Safety systems inspections for revived salvage vehicles
Planning to get a revived salvage vehicle back on the road? You'll need to register it with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). But first, the vehicle must pass a vehicle safety systems inspection.
Revived salvage vehicles
Revived salvage vehicles are vehicles that have been repaired after being declared a total loss by an insurance company. This usually happens due to damage from a collision, flood, or other incident.
Before these vehicles can be registered with DMV and driven again, they must pass a vehicle safety systems inspection. The inspection helps ensure the vehicle is safe to be back on the road.
Original vehicle owners and rebuilders may repair (revive) a vehicle after it is declared a total loss. They then sell the revived salvage vehicle—often at a low price.
Buying a revived salvage vehicle may save you money—but it also comes with some risks. If the repairs weren't done right, the vehicle may still have problems and need more repairs.
If you repair your own vehicle after it is declared a total loss, consider the costs. They may be more than the vehicle is worth.
Getting an inspection
If you're buying a revived salvage vehicle
Check online to see if the vehicle has passed a vehicle safety systems inspection.
If the vehicle has passed, ask the seller for a copy of the vehicle safety report.
If the vehicle has not passed, it will need an inspection. Use our Auto Shop Locator to find a licensed inspection station near you. Make sure all repairs are complete before the inspection.
If the seller is a rebuilder, they must get the vehicle inspected before selling it to you. They must also give you a copy of the vehicle safety report or other proof that the vehicle passed. (A registered owner selling their own vehicle is not considered a rebuilder.)
If you're repairing your own total loss vehicle
If your insurance company declared your vehicle a total loss, you may choose to keep and repair it. Keep in mind, repairs can be expensive—sometimes more than the vehicle is worth. If you decide to repair your total loss vehicle:
Complete all necessary repairs. Work with a licensed auto shop to help ensure your vehicle is ready for inspection.
Take the vehicle to a licensed station for inspection. Use our Auto Shop Locator to find one near you.
What the inspection covers
The inspection checks systems that help keep you—and others—on the road safe. These include:
Body structure
Brakes and lights
Passenger compartment
Steering and suspension
Tires and wheels
It also includes:
A scan of on-board diagnostics system
A check for open safety recalls
A road test
The cost of an inspection varies by station.
Common reasons vehicles fail the inspection
Knowing what causes vehicles to fail the inspection can help you prepare. If your vehicle needs repairs, work with a licensed auto shop to get it ready for inspection. Here are some of the common reasons a vehicle may fail a vehicle safety systems inspection:
Open safety recalls - All recalls must be resolved before the inspection.
Brake problems - Brake systems must be in good condition and work properly.
Lighting issues - Headlights, brake lights, and turn signals must work correctly.
Passenger compartment issues - Seat belts and airbag systems must be present and working. A cracked windshield will also cause a vehicle to fail.
Tire and wheel issues - Worn tires or a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light that is on can lead to failure.
Improper repairs - All repairs must follow the original equipment manufacturer's (OEM) repair specifications.
After the inspection
If your vehicle passes
The station will give you a vehicle safety report. The report includes the inspection results and confirms that your vehicle passed. Keep a copy for your records.
The station will also send the electronic vehicle safety systems certificate to DMV. You do not need to submit a paper copy.
Register your vehicle with DMV. A Smog Check may also be required to register your vehicle if it is model year 1976 and newer. For all registration requirements, visit www.dmv.ca.gov.
Once all registration requirements are complete, DMV will issue you a salvage title.
Only one vehicle safety systems inspection is required. You won't need another one for future registration renewals.
If your vehicle fails
Review the vehicle safety report. It lists the reason(s) the vehicle failed. If you have questions, ask the station for more information.
Repair or correct all the issues listed on the vehicle safety report. Work with a licensed auto shop for quality repairs to help your vehicle pass inspection.
- If your vehicle has open safety recalls, get repairs as soon as possible. The manufacturer or dealership will perform the recall repairs at no cost to you. Be sure to check that the recall has cleared before taking your vehicle for a new inspection.
Get a new inspection once repairs are complete. The station must inspect all safety systems again, not just the repaired areas.
If you have concerns or a problem with the station, file a complaint so we can help resolve the issue.
Other vehicles that need inspection
You also need a vehicle safety systems inspection to register:
Revived junk vehicles
Specially constructed vehicles (SPCNS), including kit commercial vehicles
Motorcycles
Trailers with a gross vehicle weight rating of 3,000 pounds or greater
Off-highway vehicles converted to on-highway operation
For more information, visit www.dmv.ca.gov.
Brake and light issues
Some DMV paperwork may still refer to brake and light certificates. These are no longer required. You now need a vehicle safety systems inspection certificate instead.
You do not need a vehicle safety systems inspection to clear a fix-it ticket for a brake or light issue. Get the issue fixed and signed off by a licensed station or law enforcement.
Help with collision repairs
Most collision repairs are hidden by the vehicle's panels. This makes it hard to tell if the work was done right or done at all. If you have concerns about your vehicle's collision repairs, we can help.
Our Auto Body Inspection Program offers no-cost inspections of collision repairs. A BAR representative will inspect your vehicle at a time and place convenient for you. We'll check the quality of the repairs to ensure the safety of your vehicle. If we find any issues, we'll help you with your options.