Prepared by ASCCA Legislative Advocacy Jack Molodanof
The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) held two regulatory workshops on Wednesday, April 20, 2022. ASCCA Legislative Advocate Jack Molodanof and ASCCA Government Affairs Committee Chair David Kusa both attended the workshops. The first workshop was on the updated Automotive Repair Dealer (ARD) application requirements and the second workshop was on the proposed Vehicle Safety Inspection program. Below is a summary of Jack Molodanof’ s takeaways from the workshops.
Updated ARD Application Regulations
The BAR is updating the automotive repair dealer application to comply with AB 471. In addition to the current application requirements, the new proposal gives the auto repair dealer the opportunity to provide BAR nationally recognized and industry-accepted educational certifications (e.g., vehicle manufacturer, I-CAR, ASE or Certificate from an accredited educational institution or trade school). BAR can also approve an educational certificate that is not nationally recognized and industry accepted, if it meets BAR evaluation criteria.
The certificate information will then be posted on the BAR website so consumers can see certifications when they look up a shop using the BAR Shop locator program. In addition, the BAR will also require an auto repair dealer to provide an email address and mobile operators will need to provide a license plate number.
Stakeholders raised concerns about the time frame (currently 14 days) to report any changes to certifications such as expiration or when an employee leaves employment. The BAR wants to make sure that posting of training certificates on BAR website are current and any changes are brought current within a reasonable amount of time. Suggestions included extending period to 30 days and that BAR send reminders to ARDs to update training certifications.
BAR will review all comments and suggestions and make appropriate revisions.
Below is the link for presentation.
https://www.bar.ca.gov/pdf/Workshops/202204_ARD_Application/Presentation.pdf
Vehicle Safety Inspection Regulations.
BAR is in the process of creating regulations based on the passage of AB 471, which will combine the current brake and lamp program and implement a new "vehicle safety inspection program". This vehicle safety inspection is designed for revived total loss salvage vehicles and includes additional safety criteria to be inspected. The BAR is considering the financial impact for implementation due to additional equipment requirements and consumer cost for the inspection.
Based on the feedback from stakeholders, the BAR is designing the vehicle safety inspection to consist of nine (9) areas. They are as follows:
- OBD Scan. Require a scan on 2000 and newer vehicles, consistent with smog check. Cost for all equipment, including OIS, scanner, printer, computer, cart, etc.. $4k-5k.
- Lighting System. Consistent with current lamp inspection.
- Braking System. Consistent with current brake inspection with addition of ABS warning light.
- Passenger Compartment. Includes mirrors, windshield, rear window, wipers, secured seats, seatbelts, child latch systems, air bags(s), SRS warning light.
- Tires and Wheels. Tires, Rims, TPMS warning light, and temporary spare tire/emergency tire repair system.
- Steering and Suspension. All steering and suspension components and steering suspension warning lights.
- Body Structure. All body panels, frame or unibody integrity and fuel system.
- Road Test. Horn, dashboard warning lights, stopping test and vehicle control.
- Safety Recalls. Carfax VIN check for any open safety recalls.
Comments made by stakeholders included the extent of the vehicle inspection, types of equipment, cost to consumers for inspection, training and licensing for vehicle safety inspectors. Discussion of grandfathering current brake and lamp inspectors with possible additional requirements. BAR continues to encourage input on the program and will provide specific text language for the program in the next several months. BAR plans on holding another Vehicle Safety Inspection workshop on July 21, 2022, after the BAG Advisory committee meeting.
Below is the link for presentation.
https://www.bar.ca.gov/pdf/Workshops/202204_Vehicle_Safety_Inspection/Presentation.pdf