Since there is always questions about smogs, I figuered you all would be interested in this:


SACRAMENTO - The Air Resources Board today reviewed plans
for implementing a new Smog Check program that eliminates
tailpipe testing for 2000 model-year and newer vehicles and
improves the quality of inspections for older vehicles.
Authorized by AB 2289 (Eng, 2010), the new test takes
advantage of the advanced monitoring On-Board Diagnostic
(OBD) systems that are standard equipment on all newer
vehicles.

Instead of measuring tailpipe emissions while simulating
driving conditions in a shop, the new test will review OBD
data collected during actual operation to identify vehicles
with high emissions.

"By utilizing the On-Board Diagnostic system already built
into all newer cars, owners can be assured that they are
getting the most accurate measure of their vehicles
condition at the lowest possible cost," said ARB Chairman
Mary Nichols. "The move away from tailpipe testing and the
expensive equipment required by shops will benefit
consumers, service providers and the environment."

Older vehicles will continue to be inspected using tailpipe
emissions but stations will be subject to new performance
and evaluation standards. Only stations meeting the tough
new standards will be rated as "STAR Certified" and
permitted to inspect 1999 and older vehicles. The changeover
to the new testing requirements will take place over the
next year:

Starting January 1, 2013: • All 1999 model-year and
older vehicles (the model years most likely to have high
emissions) will be directed to new STAR inspection stations.

September 1, 2013: •All 2000 model-year and newer
vehicles will be inspected using the OBD-based test.

As part of the report on the new Smog Check program, the
Board also reviewed the effectiveness of the state's
voluntary vehicle retirement programs. These programs,
administered by the Bureau of Automotive Repairs and local
air pollution control districts, provide financial
incentives to scrap older vehicles and vehicles that require
costly repairs. Over the past two fiscal years, these
programs have resulted in the retirement of over 82,000 high
emitting vehicles. Retiring older vehicles is an important
tool in California's air quality efforts as

vehicles that are over 20 years old account for only 6% of
all miles traveled but are responsible for over 40% of daily
smog forming emissions. Board staff found that the
significant air quality benefits can be achieved by
increased retirements and program improvements.


Cliffs: 1999 and older vehicles will be tail pipe tested.
2000 and newer vehicles will be tested via the OBD port.