Smog Check station checklist
Use this checklist to help ensure your station has the required equipment, tools, and reference materials to perform Smog Check inspections and repairs. All equipment must be maintained and calibrated in accordance with manufacturer standards, and fully usable and operable as intended by the manufacturer during the station inspection. This checklist is for quick-reference purposes only and is not all-inclusive. For all requirements, see the Smog Check Manual.
Important! Applicants for Smog Check station licensure are strongly encouraged to complete this checklist before submitting an application.
Signs and licenses
Post visibly in an area frequented by customers.
Post outside the business in a location easily visible to the general public.
Post visibly in an area frequented by customers.
Licenses must be mounted under glass or other transparent cover and displayed in a place where the licenses are easily visible, legible, and located adjacent to a counter where customers are served. Print a license
BAR On-Board Diagnostic Inspection System (BAR-OIS)
Not required for repair-only stations, or test-only stations and test-and-repair stations that do not perform OBD inspections on model-year 2000 and newer vehicles.
The computer must run a BAR tested and approved version of Microsoft Windows operating system software. The operating system software version must be supported by Microsoft. When no longer supported, the operating system software must be updated to a supported version.
The printer may be any technology (laser, ink, etc.), compatible with the Microsoft Windows operating system used, and use 8½ inch by 11-inch plain paper. The printer may have a wired or wireless connection to the BAR-OIS computer.
The bar code scanner may be wired or wireless but must be capable of connecting to the computer (e.g., through USB connection, Bluetooth), compatible with the Microsoft Windows operating system, and able to at least scan 1-d (linear type) bar codes. Optionally, a 2-d (square type) bar code scanner may be used for late model-year vehicles.
A continuous internet connection is required. The internet connection may be shared with other devices but must always remain connected to the system.
Be sure to register and download the Cal-VIS software to your BAR-OIS and complete the online enrollment and station participation agreement through the Cal-VIS enrollment and billing portal.
Registration and download
Enrollment and billing portal
Certificates of compliance can be purchased through the BAR-OIS.
BAR-97 Emissions Inspection System (BAR-97 EIS)
Not required for repair-only stations, or test-only stations and test-and-repair stations that do not perform tailpipe emission inspections.
Not required for test-only stations and test-and-repair stations that do not inspect 1976-1995 model-year vehicles with evaporative systems.
Not required for test-only stations and test-and-repair stations that do not inspect 1976-1995 model-year vehicles with evaporative systems.
Diagnostic and repair equipment
Not required for test-only stations and STAR test-only stations.
For distributor equipped vehicles, the device shall display this information for all cylinders at the same time.
This device shall display and store live streaming OBD data, and shall have bi-directional capability. Hardware and software in the device shall be updated to the current available calendar year.
The device shall capture and display a high frequency abnormal signal, regardless of time scale or screen refresh rate.
Other equipment
Not required for test-only stations and test-and-repair stations that do not inspect 1976-1995 model-year vehicles with adjustable timing, or test-and-repair stations and repair only stations that do not inspect and repair vehicles with spark ignition engines.
Not required for test-only stations that do not inspect 1976-1995 model-year vehicles.
Not required for repair-only stations.
Reference material and records
Not required for repair-only stations.
Not required for repair-only stations.
Not required for test-only stations and STAR test-only stations.