My understanding of the new smog test in this area is that your car is entered in a database that, if you failed the test at one place and went to another, will tell them that you failed already. This may not be the case but that is how I heard it. And for the unwary, a disreputable shop can disconnect a hose or a plug wire and fail you then tell you need repairs, charge you for what they say you need, and do nothing more then reconnect what they undid. Easy money for them.
I live in Galveston Co. and our tests start next May if this EPA induced Federal blackmail (no highway money if you do not meet EPA standards) is not brought to a halt before then. I am not advocating polluting our air at all but newer cars breathe pretty clean and trees and grass contribute much to the ground level ozone.
