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CA · Repair shop regulatory dashboard

California auto repair regulations.

Human-reviewed state changes for repair shops, plus Federal rules included automatically.

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UPCOMINGCaliforniaDeadline Jan 1, 2027Watch✓ Human reviewed

Cal-VIS prepared for 2027 vehicle-noise compliance requirement

CheckIf your work depends on BAR Referee noise inspections, review BAR's implementation information before January 1, 2027.
Applies toGeneral mechanical, Mixed services
Details & evidence

BAR's Spring 2026 newsletter says AB 2496 will require courts to verify a BAR Referee certificate of compliance for cited excessive-noise vehicles beginning January 1, 2027, and Cal-VIS has been updated in preparation.

Official evidenceCalifornia BAR — Automotive Repair and Smog Check News, Spring 2026 ↗ · verified Sep 19, 2026
EFFECTIVECaliforniaSep 3, 2026Medium✓ Human reviewed

Equipment-manufacturer decertification rule adopted

CheckReview the approved BAR text if your station relies on certified inspection equipment from an affected manufacturer.
Applies toGeneral mechanical, Mixed services
Details & evidence

BAR lists an approved amendment to section 3340.17.1 concerning decertification of equipment manufacturers, adopted and effective September 3, 2026.

Official evidenceCalifornia BAR — Regulatory actions ↗ · verified Sep 19, 2026
EFFECTIVECaliforniaJul 1, 2026High priority✓ Human reviewed

Business license information update deadlines changed

CheckReport a business address change within 14 days and specified other business-license changes within 30 days.
Applies toAll shop types
Details & evidence

California BAR's approved regulation changed reporting deadlines for automotive repair dealer business information. BAR's current guidance says business address changes must be reported within 14 days and other listed business-license changes within 30 days.

Official evidenceCalifornia BAR — Regulatory actions / News and updates ↗ · verified Sep 19, 2026
EFFECTIVECaliforniaJul 1, 2026Medium✓ Human reviewed

Biometric device and inspection manual updates took effect

CheckUse the updated BAR inspection manuals and follow the current approved biometric-device requirements if your licensed activity is covered.
Applies toGeneral mechanical, Mixed services
Details & evidence

BAR updated its biometric-device regulations and says updated Smog Check and Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection manuals must be followed beginning July 1, 2026.

Official evidenceCalifornia BAR — Regulatory actions / News and updates ↗ · verified Sep 19, 2026
EFFECTIVECaliforniaJan 1, 2026High priority✓ Human reviewed

New vehicle storage and towing law took effect in 2026

CheckReview storage and towing fee practices against BAR's 2026 law summary and the underlying statute if your shop charges those fees.
Applies toGeneral mechanical, Collision / body, Tire shop, Transmission, Mixed services
Details & evidence

BAR's 2026 law summary says AB 987 expanded categories of presumptively unreasonable vehicle storage and towing fees, including certain state-holiday storage charges and emergency-related towing charges.

Official evidenceCalifornia BAR — News and updates ↗ · verified Sep 19, 2026
EFFECTIVECaliforniaOct 1, 2025High priority✓ Human reviewed

BAR changed Smog Check readiness monitor limits

CheckSmog Check stations should apply the current BAR readiness-monitor limits when determining inspection eligibility and outcomes.
Applies toGeneral mechanical, Mixed services, Dealership fixed ops
Details & evidence

BAR amended section 3340.42.2 governing readiness-monitor limits used in Smog Check inspections. The approved change took effect October 1, 2025.

Official evidenceCalifornia BAR — Readiness Monitor Limits ↗ · verified Sep 20, 2026
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Cal-VIS prepared for 2027 vehicle-noise compliance requirementIf your work depends on BAR Referee noise inspections, review BAR's implementation information before January 1, 2027.→
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