[ba] someone explain this smog thing please

[Dan Simoes]

I went to register my wife's Suzuki (no snickers please).
I was told I had to get it smogged first.
So, I went next door, and was told the fee is $99.  I asked "is this a 
standard DMV fee, like in NY?"  Oh yes sir, but we are the only ones who 
allow a free retest.

The next day, I opened the paper, and saw an ad for smog test, $29.99, 
with free retest.  Grrr.

Some places say "test only".  What does that mean?  What do they do 
besides test?

My Suzuki passed fine and my TDI doesn't need smog, but I'd like to know 
for future reference.

By the way, I've settled in Walnut Creek and am working in SF.

| Dan |