Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection

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.

Vehicle Safety Systems Inspections are a comprehensive safety check introduced by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) to ensure vehicles, especially those with salvage titles, are safe to drive on California roads. Launched under Assembly Bill 471, this program replaces the older brake and lamp inspections with a broader assessment that covers critical safety components like brakes, lights, steering, suspension, and more. Starting June 27, 2024, licensed technicians at certified stations use the BAR Safety Inspection System (BAR-SIS) to perform these inspections and issue electronic certificates of compliance if the vehicle passes. This certificate is required for DMV registration, helping to get repaired or salvaged vehicles back on the road legally and safely.

The program aims to enhance road safety by setting clear standards, requiring specific equipment and training for technicians, and transitioning away from outdated paper-based certificates (which ended with the brake and lamp programs on September 27, 2024). Stations must meet BAR’s equipment and procedural guidelines, and consumers can learn more about inspection results, safety recalls, and registration processes through the BAR website.