What is a Gold Shield (CAP) Smog Station?
In order to make the Smog Check Program more convenient for motorists, the Department of Consumer Affairs/Bureau of Automotive Repair (DCA/BAR) has created a new Gold Shield Program. The Gold Shield Program allows a licensed Smog Check station, which meets higher performance standards, to provide a variety of inspection and repair services to California motorists. In addition to its regular Smog Check inspection and repair services, Gold Shield stations can issue certificates to Gross Polluters, perform Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) repairs, and perform an “after repairs” certification test on vehicles that were directed to have a Smog Check at a Test Only station and failed that test. The Gold Shield Program helps consumers locate higher performing Smog Check stations that can repair, retest, and certify Gross Polluters. Having a Gold Shield station repair and certify a vehicle means that the owner does not have to return to a Test-Only station for the certification after it has b
