Referee Program helps battle smog

Automotive technology students have a unique program that lets them get hands-on experience and get paid for it.  The program is called the Air Quality and Technician Training Program, more commonly known as the Smog Referee Program.

The program is operated by the Foundation for California Community Colleges and is contracted through the California Department of Consumer Affairs – Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR).  However the Smog Referee  Program is not completely open to the public. Drivers have to be referred to the program, which requires that the driver's vehicle:

• Be eligible for a repair cost waiver.

• Has been converted to run on electricity.

• Is a specially constructed car or kit.

• The driver feels the previous smog test or repairs had been done improperly and caused the vehicle to fail inspection.

Vehicles that have had their engines changed or have been issued noise citations  by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) can also be tested—after the proper repairs to the vehicle have been made. 

The Smog Referee Program is run by Robert Gonzalez, with assistance from students in the Automotive Technician program, and one student from San Bernardino Valley College.

There is no cost for the smog test itself, but the certificate for the test costs $8.20.  The cost for a noise test is $108. 

Students interested in vehicles should take advantage of the Smog Referee Program to learn more about automotive technology.

More information on the program can be found at www.foundationcc.org