Vehicle safety systems inspections

Vehicle safety systems inspections are performed by licensed stations and technicians using the BAR Safety Inspections System (BAR-SIS). The BAR-SIS collects vehicle safety systems data to issue certificates of compliance to vehicles that meet inspection criteria.

BAR-SIS

Supports inspections of safety systems and generates electronic
certificates of compliance for revived salvage vehicles

Inspection manual

The Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Manual provides the procedures for performing vehicle safety systems inspections and issuing certificates of compliance. It also details important equipment requirements for the BAR-SIS.

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.

Certificates of compliance

You can buy certificates of compliance through the BAR-SIS.

Before purchasing certificates:

You can also order certificates or request a refund of unused certificates by mail.

Resources

Licenses

Steps to get a station license

  1. 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). Download manual
  2. 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. View checklist
  3. Apply The application fee is waived for applicants that have both an active brake station license AND an active lamp station license with no pending disciplinary action and are not on probation with BAR. 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. Apply nowNOTE: 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.
  4. Complete a station participation agreement 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).
  5. Pass a 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.
  6. 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. Print license

Steps to get a technician license

  1. Get ASE certified ASE certification is not required for applicants that have both an active brake adjuster license AND an active lamp adjuster license with no pending disciplinary action and are not on probation with BAR. 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:
  2. Apply The application fee is waived for licensees that have both an active brake adjuster license AND an active lamp adjuster license with no pending disciplinary action and are not on probation with BAR. 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. Apply now

Program information

The Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Program, which became effective on March 27, 2024, consolidates current brake and lamp inspections with other vehicle safety systems assessments into one comprehensive inspection and creates new station and technician licenses. Required by Assembly Bill 471 (Low, Chapter 372, Statutes of 2021), the program protects consumers by certifying vehicle safety systems, allowing revived salvage vehicles to be registered with DMV and safely returned 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. Vehicle safety systems inspections will begin on July 8, 2024, and run concurrently with existing brake and lamp inspections until the brake and lamp inspection programs end on September 27, 2024.