Roadside Emissions Survey Program

The Roadside Emissions Survey Program (formerly Roadside Inspection Program) conducts voluntary emissions surveys on California roadways. The data collected helps improve the Smog Check Program and clean air efforts. Consumer participation in the roadside survey is voluntary.

Quick facts

  • Purpose: To collect emissions data from vehicles in real-world driving conditions. The data collected helps evaluate the Smog Check Program. This includes the program's effectiveness in reducing motor vehicle emissions.

  • Voluntary participation: Drivers are never required to participate. No personal information is collected.

  • No citations or enforcement: The program is for survey-purposes only and does not result in penalties or citations.

  • Environmental benefits: Emissions data collection supports Smog Check Program improvements, helping to reduce vehicle pollution.

  • Consumer benefits: Participants contribute to improving California's air quality. They also receive a report detailing their vehicle’s results. The report may also include information on any open safety recalls affecting the vehicle.

Purpose and benefits

The Roadside Emissions Survey Program is established by Health and Safety Code section 44081. The data collected through the program's roadside surveys supports:

  • Compliance with federal and state mandates for evaluating Smog Check Program performance

  • Improvements to the Smog Check Program through data-driven analysis

  • Identification of inspection trends and practices to address improper inspections by licensed stations

  • Reduction of pollution generated by motor vehicles to help keep California's air clean

Survey locations

Roadside surveys are conducted in areas with large vehicle populations and air quality issues. These include:

  • Central Valley

  • San Francisco Bay Area

  • Greater Los Angeles Area

  • Inland Empire

  • San Diego

BAR randomly selects ZIP codes in these areas and coordinates with local officials on suitable survey site locations. Each survey site is clearly marked with signage. This helps notify the public about the survey and ensures transparency.

Process

BAR conducts roadside surveys with assistance from the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Survey teams consist of two to four BAR representatives. All team members have automotive repair experience and specialized inspection training.

  • Vehicles are randomly selected to participate.

  • A CHP officer directs the vehicle into the survey lane.

  • A BAR representative greets the consumer and explains the purpose of the survey.

  • The consumer may ask questions before deciding whether to participate. Participation is voluntary.

  • BAR staff perform an emissions inspection similar to a Smog Check. The inspection takes less than five minutes to complete.

Consumer participation

Participation is voluntary

  • Participation in the roadside survey is voluntary.

  • No personal information is collected from participants.

  • There are no consequences to consumers, regardless of the survey results.

  • The survey results do not impact the vehicle's Smog Check record.

  • The survey does not take the place of a required Smog Check. Participants must still get a Smog Check for vehicle registration renewal.

Consumer benefits

  • Participants receive a Vehicle Inspection Report detailing the results of the survey. The report may also include information on open safety recalls affecting the vehicle.

  • BAR representatives will alert participants to any vehicle issues observed during the survey.

  • Participants contribute to improving California's air quality by providing valuable emissions data.