Newly formed coalition of automotive educators, transportation employer associations, industry leaders, OEM partners and education policymakers to hold introductory meeting, Feb. 11
Sacramento, Calif.—The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) held its BAR Advisory Committee meeting in Sacramento last week. Jack Molodanof, legistive advocate for the California Autobody Association and the Automotive Service Councils of California, attended the meeting and provided the following summary.
Regulations
• Regulations adopted in 2025: Recently adopted regulations include Technical Cleanup to Update Terminology: Bureau accepted Educational Certificates, Tear Down Disclosure and invoice towing requirements, Smog Check Readiness Monitor Limits, and Mobile Repair, Referral Services, and Online Advertising.
• Pending regulations for 2026 include storage fees charged by automotive repair dealers (ARDs), change-of-address requirements, biometric device updates, and airbag safety. The airbag safety regulation will prohibit a shop from installing or using any component designed to mislead a vehicle owner into believing a functional airbag has been installed. Shops must purchase all airbag replacement parts or components from the manufacturer or an authorized supplier and retain receipts for all parts purchased and received. See the link for presentation.
Smog Check Contingency measure for State Implementation Plan (SIP)
Under the federal Clean Air Act, the U.S. EPA sets national air quality standards for pollutants such as ozone and particulate matter. Areas that do not meet these standards must adopt EPA-approved plans and rules as part of their State Implementation Plan (SIP).
In California, most gasoline vehicles from 1976 or newer and diesel vehicles from 1998 or newer must pass a Smog Check every two years. However, vehicles that are eight (8) model years old or newer are currently exempt and instead pay an annual smog abatement fee. In some areas that continue to have air quality problems, this 8-year exemption can be reduced over time, meaning newer vehicles would need to be tested sooner.
In an applicable nonattainment area, the first step would require Smog Checks for vehicles seven (7) model years old and newer, and a second step would expand that requirement to vehicles six (6) model years old and newer. CARB, BAR, and the DMV would coordinate public outreach, FAQs, and notifications if, and when, these changes are triggered. See the link for presentation.
California Automotive Technical Education Alliance (CATEA)
CATEA is a newly formed coalition comprised of automotive educators, transportation employer associations, industry leaders, OEM partners, and education policymakers. The coalition aims to encourage young people to enter the automotive industry and to elevate automotive education as a critical workforce priority. CATEA supports curriculum modernization and expanded access to modern tools and training so entry-level technicians are better prepared to enter the workforce.
CATEA is inviting groups, associations, and industry leaders to join and participate in the coalition. The introductory meeting is scheduled for February 11. Those interested in joining can visit here. See link for CATEA presentation.
Business License Renewal Demonstration
The BAR provided a demonstration on how to renew a BAR license online through the BAR website. Shops can renew their licenses and update license information through the website. Once BAR approves the renewal, a shop may print its wall license before receiving the official license by mail.
As part of the renewal process, BAR collects a business email address, which will become public information. Currently, BAR provides renewal notices via regular mail. Shops that are delinquent will be required to pay a penalty. There may also be delays for shops that have received a citation or are on probation.
Enforcement Statistics
The enforcement statistics, detailing consumer complaints received by BAR in different categories, are as follows: Engine Repair 33%; General Repair/Maintenance 17%; Auto Body 15%; Transmission 6%; Vehicle Purchase 6%; Smog 5%; Used Car lots 8%; Towing and Storage 4%. Unlicensed activity 1%. See link for the handout presentation.
Licensing Statistics
A total of 35,396 automotive repair dealers are in the state. See link for handout presentation.
The next BAR Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 23.
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