Does anyone know the history of the requirement that some vehicles in California obtain their smog certificates from a test-only smog center?
The California DMV website is silent on the matter, but from what I've read the reasoning behind the policy is that the "primary obligation [of a test-only center] is to conduct a fair and unbiased smog test."
By contrast, if California's concern is to protect vehicle owners from unscrupulous testers inclined to finding that a vehicle does not meet emissions standards, the requirement does not fully address the problem because not everyone is required to use a test-only center. Moreover, if the purpose is to protect vehicle owners, the choice of which testing-center to use should rest with the owner; the state should simply recommend a test-only center.
Am I missing something?
Thanks, Andrew