What does the STAR program primarily aim to achieve in California?

The STAR program primarily aims to improve air quality in California by certifying qualified facilities that meet specific standards for emissions testing. This initiative focuses on enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of the smog check program, ensuring that vehicles undergoing inspection are assessed accurately. Facilities certified under the STAR program are required to demonstrate a commitment to high-quality service and the use of advanced testing equipment, which collectively helps reduce emissions from vehicles on the road. By ensuring that only qualified and capable facilities are performing smog checks, the program directly contributes to better monitoring and enforcement of air quality standards.

The other options do not align with the primary goal of the STAR program. For instance, while increasing the number of smog stations or ensuring annual inspections may have an indirect effect on air quality, they are not the primary objectives of the STAR program. Similarly, the goal of reducing vehicle registration fees does not relate to smog checks or air quality improvement efforts. Therefore, the focus on certifying qualified facilities is central to the program's mission.