In order to make the Smog Check Program more convenient for motorists, the Department of Consumer Affairs/Bureau of Automotive Repair (DCA/BAR) has created a new Gold Shield Program. The Gold Shield Program allows a licensed Smog Check station, which meets higher performance standards, to provide a variety of inspection and repair services to California motorists. In addition to its regular Smog Check inspection and repair services, Gold Shield stations can issue certificates to Gross Polluters, perform state subsidized repairs, and perform an “after repairs” certification test on vehicles that were directed to have a Smog Check at a Test Only station and failed that test.

Inadequate Repairs Cost Consumers Time and Money
Some vehicles that fail their Smog Check at Gross Polluter levels are not adequately repaired and require further repairs. These “Gross Polluters” are the worst polluting vehicles on the road. These vehicles often have a high level of deterioration, major system defect, or a tampered emission control system that desperately needs repair. A Gross Polluter previously required an “after repair” retest at a separate Test Only station. Inadequate repairs in some instances could cause these vehicles to go back and forth, or “ping-pong,” between these different facilities, costing consumers time and money. This new Gold Shield Program fixes that.

“One-Stop Shopping” for Consumers
The Gold Shield Program helps consumers locate higher performing Smog Check stations that can repair, retest, and certify Gross Polluters. Having a Gold Shield station repair and certify a vehicle means that the owner does not have to return to a Test-Only station for the certification after it has been repaired.

A Gold Shield station must meet strict testing and repair performance standards each calendar quarter; and submit to periodic performance inspections and monitoring by the Bureau of Automotive Repair.

Clean Air Benefits
Under the Gold Shield Program, more effective testing and repairs will not only save consumers time and money but will also produce cleaner, better running vehicles. This helps California in its clean air mission to improve the quality of the air that we breathe.