If a vehicle failed the Smog Check and the customer disputes the failure, what should be done?

• A. Refer the customer to the State Referee.
• B. Re-run the test with a different inspector.
• C. Ignore the dispute and issue a failure notice.
• D. Provide the customer with a temporary waiver.

Answer: (A)

When a Smog Check result is disputed, the correct course is to route the issue through the State Referee for a formal review. The Referee process ensures an independent, standardized evaluation of the test, including the testing procedure, the equipment calibration and maintenance logs, and the inspector’s actions. The Referee can decide on next steps, which may include a repeat test under review, rather than leaving the dispute unresolved. Simply re-testing at another inspector isn’t a guaranteed fix, and ignoring the dispute or offering a temporary waiver isn’t appropriate or allowed.