Safety systems inspections for revived salvage vehicles
Buying a revived salvage vehicle? If so, you'll need to register it with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). But before you do, make sure it has passed a vehicle safety systems inspection. This inspection ensures the vehicle can be registered and returned to California roadways.
What is a revived salvage vehicle?
A revived salvage vehicle is a car that was damaged and considered a total loss by an insurance company. This usually happens after a collision, flood, or other incident. The vehicle is purchased by a rebuilder business or the original owner. It is then repaired and brought back to drivable condition.
Revived salvage vehicles are often resold at a lower price than similar cars with clean titles. But if not properly repaired, they may have serious safety and performance problems.
Before these vehicles can return to the road, they must:
Pass a vehicle safety systems inspection
Be registered with the DMV and issued a salvage title
Vehicle safety systems inspections
Vehicle safety systems inspections are performed at licensed stations throughout the state. During the inspection, a licensed technician checks important safety systems, like:
Body structure
Brakes and lights
Passenger compartment
Steering and suspension
Tires and wheels
The licensed technician also checks the vehicle's on-board diagnostics and safety recall information. A road test is also performed.
After a vehicle passes the inspection, a vehicle safety systems certificate is issued. This certificate is shared electronically with DMV, simplifying the registration process for you. A vehicle safety report is also issued.
What you need to know as a buyer
Before buying a vehicle, check its inspection results online.
You don't need to provide documentation to DMV to verify the inspection. But you should ask the seller for a copy of the vehicle safety report for your records.
When buying a vehicle from a rebuilder, the vehicle must pass an inspection before it is sold to you. The rebuilder must give you a copy of the vehicle safety report or other proof the vehicle passed an inspection.
DMV registration
A vehicle safety systems inspection is needed to register a revived salvage vehicle. An inspection is also needed to register other vehicle types, including:
Revived junk vehicle
Specially constructed vehicle (SPCNS), including a kit commercial vehicle
Motorcycle
Trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating of 3,000 pounds or greater
Off-highway vehicle converted to on-highway operation
A Smog Check inspection also is required to register a 1976 and newer revived salvage vehicle.
Once you register a revived salvage vehicle
DMV will issue the vehicle a salvage title
The vehicle can be driven on the road
No additional vehicles safety systems inspections are required
For more information on DMV registration requirements, visit www.dmv.ca.gov.
Auto Body Inspection Program
BAR's Auto Body Inspection Program offers convenient, no-cost inspections of collision-related repairs. The inspection verifies that the repairs were authorized and completed correctly.
If your vehicle has had recent collision repairs, request an inspection today.