(a)  On or before January 1, 1995, the department shall design and establish the equipment necessary to operate a centralized computer data base and computer network that is readily accessible by all licensed smog check technicians on a real time basis.

(b)  The centralized computer data base and network shall be designed with all of the following capabilities:

(1)  To provide smog check technicians with immediate access to vehicle-specific information regarding the location of all emission control equipment, pattern failure data, and other vehicle-specific technical information relevant to the efficient identification, diagnosis, and repair of emission problems.

(2)  To provide smog check technicians and the department with information as to the date and result of prior smog check tests performed on each vehicle to discourage vehicle owners from shopping for certificates of compliance and to permit the department to identify smog check stations for further investigation as potential violators of this chapter.

(3)  To provide the department with data on the failure rates and repair effectiveness for vehicles of each make and model year on a statewide basis, and by smog check station and technician, to facilitate identification of smog check stations and technicians as potential violators of this chapter.

(4)  Upon a determination that a smog check station or technician has engaged in a pattern of conduct violating this chapter, or that a vehicle failed one or more emissions tests before obtaining a certificate of compliance, to provide the information necessary to identify and contact vehicle owners who obtained certificates from the station or technician, or may have obtained certificates of compliance in violation of this chapter, for purposes of requiring the retesting of their vehicles.

(5)  To be compatible with the eventual transition to a fully computerized smog certification program that will not require the use of printed certificates as evidence of compliance.

(6)  To be compatible with bar code scanning of vehicles as provided in Section 44041.

(7)  To permit ongoing entry of information from each smog check station into the centralized data base to enlarge and improve the data base on a continuous basis.

(8)  To be compatible with the department’s recordkeeping and compilation requirements established by Section 44037.

(9)  To meet the needs of a remote-sensing program to identify gross polluters, as specified by the department.

(10)  To meet any other needs specified by the department to enhance the benefits of the program through the storage of vehicle-specific information, such as that pertaining to voluntary repair and assistance and retirement programs and to the referee station program.

(c)  After January 1, 1995, each smog check station shall transmit vehicle data emission test results to the department’s centralized data base. Each smog check station shall also transmit vehicle data and emission measurements made before and after repair. The department shall establish, by regulation, the form, manner, and frequency of the data transmittals.

(Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 802, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 1998. Note: Conditional amendments by Stats. 1994, Ch. 1192, were repealed by Stats. 1996, Ch. 1154.)