2026 Shop Compliance Checklist, designed to help your business meet the latest BAR and CARB standards

1. Online Advertising Compliance

Effective October 1, 2025, BAR strictly enforces these rules for all digital marketing (websites, social media, and Google Business Profiles).

[ ] Official Business Name: Does your website and all social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram, Yelp) display your business name exactly as it appears on your BAR registration?

[ ] ARD Number: Is your Automotive Repair Dealer (ARD) number clearly visible on your homepage, contact page, or footer?

[ ] Verified Phone Number: Does the phone number in your ads match the one currently on file with BAR? (Note: Avoid using dynamic tracking numbers in ads, as BAR may flag these as non-compliant).

2. Technology & Equipment Upgrades

Avoid service interruptions by ensuring your inspection systems are running supported software.

[ ] Windows 11 Upgrade: Since Windows 10 support ended in October 2025, all Cal-VIS (OIS) and BAR-SIS computers must be updated to Windows 11 or higher.

[ ] Biometric Enrollment: Ensure all licensed technicians have completed their biometric (palm vein scanner) enrollment for the BAR-OIS and BAR-SIS systems.

[ ] VSSI Equipment: If you are a licensed Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection (VSSI) station, do you have the mandatory BAR-SIS kit, including a compatible bar code scanner and tire tread depth gauge?

3. The VSSI Program (Safety Inspections)

The old Brake and Lamp programs have sunset. Ensure your shop is aligned with the new safety standard.

[ ] Open Recall Check: Are your technicians checking for open safety recalls on every vehicle before starting a VSSI inspection? (This is a mandatory step in the VSSI manual).

[ ] Correct Signage: If you are a VSSI station, have you replaced your old Brake and Lamp signs with the official Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Station sign?

[ ] Licensed Technicians: Do you have at least one licensed VSSI technician on staff with active ASE certifications (A4, A5, and A6)?

4. Heavy-Duty Compliance (Clean Truck Check)

Capitalize on the growing demand for heavy-duty emissions testing.

[ ] Credentialed Testers: Have your Smog Check inspectors completed the free CARB online training to become credentialed Clean Truck Check testers?

[ ] CTC-VIS Account: Does your shop have an active account in the Clean Truck Check database to submit OBD and smoke opacity results for vehicles over 14,000 lbs?

[ ] For-Hire Listing: If you want to attract new fleet customers, have you checked the "Available for Hire" box in your CARB tester profile?

5. Customer Documentation "Write It Right"

Proper documentation is the best defense against BAR citations.

[ ] Standard Estimates: Are all estimates provided before work begins, including a clear description of the specific job and estimated price for parts and labor?

[ ] Teardown Disclosures: For 2026, ensure your teardown estimates include the cost of reassembly and identify any parts (like gaskets) that are destroyed during the process.

[ ] Electronic Authorization: If you obtain authorization via text or email, are you recording the date, time, and the specific phone number or email address contacted?