Sign, license display, and online advertising requirements

Required signs

Automotive repair dealers must post required signs for each license they hold. Purchase signs for your business from your preferred sign vendor.

Important: BAR provides a notice to consumers sign to each Smog Check station. To request a replacement, contact BAR Field Office Support.

Sign Details
Automotive repair dealer sign Who must post this sign: Automotive repair dealers

Where to display: Visible to customers

Reference: BPC § 9884.17, CCR §§ 3351.3, 3351.4
Smog Check station type signs
Test-and-repair / Decal
Test-only / Decal
Repair-only / Decal
 Who must post this sign: Smog Check stations

Where to display: Outside, visible to the public

Reference: CCR § 3340.22
Notice to consumers sign (Español) Who must post this sign: Smog Check stations

Where to display: Visible to customers

Reference: HSC § 44017.3, CCR § 3340.22.2
STAR station sign Who must post this sign: STAR stations

Where to display: Outside, visible to the public

Reference: CCR § 3392.2
Smog Check services signs
Diesel-only service
Heavy-duty only service
Light-duty only service		 Who must post this sign: Smog Check stations that only provide diesel-only, heavy-duty, or light-duty services

Where to display: Outside, visible to the public (Attach to or immediately below the station sign)

Reference: CCR § 3340.22.1
Vehicle safety systems inspection station sign Who must post this sign: Vehicle safety systems inspection stations

Where to display: Outside, visible to the public

Reference: CCR §§ 3312.2, 3313.1

Requirements for mobile automotive repair dealers

  • Provide a paper copy of the Automotive repair dealer sign with each work order.

  • Display on each mobile repair vehicle the following in at least 72 point font:

    • Business name as registered with BAR

    • Automotive repair dealer registration number

    • Phone number as registered with BAR

  • Reference: CCR §§ 3351.3, 3351.7.3

License display

  • Display your automotive repair dealer license and any station licenses.

  • Stations must also post inspector and technician licenses.

  • Licenses must be displayed in an area easily visible to customers.

  • Keep licenses under glass or other transparent cover.

  • You can print a copy of your license online.

  • Reference: CCR §§ 3312.2(b), 3340.15(c), 3351.3(a)(1)

Online advertising

All online advertisements must include your:

  • Business name as registered with BAR

  • Automotive repair dealer registration number

  • Phone number as registered with BAR

If your ad lists more than one location, include the required information for each location.

You must also display the required information on your website in a place that is easy for customers to find. For example, on your contact page or in the footer where your business address appears.

If your ad is a company-wide promotion that does not show individual locations, include your website address. Your website must clearly display the required information for each registered location.

Reference: CCR § 3371.2