Test-Only Station
Requirements Checklist
The purpose of this checklist is to help station owners and inspectors pass the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Smog Check station
inspection. All station requirements should be met before the station contacts their local BAR field office for an appointment. The station
owner/manager and inspector must be present during the inspection. Please allow up to two hours for the BAR inspection. Re-
inspections will result in station licensure delays.
STAR station and standard stations must possess all required equipment, tools, and reference materials set forth in the Smog Check
Manual for the type of vehicles being inspected. All equipment shall be on the premises, calibrated, and in working order. For more
information, visit www.bar.ca.gov.
Station Licenses and Signs
(Licenses and signs shall be posted in a conspicuous area frequented by consumers)
Valid automotive repair dealer registration.
Official automotive repair dealer sign.
Valid Smog Check inspector license.
Official Smog Check station sign.
Official Smog Check station service sign (showing test-only as station type).
Inspection cost sign.
Notice to motorist’s sign (cost limit).
Station Equipment
STAR
Certified
Station
BAR-97 Emissions Inspection System (EIS).
Internet connection to EIS.
BAR approved EIS calibration gases.
Ignition timing light with advanced features.
(3)
Low-Pressure Fuel Evaporative Tester (LPFET).
BAR certified fuel cap tester and adapters.
(3)
BAR approved cooling fan (if performing ASM tests).
BAR-OIS (On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Inspection System (OIS) with hardware
and software necessary to conduct an OBD inspection), including:
BAR certified data acquisition device (DAD).
Computer (32 or 64-bit Microsoft Windows operating system versions
7, 8.0, or 8.1; Internet Explorer version 9, 10, 11; Windows 8 RT is
not compatible.
Printer (compatible with Windows operating system).
Bar code scanner (needed only for OIS download and registration).
Internet connection to OIS.
Tools necessary to inspect vehicle ignition, fuel delivery, and emission control
system.
Tire pressure gauge.
Standard
Station
BAR-OIS
(1)
Standard
Station
BAR-97
(2)
BAR-305 8/1/2019
Station Reference Material and Records
STAR
Certified
Station
BAR certified fuel cap adapter guide.
(3)
Low-pressure fuel evaporative tester (LPFET) operator’s manual.
Current Smog Check Manual and Smog Check Reference Guide.
Most current Emission Control System (ECS) application guides.
Vacuum routing and electronic component location guides.
Electronic components locations manuals.
BAR ET Blasts dated after January 1, 2012, relevant to any vehicle inspection
procedures.
Technical service bulletins and manufacturer recall notices.
Standard
Station
BAR-OIS
(1)
Standard
Station
BAR-97
(2)
Other Requirements
STAR
Certified
Station
EIS passes gas calibration and leak test with dual exhaust probe hose
connected.
A licensed smog check inspector present during all hours the station is open
for the testing of vehicles. Testing of vehicles shall be performed by a licensed
Inspector.
Station has enrolled with BAR's Vehicle Information Database (VID)
contractor to pay for VID transaction fees and inspection certificates.
Testing of vehicles shall be performed only in a work area within a building
and shall be large enough to accommodate the type of vehicles’ being
serviced.
Station must follow requirements of maintenance of records.
Standard
Station
BAR-OIS
(1)
Standard
Station
BAR-97
(2)
1) Required to perform OBD tests on 2000 model year and newer vehicles
2) Required to perform emissions testing (ASM dynamometer required in Enhanced Program Areas)
3) Required to test 1976-1995 model year vehicles.
Disclaimer: This checklist is for guidance only. It is the responsibility of station owners and inspectors to be in compliance with all State
of California laws and regulations applicable to smog check inspection procedures and station requirements. Refer to the State of
California laws and regulations and the Smog Check Manual available on the BAR website at www.bar.ca.gov for specific Test-Only
station requirements.
BAR-305 8/1/2019