Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Program

Download the manual

Make sure your station understands the requirements of the new Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Program. The Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Manual details procedures, standards, and requirements for performing vehicle safety systems inspections and issuing certificates of compliance. It also includes important information on equipment requirements for the BAR Safety Inspection System (BAR-SIS).

Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Manual 

Complete the station checklist

Use the station checklist to help ensure your station has the equipment, tools, and reference materials required to perform vehicle safety systems inspections. Your station should meet all requirements before applying.

Complete checklist 

Apply

The application fee is waived for applicants that have both an active brake station license AND an active lamp station license with no pending disciplinary action and are not on probation with BAR.

Complete the application, providing all requested information. BAR will notify you of the status of your application and any deficiencies within 14 days of receipt of the application. BAR cannot process a deficient application until all requested information and fees are provided.

Apply now 

NOTE: A business must be registered as an automotive repair dealer to get a station license. For information on registration requirements, visit Apply for a Business License.

Complete a station participation agreement

Make sure your station has registered and downloaded the California Vehicle Inspection System (Cal-VIS) software to your BAR-SIS. After completing online enrollment and a station participation agreement through the Cal-VIS billing portal, you can conveniently purchase certificates of compliance through the BAR Safety Inspection System (BAR-SIS).

Pass a station inspection

If your application is approved, BAR will schedule an onsite station inspection. During the inspection, BAR field staff will verify your station employs a licensed vehicle safety systems technician(s) and has the required equipment, tools, and reference materials. To help ensure your station is prepared for the inspection, see the station checklist and Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Manual.

Print your license

Your license will be issued after your station successfully passes the station inspection. Be sure to print and post your station’s license and the licenses of all licensed vehicle safety systems inspections technicians employed by the station. All licenses must be mounted under glass or other transparent cover and displayed in a place where the licenses are easily visible, legible, and located adjacent to a counter where customers are served.

Print license 

Get ASE certified

ASE certification is not required for applicants that have both an active brake adjuster license AND an active lamp adjuster license with no pending disciplinary action and are not on probation with BAR. However, certification is required for license renewal.

For applicants that do not have both an active brake adjuster license AND an active lamp adjuster license, National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification in each of the following areas is required:

• Suspension and steering (A4)
• Brakes (A5)
• Electrical/electronic systems (A6)

Apply

The application fee is waived for licensees that have both an active brake adjuster license AND an active lamp adjuster license with no pending disciplinary action and are not on probation with BAR.

Complete the application, providing all requested information. BAR will notify you of the status of your application and any deficiencies within 14 days of receipt of the application. BAR cannot process a deficient application until all requested information and fees are provided.

Apply now 

Pass the examination

The examination is not required for applicants that have both an active brake adjuster license AND an active lamp adjuster license with no pending disciplinary action and are not on probation with BAR.

If your application is approved, you will be notified by the examination service contractor to schedule your examination. A handbook (candidate information bulletin) is available to help you prepare for the examination.

Print your license

After you successfully pass the examination and your license is issued, you can conveniently print your license online.

Print license 

Complete biometric enrollment

If you are a Smog Check inspector and have already completed biometric enrollment, you do not need to reenroll.

Vehicle safety systems technicians must complete biometric enrollment to establish a Cal-VIS palm data profile for performing inspections. Contact BAR Field Office Support for enrollment dates and times.