Exploring future solutions for pre-OBD vehicle inspections
Advancements in vehicle technology have led to a significant increase in the number of vehicles equipped with On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD II) systems. Currently, all model year 2000 and newer vehicles are equipped with OBD II systems and are inspected using the Bureau of Automotive Repair OBD Inspection System (BAR-OIS). Pre-OBD II vehicles subject to the Smog Check Program—model-years 1976-1995 as well as early OBD II vehicles from model years 1996-1999—must be tested on the BAR-97 Emissions Inspection System. Although the number of vehicles that require a BAR-97 inspection continues to decline, they still disproportionately contribute to air pollution. BAR is exploring solutions to ensure these vehicles continue to be tested, safeguarding air quality and providing access to BAR-97 testing for their owners.
The cost of maintaining BAR-97 inspections
As the number of BAR-97 inspections decreases, many Smog Check stations face financial pressure due to the costs associated with maintaining BAR-97 equipment. In response, many stations have been forced to raise prices or have chosen to discontinue BAR-97 inspections entirely. A recent analysis by BAR revealed that a BAR-97 inspection costs approximately $35 more than a BAR-OIS inspection.
The legislative response
In response to the concerns raised in BAR’s 2024 Sunset Review Report, the Legislature addressed the issue by granting BAR authority under Assembly Bill 1263 (Berman, Chapter 681, Statutes of 2023) to establish a contracted network of stations to inspect pre-OBD vehicles. This network would be the exclusive provider of inspection services for pre-OBD vehicles, relieving stations that no longer want to maintain BAR-97 equipment. As part of this change, the inspections of model-year 1996-1999 vehicles would be transitioned from the BAR-97 to the BAR-OIS inspection system.
Key considerations for a contracted network
As BAR is considering this contracted network, there are several key factors to assess:
- Price of inspections: Ensuring that inspection costs for older vehicles remain affordable for consumers.
- Quality of inspections: Maintaining the equipment and high inspection standards across all contracted stations.
- Consumer convenience: Ensuring the network offers adequate geographical coverage to meet consumer needs.
- Participation criteria: Developing participation criteria for existing stations to join the network.
- Emissions benefits: Assessing the program’s effectiveness in reducing emissions and improving air quality.
- Attrition rate: Tracking the ongoing decline of the pre-1996 vehicle population to better estimate long-term demand for inspections.
Next steps
As part of its research phase, BAR recently surveyed licensed stations to assess their interest in joining a contracted network as subcontractors. This survey is crucial in understanding industry readiness and determining how to structure the network effectively. Additionally, BAR is planning to release a Request for Information to solicit input, including network design proposals, from potential contract bidders.
The implementation of this program change is expected to take some time as regulations and a solicitation for contract bids will be required. BAR remains committed to keeping the industry informed of developments. Stay tuned for further updates as we consider whether or not to move forward with this initiative.