The California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) announced a new license print feature online. The new feature offers licensees self-service license printing, eliminating the need to wait for the license mailed by BAR’s print vendor or request a duplicate/replacement license. Online license printing is available for both business and inspector/technician licenses. After entering the business […]
New California Bureau of Automotive Repair Citation and Fine Program Begins July 1
Under the new California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Citation and Fine Program, beginning July 1, 2023, the BAR will be able to issue citations and fines to automotive repair dealers (ARDs) for violations of the Automotive Repair Act, with fines potentially reaching up to $5,000 per violation. The Automotive Service Councils of California provided […]
New California BAR Webpage Offers Quick-Reference Information on Accepted Trade Standards
The California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) has published a new webpage intended to help automotive repair dealers comply with California Code of Regulations (CCR) accepted trade standards. The new Accepted Trade Standards webpage offers helpful information on requirements for performing services or repairs specifically relating to: Air conditioning (CCR § 3366) Auto body and […]
California Bureau of Automotive Repair January 26 Workshop to Examine Automotive Repair Transaction Requirements
The California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) will host a public workshop Thursday, January 26 at 2 p.m. (PST) to discuss automotive estimate, authorization, invoice, and records retention requirements. The workshop will consist of a Bureau presentation regarding the statutory and regulatory requirements of these processes, followed by an open discussion with automotive repair industry […]
California BAR to Examines Vehicle Safety Inspection Regulations to Address Salvage-Titled Vehicles
The California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) will host a second public workshop to discuss regulation development for the proposed vehicle safety inspection and certification program. AB 471 (Low, Chapter 372, Statutes of 2021) requires BAR to establish by January 1, 2024, a vehicle safety inspection and certification program for salvage-titled vehicles. At a minimum, […]
California Assembly Bill Expands Inspection of Safety Components, Allows BAR to Capture Industry Certifications
Bill changes rebuilt salvage vehicle inspection process and allows BAR to establish a process to prevent disclosure of non-fraud related enforcement actions if auto repair dealer completes specific remedial training. Auto industry groups are celebrating the passage of California Assembly Bill 471 that will expand the inspection of vehicle safety components and systems and revise […]
California BAR Encourages Licensees to Take Advantage of COVID-19 Tax Relief and Grants Available to Business Owners
California Governor Gavin Newsom has authorized new tax relief and grants to businesses impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) is encouraging licensees to determine their eligibility for relief, which includes the following: Tax Relief for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 The Governor will direct the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration […]
California Bureau of Automotive Repair Launches Program to Repurpose Clunker Cars in the Classroom
California high schools and community colleges will receive up to 350 vehicles a year to support technical education programs. The Bureau of Automotive Repair’s (BAR) new Cars for Schools program provides retired vehicles to public high schools, community colleges, and regional occupation programs, offering students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in auto and collision […]
California Bureau of Automotive Repair Proposes New Collision Repair Regulations
Regulator proposes revised definitions for OEM and non-OEM crash parts, require equipment and information necessary to repair vehicle, mandate OEM repair specifications. At a regulatory workshop held April 18 in conjunction with its quarterly advisory committee meeting, the California Bureau of Automotive Repair detailed several proposed changes to collision repair regulations in the state. Among […]
California Department of Insurance Finds Use of Opt-OEM and Alt-OEM Designations Unfair Claims Practice
DOI joins with California’s Bureau of Automotive Repair to prohibit use of parts terms. CollisionWeek interviews Don Feeley, Interim Executive Director of the California Autobody Association. In a letter dated October 8 to the California Autobody Association (CAA), the California Department of Insurance (DOI) responded to questions by the repair association regarding the use of […]