Going through the process to become a certified STAR shop is not easy . Getting a certification requires pristine shop practices, such as how to care for and use all the tools and equipment required for SMOG testing.
Tools like the Emissions Inspection System (EIS) and the On-Board Diagnostic Inspection System (OIS). STAR shops must also who they are updated and compliant with all licensure requirements, license posting, and signage. Manuals and other publications must be easily accessible to everyone at the auto repair shop. All generated paperwork must be organized and completed correctly.
That alone can be a challenge for some shop owners who may want to do things “their way.” But when you apply for a STAR certification, it’s a higher level of responsibility. That is why not every SMOG repair station is STAR-certified . And also why it’s clear to us when a STAR shop receives a STAR suspension letter, they are going to be very upset. Because their confidence and reputation is focused on being a Gold Standard service!
School is in Session
If you are a STAR-certified SMOG Shop owner or a technician, we don’t have to go over the many hoops you had to jump through to get there. We both know what it took. Several of our own firm’s attorneys have been in your shoes. That’s a big reason we focused on defending the SMOG testing community against the Bureau of Automotive Repair!
And if you didn’t know why the BAR sent that STAR suspension, here are several possible reasons why
- The recent FPR score was less than 0.40
- The SMOG technician received an FPR score of less than 0.10
- The shop was noted as “Performing an improper smog check,” which may mean a BAR undercover car was tested.
- The BAR may believe the shop failed to follow the rules set by the government entity.
When you receive a SMOG Suspension, what does it mean? You can’t perform smog checks anymore! And you need legal representation to review the case and help save your business! Although there could be several reasons why you received a SMOG suspension, we are here to tell you that it may not be because the Bureau of Auto Repair is right in its summation. Many of the BAR’s instructions and regulations are open to interpretation. They could even seem vague for a reason.
Remember in school when you had that one teacher who gave you the notes to study for an important test and then changed the questions on test day? Setting students up to fail? That’s what can happen here. The BAR is notorious for setting specific standards, then changing things around “a little” or “reinterpreting” what they meant. For instance, As of July 1, 2022, the Bureau of Auto Repair changed the naming of the process from STAR certification invalidation to STAR certification suspension. They also removed the Gold Shield Program, an extra certification to show high standards in smog check services. The STAR program entirely replaced that.
If a STAR suspension notice is threatening your SMOG testing shop, don’t allow the Bureau of Auto Repair to shut down your business without questioning them. Our legal team is here to defend your side and fight against a STAR invalidation case.