BAR news and updates
ARD registrations suspended following BAR investigations
The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) suspended the registrations of four Los Angeles-area automotive repair dealers (ARDs) following investigations into fraudulent and deceptive practices.
In June, BAR suspended an ARD registration following an investigation into fraudulent, predatory, and deceptive vehicle towing and storage practices. From July through September, BAR suspended three additional ARD registrations after investigations found that required vehicle safety systems inspections were not performed before certificates of compliance were issued.
The interim suspension orders remain in place pending final disciplinary decisions.
Read the news releases on the towing and storage investigation and the vehicle safety system inspection investigations.
Referee noise inspection update
Beginning January 1, 2027, Assembly Bill 2496 (Petrie-Norris, Statutes of 2022) expands BAR Referee noise inspections to include motorcycles and trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) up to 14,000 pounds in addition to passenger cars and trucks under 6,000 pounds GVWR that are currently subject to these requirements.
For specified exhaust noise violations, vehicle owners must correct the noise issue and obtain a BAR Referee certificate of compliance. If the certificate is not provided to the court as required, the Department of Motor Vehicles may prevent registration renewal until compliance is documented.
To support these changes, noise inspection information is now included on BAR’s vehicle inspection lookup webpage.
2026 Smog Check Performance Report
The 2026 Smog Check Performance Report was published on July 1, 2026, as required by Assembly Bill 2289 (Eng, Chapter 258, Statutes of 2010). The report provides an analysis of Smog Check inspections performed in calendar years 2024 and 2025. Using inspection data from Smog Check stations and comparing it to data from BAR’s Roadside Inspection Program, the report assesses the effectiveness of the Smog Check Program.
View the 2026 Smog Check Performance Report.
BAR continues workforce development efforts
BAR continues to support California's future automotive workforce through partnerships with educators and industry leaders. In June, BAR participated in the North American Council of Automotive Teachers conference, sharing updates on California laws and regulations affecting the automotive repair industry and providing information about the Cars for Schools program.
BAR also presented at the California Automotive Technical Education Alliance conference on October 9-10, 2026, and continues to participate in CNCDA Foundation Career Day events throughout the state, where students learn about automotive technology and career opportunities.
BAR prepares for sunset review
BAR is preparing the sunset review process in 2027. The process provides an opportunity for the Bureau to collaborate with the automotive repair industry, consumer groups, training providers, and other stakeholders to evaluate its operations and recommend improvements. The last review took place in 2023.
BAR’s sunset review report is due to the Legislature in January 2027, followed by a legislative hearing. The process also provides opportunities for stakeholder engagement and consideration of legislation affecting Bureau operations. BAR will provide updates as the process moves forward.
Become a Smog Check Referee
BAR’s Smog Check Referee Program is recruiting qualified candidates to fill open Referee positions throughout California. Referees assist 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 industries. For details and to apply, go to www.asktheref.org.
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