Jim Radcliffe: STAR rating means a higher standard for smog testers [The Orange County Register]
Dec. 25 Q. A prerequisite for renewal of my car’s registration was to get and pass the smog test, and this is the second time that the Department of Motor Vehicles has required me to use a STAR testing station. Can you tell me what is the difference between a STAR testing station and a regular one? And why does the DMV require this? The car is a 2006 Chrysler minivan. Maybe its age played into having to go to a STAR test center? Hildegard Graeber, Torrance