Read key takeaways from October’s meeting on enforcement stats from consumers complaints, inspection updates, online advertising and more
Sacramento, Calif.—The Bureau of Automotive Repair held its Advisory Group Committee Meeting, Oct. 23. Jack Molodanof, legislative advocate for the California Autobody Association (CAA) and the Automotive Service Councils of California (ASCCA), has provided a summary of the legislation and regulation updates discussed.
Below are key takeaways.
Legislation Update
AB 987 (Vehicle Storage & Towing) – Signed by the Governor
Existing law requires that storage and towing fees be reasonable and enumerates a list of fees that are presumptively unreasonable.
This bill expands the list of presumptively unreasonable fees in Vehicle Code sections 10652.5 and 22524.5 to include, among other things, storage fees charged for state holidays that exceed the posted standard daily storage rate and towing fees charged when the owner or the operator of a tow truck is directed by a law enforcement officer to remove a vehicle at the scene of a state or local emergency.
SB 774 (Citations & Remedial Training) – Signed by the Governor
This bill extends from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2028, the sunset date of the statute that prevents disclosure on the Bureau’s website of a citation for violating the Automotive Repair Act if the automotive repair dealer has taken remedial training from a Bureau-accepted training provider.
SB 861 (Business & Professions Code Clean-up) – Signed by the Governor
This bill updates cross-references to the Business and Professions Code that replaced provisions for licensure of lamp and brake adjusting stations and adjusters with provisions for licensure of vehicle safety systems inspection stations and technicians.
Other bills of note:
AB 1368 (Smog Check Exemption) – Died in Committee
SB 615 (Vehicle Traction Batteries) – Two-year bill
SB 712 (Smog Check Exemption) – Died in Committee
Recently adopted regulations
Mobile Repair, Referral Services, and Online Advertising
These new regulations took effect on Oct. 1, and have generated many questions. They include the following:
• A mobile ARD (auto repair dealer) must provide a physical address where repairs are performed. If no physical address, a description of the location where the repairs were performed.
• A brick-and-mortar ARD that offers mobile services may only conduct repairs within 50 miles of the shop location (50-mile exemption); otherwise, a mobile ARD registration is required.
• Any person who collects compensation for repair services that are referred or sublet to another party to perform must also be registered as an ARD with BAR.
Additionally, the regulations (16 CCR 3371.2) require all repair shops to clearly display in any internet-based advertising the following:
- The business name
- The ARD registration number
- The phone number registered with BAR.
BAR recommends that registrants include all required information on any online medium used to promote repair services, including their website. BAR clarified that call-tracking numbers used by ARDs to measure marketing campaigns are acceptable, provided the number connects directly to the ARD.
It is considered best practice for all internet-based advertising to also include the ARD’s website, and for that website to list the shop name, ARD registration number, and phone number (matching BAR records).
BAR acknowledged that it is still reviewing and discussing the advertising regulations internally to address concerns that have been raised. BAR also noted that additional written clarification on the new advertising rules is needed and said it will soon provide examples of best practices and frequently asked questions for the industry.
Once this information is released, the CAA and ASCCA will share it to ensure all shops are in compliance. BAR further stated it may consider revising the new advertising regulations further for added clarity. CAA and ASCCA will continue to monitor closely and report as this is a fluid situation.
Hidden Dangers of Counterfeit Airbags
A presentation by the Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council (A2C2) included examples of known crashes involving counterfeit airbags, highlighting the serious dangers they pose. Although California law makes it illegal to install counterfeit airbags, many are still being installed in vehicles without the consumer’s knowledge.
The group’s goal was to raise awareness and educate the public about the safety risks associated with counterfeit airbags. Reportedly, many of these counterfeit airbags are sold on eBay and may include the marking “DTN Inflator.” In addition to airbags, nearly every type of car part is counterfeited.
Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Program Update
The Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection (VSSI) Program replaced the Brake and Lamp Program on September 27, 2024. As of September 28, 2025, there are 517 VSSI stations. A total of 238,601 inspections have been initiated, with 37,891 failures — a 15.9% failure rate.
The most common reasons for failure include open safety recalls, lighting system issues, brake system problems, illuminated safety restraint system or TPMS warning lights, cracked windshields, and worn tires. See link for presentation.
Enforcement Statistics
The enforcement statistics, detailing consumer complaints received by BAR in different categories, are as follows:
• Engine Repair 32%
• General Repair/Maintenance 18%
• Auto Body 14%; Transmission 7%
• Vehicle Purchase 7%
• Smog 6%
• Used Car lots 8%
• Towing and Storage 3%
• Unlicensed activity 2%.
Licensing Statistics
A total of 34,483 automotive repair dealers are in the state.
The next BAR Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 29, 2026. The remaining meetings for 2026 are scheduled for April 23, July 30, and October 22.
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