Legislation and Regulations Update
Legislation
Several legislative proposals have been introduced this year that could affect the automotive repair industry. For information regarding current legislative proposals, the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) recommends contacting the trade associations that represent the automotive repair industry or visiting www.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.
Regulations
For complete information on pending and approved regulatory actions, or to learn more about future opportunities for public participation, visit the Regulatory actions webpage at www.bar.ca.gov.
Automotive Repair Dealer Registration Renewal Requirements
This regulatory proposal was approved by the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) and filed with the Secretary of State on December 4, 2023. The new regulations, which took effect on April 1, 2024, require an automotive repair dealer (ARD) to renew registration on forms prescribed by BAR; specifies that ARD registration shall expire within one year from the last date of the month unless the registrant provides all necessary information; and specifies that upon renewal, ARDs shall provide all newly required information—such as email addresses and educational certifications pursuant to AB 471 (Low, Chapter 372, Statutes of 2021)—and notify BAR of any change of information since their last renewal. For additional information, refer to the Registration Renewal Requirements for ARDs article.
Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Program
This regulatory proposal was approved by OAL and filed with the Secretary of State on March 27, 2024. The new regulations, which took effect on March 27, 2024, create a new Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Program. The new program establishes procedures and program requirements for a Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Manual, creates license requirements for vehicle safety systems inspection/repair stations and technicians, and sunsets the lamp and brake inspection programs six months after adoption of the regulations. To learn more, see BAR Rolls Out New Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Program.
Updated Smog Check Inspection Equipment and Station Requirements
This regulatory proposal replaces the current On-Board Diagnostic Data Acquisition Device (DAD) specification with a more comprehensive and updated version to provide additional tools to combat Smog Check fraud and allows the DAD to communicate with new vehicles that use a communication protocol not supported by the current generation of Bureau-certified DADs.
Status: The Notice of Proposed Regulatory Action was published in the Notice Register on January 19, 2024, initiating the public comment period which ended on March 5, 2024. These regulations are expected to be adopted and filed with the Secretary of State with a July 1, 2024 effective date.
Consumer Assistance Program Incentive Increases
This regulatory proposal increases the vehicle retirement option from $1,500 to $2,000 for income-eligible consumers and from $1,000 to $1,350 for other motorists. It also increases repair assistance contributions from $900 to $1,100 for 1995 and older vehicles and from $1,200 to $1,450 for 1996 and newer vehicles. Additionally, the proposal allows BAR to increase those amounts every three years if there has been at least a 10% increase in the Consumer Price Index. This proposal also removes the eligibility restriction that prevents motorists from participating in the repair assistance option more than once, unincorporates the Consumer Assistance Program application, and lists the application requirements in regulation.
Status: The Notice of Proposed Regulatory Action was published in the Notice Register on January 26, 2024, initiating the public comment period which ended on March 12, 2024. These regulations are expected to be adopted and filed with the Secretary of State with a July 1, 2024 effective date.