Regulations: Article 2.5. Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Program, Chapter 1, Division 33, Title 16, California Code of Regulations

The application fee is waived for eligible applicants until March 27, 2025. To be eligible, you must have had both an active brake license AND an active lamp license before March 27, 2024. The licenses must have no pending disciplinary action and may not be on probation with BAR. Refer to the application to learn more.

Brake and light certificates: Some DMV paperwork may still refer to prior brake and light certificate requirements. Inform affected consumers that they need a vehicle safety systems inspection certificate instead.

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.

Inspection order: You must check all safety systems required in the inspection manual. But you can check the systems in any order. You can also record the results in the BAR-SIS as you go or all at once when the inspection is complete. Choose the order and approach that is most efficient and effective for you.

Make sure your station has registered and downloaded the California Vehicle Inspection System (Cal-VIS) software to your BAR-SIS. After completing online enrollment and a station participation agreement through the Cal-VIS billing portal, you can conveniently purchase certificates of compliance through the BAR Safety Inspection System (BAR-SIS).

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.

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.

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.

The application fee is waived for eligible applicants until March 27, 2025. To be eligible, you must have had both an active brake license AND an active lamp license before March 27, 2024. The licenses must have no pending disciplinary action and may not be on probation with BAR. Refer to the application to learn more.

Vehicle safety systems inspection stations provide comprehensive inspections of vehicle safety systems. Technicians licensed to verify safety systems perform the inspections. The technician enters inspection results into the BAR Safety Inspection System (BAR-SIS). The BAR-SIS issues an electronic certificate of compliance if the vehicle passes. The vehicle owner can then register the vehicle with DMV and return it to the road.

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).

This requirement is waived for eligible applicants until March 27, 2025. To be eligible, you must have had both an active brake license AND an active lamp license before March 27, 2024. The licenses must have no pending disciplinary action and may not be on probation with BAR. Certification is still required for license renewal. Refer to the application to learn more.

Note: A vehicle that has an illuminated check engine light or a permanent diagnostic trouble code stored in the OBD system will not fail a vehicle safety systems inspection.

OBD vehicles: The BAR-SIS will prompt you to connect the data acquisition device (DAD) when inspecting most 2000 and newer OBD vehicles. An OBD check is not required for:

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.

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.

This requirement is waived for eligible applicants until March 27, 2025. To be eligible, you must have had both an active brake license AND an active lamp license before March 27, 2024. The licenses must have no pending disciplinary action and may not be on probation with BAR. Refer to the application to learn more.

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.

Brake or light violations: Licensed stations can verify and sign off a consumer’s fix-it-ticket. A vehicle safety systems inspection is not required to perform this service.

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.