Caruthers Smog Check Stations

Test-Only stations are licensed by the state to perform only tests on vehicles. They are prohibited from performing any repair services. Gross Polluters can be certified at these stations. In addition, potentially high-polluting vehicles in the state's smoggiest regions are directed to these stations for their initial Smog Check inspection, as specified on the Department of Motor Vehicles registration renewal form.

Test-and-repair stations are licensed by the state to provide Smog Check tests and repairs to most vehicles. Under current law, test-and-repair stations are prohibited from certifying repaired Gross Polluters or vehicles that have been directed to Test-Only stations for inspection. Only Test-Only stations and Gold Shield stations are able to certify repaired Gross Polluters.

Gold Shield stations are licensed test-and-repair stations that have received additional certification by BAR. In addition to the services provided by regular test-and-repair stations, Gold Shield stations can certify vehicles identified as Gross Polluters. They can also perform the "after-repairs" certification of vehicles directed to Test-Only stations for an initial inspection, as long as the Gold Shield station has performed repairs to the directed vehicle. Gold Shield stations also contract with the Bureau of Automotive Repair to perform state subsidized emissions-related repairs on vehicles participating in the Consumer Assistance Program. Gold Shield stations located in the Basic program areas of the state can certify Enhanced area vehicles for new and used car dealers who purchase them and offer them for sale in the Basic and Change of Ownership program areas.