Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Program
BAR regulations to establish the new Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Program have been adopted as required by Assembly Bill 471 (Low, Chapter 372, Statutes of 2021) and are now effective. The Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Program will replace the brake and lamp inspection programs, and creates new vehicle safety systems inspection criteria and station and technician licenses. The new program helps protect consumers by certifying vehicle safety systems, allowing salvage-titled vehicles to be registered with DMV and safely return to the road.
To support the transition from the brake and lamp inspection programs to the new Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Program, BAR has developed a phased implementation approach. Additionally, existing station and adjuster licensees holding both an active brake license AND an active lamp license may, until March 27, 2025, qualify for a waiver of the application fee. Existing brake and lamp adjusters also are eligible for a waiver from the required licensing examination and a temporary waiver of required ASE certifications.
Phase 1:
Licensure opens - Apply now!
March 27, 2024
Phase 2:
Inspections begin
Summer 2024
Phase 3:
Brake & lamp programs end
September 27, 2024
Steps to get a station license
Download the manual
Make sure your station understands the requirements of the new Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Program. The Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Manual details procedures, standards, and requirements for performing vehicle safety systems inspections and issuing certificates of compliance. It also includes important information on equipment requirements for the BAR Safety Inspection System (BAR-SIS).
Complete the station checklist
Use the station checklist to help ensure your station has the equipment, tools, and reference materials required to perform vehicle safety systems inspections. Your station should meet all requirements before applying.
Apply
The application fee is waived for applicants that have both an active brake station license AND an active lamp station license.
Complete the application, providing all requested information. BAR will notify you of the status of your application and any deficiencies within 14 days of receipt of the application. BAR cannot process a deficient application until all requested information and fees are provided.
NOTE: A business must be registered as an automotive repair dealer to get a station license. For information on registration requirements, visit Apply for a Business License.
Pass the station inspection
If your application is approved, BAR will schedule an onsite station inspection. During the inspection, BAR field staff will verify your station employs a licensed vehicle safety systems technician(s) and has the required equipment, tools, and reference materials. To help ensure your station is prepared for the inspection, see the station checklist and Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Manual.
Print your license
Your license will be issued after your station successfully passes the station inspection. Be sure to print and post your station’s license and the licenses of all licensed vehicle safety systems inspections technicians employed by the station. All licenses must be mounted under glass or other transparent cover and displayed in a place where the licenses are easily visible, legible, and located adjacent to a counter where customers are served.
Steps to get a technician license
Get ASE certified
ASE certification is not required for applicants that have both an active brake adjuster license AND an active lamp adjuster license. However, certification is required for license renewal.
For applicants that do not have both an active brake adjuster license AND an active lamp adjuster license, National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification in each of the following areas is required:
- Suspension and steering (A4)
- Brakes (A5)
- Electrical/electronic systems (A6)
Apply
The application fee is waived for licensees that have both an active brake adjuster license AND an active lamp adjuster license.
Complete the application, providing all requested information. BAR will notify you of the status of your application and any deficiencies within 14 days of receipt of the application. BAR cannot process a deficient application until all requested information and fees are provided.
Pass the examination
The examination is not required for applicants that have both an active brake adjuster license AND an active lamp adjuster license.
If your application is approved, you will be notified by the examination service contractor to schedule your examination. A handbook (candidate information bulletin) is available to help you prepare for the examination.
Print your license
After you successfully pass the examination and your license is issued, you can conveniently print your license online.
Complete biometric enrollment
If you are a Smog Check inspector and have already completed biometric enrollment, you do not need to reenroll.
Vehicle safety systems technicians must complete biometric enrollment to establish a Cal-VIS palm data profile for performing inspections. Contact BAR Field Office Support for enrollment dates and times.
Performing vehicle safety systems inspections
BAR anticipates vehicle safety systems inspections will begin summer 2024. BAR will announce the start date 30 days prior to the initiation of the new inspections.
Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Manual
Licensees must follow the procedures and requirements for performing a vehicle safety systems inspection as detailed in Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Manual.
Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Manual
BAR Safety Inspection System
The BAR Safety Inspection System (BAR-SIS) is required to perform vehicle safety systems inspections. For BAR-SIS equipment requirements, see the station checklist and Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Manual.
Biometric enrollment for technicians
Vehicle safety systems technicians must complete biometric enrollment to establish a palm data profile before performing inspections using the BAR-SIS. Learn more
Information about the brake and lamp programs
The brake and lamp programs will run concurrently with the Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Program until September 27, 2024. Upon that date, the brake and lamp programs will end and DMV will no longer accept brake and lamp certificates of compliance for registration purposes.
Brake and lamp license applications are no longer accepted, effective March 27, 2024.
To request a refund for unused brake or lamp certificates, contact BAR Field Office Support at BARenforcement@dca.ca.gov.