The Smog Check Referee program helps support training of over 100 potential smog technicians annually.  The students gain real world experience while working alongside our highly skilled and experienced Smog Check Referee Staff.  The colleges also benefit from having the additional use of modern, well maintained equipment and a monthly rent for sharing the space. 

The Foundation for California Community Colleges is contracted by the Department of Consumer Affairs/Bureau of Automotive Repair to manage the Smog Check Referee Program on 33 community college campuses throughout California.  

Below are reasons for an appointment with a Smog Check Referee:

• Consumer believes that their vehicle was tested and/or repaired improperly, which resulted in a failure at the licensed smog station;
• Consumer is eligible for a repair cost waiver;
• Consumer is eligible for a low-income economic hardship extension (not available for change of ownership);
• Vehicle has a limited parts exemption;
• Vehicle is exempt from a smog check, but received a "Smog Certificate Required" statement on the DMV registration renewal notice;
• Vehicle cannot be inspected by a licensed station due to an inherent problem with the vehicle;
• Vehicle's engine has been changed with a non-replacement engine;
• Vehicle is a kit car or the vehicle make is Specially Constructed Vehicles (SPCN) and does not have a BAR label;
• Vehicle is a Gray market/Direct import vehicle;
• Vehicle is converted to operate on pure electricity;
• Vehicle requires verification that an alternative fuel conversion system has been properly installed.

Please contact us if you have additional questions about whether your vehicle is eligible for a Referee smog check.

The Smog Check Referee program serves the people of California who need assistance with a smog check or a noise test for their vehicle. 

For Call Center information, click here...

Get involved with the Smog Check Referee Program.

View open positions >