Every California smog check term and question, plainly defined

Why does my DMV notice say I need a STAR station?

The high-emitter profile algorithm flagged your vehicle.

Per BAR STAR Program (bar.ca.gov/star).

This entry also has a full Q&A treatment: smoganswers.com/q/why-does-my-dmv-notice-say-i-need-a-star-station/

View in the A–Z glossary →

Last reviewed 2026-05-25 · Cal Smog Network canonical answer library