CA Proposes Changes to Smog Checks

LEGISLATIONCA Proposes Changes to 
Smog Checks

SACRAMENTO, CA (Feb. 1, 2007) - Proposed changes to its state's smog check programs by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) will add an additional step to the current procedure. BAR has proposed requiring a Low-Pressure Fuel Evaporative System Testing (LPFET) for 1976 to 1995 model-year vehicles. In addition, the Agency has proposed initial testing of test-only directed vehicles at state Gold Shield stations. 

The goal to implementing these two components at the same time is to increase the emission reductions, as well as to ensure continued program compliance by consumers and industry. BAR has scheduled hearing dates on March 7, 2007 in South El Monte, CA and March 9, 2007 in Sacramento.

The regulatory proposal is designed to implement a recommendation made by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in its Nov. 29, 2005 report "Environmental Impacts of Implementing a Low Pressure Evaporative Test in the California Smog Check Program." 

The report determined that adding a low-pressure fuel evaporative test to the existing Smog Check inspection would be a cost-effective emissions reduction strategy. This move would also satisfy legal commitments with the federal government and environmental groups that are threatening to sue the state.  The current inspection routine requires 1976 and newer vehicles to pass a smog check test once every two years in most areas of the state and whenever vehicle ownership is transferred statewide (in most instances). The program already includes an inspection of the fuel evaporative system for newer vehicles equipped with second-generation on-board diagnostic systems (OBD II).  In order to perform the additional test, almost 8,000 licensed Smog Check inspection stations will need to purchase or lease specially designed, BAR-certified test equipment.(Source: BAR)