California’s Vehicle Safety Systems Inspections Program: Ensuring Consumer Safety on the Road
After years of development, California implemented its Vehicle Safety Systems Inspections Program earlier this month, marking a significant step towards enhancing consumer safety on the road. The program, created by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), was mandated by Gov. Gavin Newsom through the signing of AB 471 in 2021. This law required BAR to develop and implement the inspection program by January 1 of this year, following which multiple public workshops were held to gather input from the collision repair industry.
The support for the law came from various organizations, including the California Autobody Association (CAA), California Automotive Wholesalers’ Association (AWA), and the Automotive Service Councils of California (ASCCA). Rodney Pierini, CAWA president & CEO, emphasized the importance of the program in protecting consumers from potential safety concerns associated with salvage vehicles. He highlighted that many revived total loss salvage vehicles could have additional safety issues beyond just lamps and brakes, such as cracked windshields, damaged airbags, faulty seatbelts, and more, which could pose risks to unsuspecting buyers.
Jack Molodanof, CAA attorney and lobbyist, explained that the previous inspection program in the state only required a brake and lamp inspection along with a smog check. The new program, however, goes beyond these basic checks by including inspections for body structure, steering and suspension, tires and wheels, and passenger compartment. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that vehicles on the road meet the necessary safety standards.
Technicians performing these inspections are required to hold either a National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence certificate or an active brake adjuster license and lamp adjuster license, as specified by BAR. Andrew Batenhorst, CAA Glendale/Foothill Chapter president and body shop manager at Pacific BMW, emphasized the significance of the program for both consumers and repair shops. He highlighted the importance of checking salvaged vehicles to ensure they are safe for road use, thereby protecting future shops that may come into contact with these vehicles.
Batenhorst also pointed out the benefits of good recordkeeping through the inspection process, which can help in holding accountable those responsible for any incorrect repairs or maintenance. He expressed curiosity about the data that will be captured by the program, as it could provide valuable insights into the rebuilding of salvaged vehicles and help in improving safety standards.
In addition to vehicle inspections, AB 471 also allows BAR to collect additional information from automotive repair dealers, including educational and training certifications that are nationally recognized and accepted by the industry. This information will be made available on the BAR public website to assist consumers in identifying auto repair shops with proper training and certification credentials. Dave Kusa, chair of the ASCCA Governmental Affairs Committee, highlighted the benefits of this provision for both consumers and automotive repair shops, emphasizing the importance of proper training and certification in ensuring quality repairs.
Overall, the implementation of California’s Vehicle Safety Systems Inspections Program represents a significant step towards enhancing consumer safety and ensuring that vehicles on the road meet the necessary safety standards. By incorporating comprehensive inspections and promoting transparency through certification information, the program aims to protect consumers and promote accountability within the automotive repair industry.