BAR news and updates
VSSI program: First year milestones
Launched in July 2024, the Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection (VSSI) Program strengthens consumer safety by expanding the inspection required to register a revived salvage vehicle with the Department of Motor Vehicles. VSSI inspections verify the integrity of critical safety systems and check for open safety recalls.
In the first year, 497 VSSI stations were licensed, and nearly 178,000 inspections were completed. With a 16.1% failure rate, the program is already delivering measurable benefits by keeping vehicles with safety systems issues off California roads until they are repaired.
BAR partners with CNCDAF for auto tech career day events
BAR is proud to join the California New Car Dealers Association Foundation (CNCDAF) to support its Automotive Technology Career Day events across the state. Hosted at community colleges and automotive technology centers, these events connect students with industry professionals, showcase advancements in vehicle technology, and highlight career pathways in the automotive industry.
High school students can explore certificate and degree programs and learn from manufacturers and expert technicians. College students can connect with hiring managers and explore local job openings.
At the October 2, 2025 event at American River College in Sacramento, BAR representatives were on site with a vehicle and diagnostic tools to demonstrate Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) repairs. BAR has committed to attend all 11 career day events statewide through Spring 2026. BAR's ongoing participation in these events reflects its committment to inspiring and supporting the growth of California's automotive repair workforce.
Learn more about upcoming Automotive Technology Career Day events at cncdafoundation.org.
Roadside program rebranded to reflect emissions focus
The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) recently changed the name of its Roadside Inspection Program to the Roadside Emissions Survey Program to clearly reflect its purpose and help prevent public misperceptions.
The program conducts voluntary emissions surveys on California roadways. The data collected supports improvement to the Smog Check Program and California’s clean air goals.
Participation in the survey is completely voluntary. It is not an enforcement activity—no personal information is collected, and no citations are issued. The change in name aims to clarify that the program is solely focused on emissions data, not on issues like DUI or immigration enforcement.
For more information, visit the Roadside Emissions Survey Program.
Online advertising requirements for ARDs
Beginning October 1, all automotive repair dealers (ARDs) must follow updated online advertising requirements. These rules apply to all automotive repair businesses as part of the recently adopted regulations for mobile automotive repair and automotive repair referral services.
All online advertisements must include the ARD’s:
- Business name as registered with BAR
- ARD registration number
- Phone number as registered with BAR
ARDs are encouraged to review their license information on file with BAR and update it online if needed.
Windows 11 required for Cal-VIS computers
Title 16, California Code of Regulations section 3340.17 requires California Vehicle Inspection System (Cal-VIS) computers to use a supported version of the Microsoft Windows operating system. Standard support for the Windows 10 operating system ended on October 14, 2025.
To avoid business interruption and continued ability to perform Smog Check or vehicle safety systems inspections, Cal-VIS computers must be updated to Windows 11 or higher.
For more information, visit www.microsoft.com. To learn more about equipment and software requirements, go to BAR-OIS and BAR-SIS inspection systems.
Become a Smog Check Referee
BAR’s Smog Check Referee Program is seeking qualified candidates to fill open Referee positions throughout California. Referees play a vital role in assisting vehicle owners with Smog Check inspection and certification issues while also helping to train community college students for careers in the automotive repair and Smog Check industry.
For details and to apply, go to www.asktheref.org.
Join CARB's Clean Truck Check program
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is seeking qualified Smog Check inspectors to become credentialed testers for their Clean Truck Check program. Clean Truck Check ensures heavy-duty vehicles maintain properly functioning emissions controls, supporting California’s air quality goals. Like Smog Check for light-duty vehicles, this program focuses on heavy-duty vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating over 14,000 pounds.
Credentialed testers perform compliance testing—including on-board diagnostics, smoke opacity, and visual inspections—and submit results to CARB through an online system.
More information is available at www.arb.ca.gov.
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