STAR stations are Smog Inspection stations that meet higher performance standards established by the Bureau of Automotive Repair. Some STAR stations are licensed to perform only tests, while others are licensed to perform both tests and repairs. The station is required to post a sign on the services it performs.
State law requires that a percentage of vehicles have their Smog Inspection performed at a STAR station. If your DMV renewal notice states your vehicle requires a Smog Check at a STAR station, you must take your vehicle to a STAR station for an inspection.
On Jan. 1, 2013, California began implementing a new vehicle Smog Inspection system known as the STAR Program. This new state program is another hurdle that anyone who drives on public roads must endure. City and DMV phones have been receiving a steady stream of angry/concerned calls from the few unfortunate individuals who received a STAR notice in the mail as well as local mechanic shops looking for answers on how to repair cars to pass a smog program that has little information available.
Renewal forms from the DMV used to tell drivers to go to “Gold Shield” stations in the past. Not anymore. New rules supersede the Gold Shield and direct drivers to STAR stations. Many of you—including us—are asking the same question. What was the need to have a new name/new smog classification? I imagine the answer would be none other than money for our dwindling state. Regardless, think of the STAR Program as Gold Shield with an increase in unnecessary procedures and a whole lot of new regulations.