Cal-VIS updates
Data acquisition devices (DADs) are used to collect On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) data during Smog Check and vehicle safety systems inspections. The current DADs, in use since 2014, do not have the capability to detect some of the advanced OBD cheating devices used today. To address this issue, the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) is rolling out a DAD 2.0 to better detect fraudulent Smog Check activities. The new DAD 2.0 will also retrieve OBD data from newer vehicles that use the SAE J1979-2 communication protocol. Regulations supporting the implementation of the DAD 2.0 took effect on July 1, 2024.
DAD equipment
Equipment manufacturers are developing DAD 2.0 prototypes to support the updated BAR specifications. Certification of the new devices is expected to start by May 2025. Meanwhile, Voyatek, the contractor supporting BAR’s Vehicle Inspection Database, is updating the California Vehicle Inspection System (Cal-VIS) software to ensure compatibility with the DAD 2.0 specifications and new vehicles equipped with the SAE J1979-2 communications protocol. Once BAR certifies DAD 2.0 devices, they will be distributed to Smog Check inspection stations. A retirement date for the current DADs will be announced once the DAD 2.0 devices are deployed.
Software update requirements
To ensure compliance with state security standards, computers running Cal-VIS software must run a supported version of Microsoft Windows and be configured to receive software updates. Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. All computers must be updated to Windows 11 by this date.
Equipment providers will send update reminders to stations. Licensees are also encouraged to carefully review upcoming ET Blasts and Cal-VIS messages for additional updates. For more information, see BAR-OIS and BAR-SIS inspection systems.