vehicles and gross polluters can only be certified by a STAR test-only station, a STAR test-and-repair station or a BAR Referee station.

• A station that isn’t STAR certified must check the DMV paperwork for the STAR designation before the inspection, and tell the customer.
• When the analyzer can reach BAR’s database, the EIS or OIS won’t let a non-STAR station inspect a directed vehicle.
• A directed vehicle that fails can only get its after-repair certificate from a STAR station or a BAR Referee.

What STAR stations must offer

• Testing and certification of every vehicle subject to Smog Check, including gross polluters.
• Testing and certification of directed vehicles, whatever the station’s program area.
• The equipment to test every vehicle type in the program.

STAR test-and-repair stations may also take part in BAR’s Consumer Assistance Program (CAP).

Who is eligible

• Licenses renewed on time, signs and license posted, estimates, invoices and records done right, the required manuals, and working equipment, including the EIS and OIS.
• Enough inspections last quarter for BAR to measure performance.
• Last quarter: a Similar Vehicle Failure Rate at least 50% of the statewide rate for similar vehicles, gear shift incidents on no more than 2% of certified vehicles, and an excessive test deviation rate of no more than one.
• A Follow-up Pass Rate (FPR) of 0.40 or more for every inspector on the station’s table, or 0.40 or more for the station with every inspector at 0.40 or more or unscored.
• No final citation for the listed Smog Check violations in the past year, and no suspension, probation or related conviction in the past three years.
• No STAR withdrawal in the past six months.

The Follow-up Pass Rate

The FPR checks whether cars a station or inspector certified last cycle pass this cycle at a higher rate than expected, compared with similar cars statewide. Scores run from 0 to 1, and above 0.50 is better than average. BAR updates them every six months, in January and July. See yours on the STAR Report Card.

How to apply

1. 1Check your scores on the STAR Report Card.
2. 2Send BAR the STAR Station Certification Application (PDF).
3. 3If you’re denied, you can reapply the next calendar quarter.

STAR certification doesn’t transfer to a new owner. A new owner applies for a new ARD registration and station license, then for STAR once eligible.