These vehicles are often sold at a lower price than similar cars with clean titles and may have costly safety and performance problems
Rancho Cordova, Calif.—The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) inspection checks the vehicle’s key safety systems before it can be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and returned to the road. Here are the details.
Revived salvage vehicles are autos that are:
- Damaged due to a collision, flooding, theft, or other incident
- Declared a total loss by the insurance company
- Repaired (revived) to operational condition by a rebuilder or the original owner
These vehicles are often sold at a lower price than similar cars with clean titles. But if not properly repaired, a revived salvage vehicle may have costly safety and performance problems. Vehicle safety systems inspections help to identify these risks and enhance road safety.
DMV registration
A revived salvage vehicle must be registered with DMV and issued a salvage title to return to the road. A vehicle safety systems inspection is required to register a revived salvage vehicle. An inspection is also required to register a specially constructed vehicle (SPCNS).
After a vehicle passes an inspection, a certificate of compliance is shared electronically with DMV, simplifying the registration process for you. A vehicle safety report is also issued.
Here are some important things to know:
- Salvage vehicle rebuilders must provide buyers proof the vehicle passed an inspection. Be sure to get a copy of the vehicle safety report.
- If you are buying a revived salvage vehicle from a private owner, ask for a copy of the vehicle safety report. This will help you complete the DMV registration process.
- You can check a vehicle’s inspection history to view results from past inspections.
- Once a vehicle is registered, DMV will issue a salvage title. No further inspections are needed for registration renewal or change of ownership.
- A Smog Check inspection also is required to register a 1976 and newer revived salvage vehicle.
For more information on DMV registration requirements, visit www.dmv.ca.gov.
Inspections
Vehicle safety systems inspections are performed by licensed technicians at licensed stations throughout the state. During the inspection, the technician inspects the condition of critical safety systems such as:
- Steering and suspension
- Tires and wheels
- Passenger compartment
- Body structure
The inspection protocol also incorporates on-board diagnostics, a road test, and vehicle safety recall information.
Auto Body Inspection Program
BAR’s Auto Body Inspection Program offers a no-cost inspection of collision-related repairs to verify that repairs to the vehicle were completed correctly and as authorized by the vehicle owner.
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