By Hao Nguyen, Esq.
Senior Product and Regulatory Counsel
Effective September 27, 2024, the brake and lamp inspection programs will end in California.The sunset of these programs marks the third and final phase of the Bureau of Automotive Repair’s (BAR) implementation plan for the Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection (VSSI) Program. Inspections under the new VSSI Program began statewide on July 8 and will be conducted by licensed stations and technicians using the BAR Safety Inspection System (BAR-SIS). BAR-SIS collects vehicle safety systems data to issue certificates of compliance to vehicles that meet inspection criteria.
Important information:
Apply for Licenses: To apply for a vehicle safety systems license, you will need to post various signs and have proper equipment (in addition to a valid Automotive Repair Dealer registration). Review the steps here.
Existing Inspections: Licensees can continue to perform brake and lamp inspections until September 27.
Unused Certificates: Contact BARenforcement@dca.ca.gov to request a refund for unused brake and lamp certificates.
For more information, visit www.bar.ca.gov/safety.