Vehicle safety systems inspections
Vehicle safety systems inspection stations provide comprehensive inspections of vehicle safety systems. Technicians licensed to verify safety systems perform the inspections. The technician enters inspection results into the BAR Safety Inspection System (BAR-SIS). The BAR-SIS issues an electronic certificate of compliance if the vehicle passes. The vehicle owner can then register the vehicle with DMV and return it to the road.
Station checklist
Use our helpful checklist to verify you have everything needed to perform inspections. Find requirements for:
- Signs and licenses
- BAR-SIS
- Inspection equipment
- Reference materials and records
Certificates
Order electronic certificates of compliance through the BAR-SIS. Before placing your first order:
- Register and download the Cal-VIS software to your BAR-SIS
- Complete the online enrollment and participation agreement through the Cal-VIS billing portal
You can also order certificates by mail. If you have unused certificates, you may request a refund.
The certificate fee is $7.00. Sales tax cannot be applied to the certificate fee.
Resources
Inspection tutorial: Learn about vehicle safety system inspections and the BAR-SIS
Training videos: Find helpful videos and online tutorials
Regulations: Article 2.5. Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Program, Chapter 1, Division 33, Title 16, California Code of Regulations
Licensing information: Find licensing requirements and application steps to get a vehicle safety systems license
Information for consumers: Inspection results, safety recalls, DMV registration, brake and light issues, and more
Common issues and reminders
Inspection order: You must check all safety systems required in the inspection manual. But you can check the systems in any order. You can also record the results in the BAR-SIS as you go or all at once when the inspection is complete. Choose the order and approach that is most efficient and effective for you.
Note: Always check for open safety recalls before beginning an inspection.
OBD vehicles: The BAR-SIS will prompt you to connect the data acquisition device (DAD) when inspecting most 2000 and newer OBD vehicles. An OBD check is not required for:
- Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 14,000 pounds
- Electric vehicles
- Motorcycles
- Trucks
- Trailers
Note: A vehicle that has an illuminated check engine light or a permanent diagnostic trouble code stored in the OBD system will not fail a vehicle safety systems inspection.
Brake and light certificates: Some DMV paperwork may still refer to prior brake and light certificate requirements. Inform affected consumers that they need a vehicle safety systems inspection certificate instead.
Brake or light violations: Licensed stations can verify and sign off a consumer’s fix-it-ticket. A vehicle safety systems inspection is not required to perform this service.