California Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection
KNOW WHAT
WE LOOK FOR.
A practical customer checklist based on California BAR’s VSSI inspection manual. The exact inspection follows BAR procedures and the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
Who commonly needs a VSSI?
DMV-DIRECTED SAFETY CERTIFICATION.
VSSI is commonly required for revived salvage or revived junk vehicles and certain other DMV registration transactions. Your DMV or CHP paperwork determines the inspections and documents required for your vehicle.
What the certificate does
After the vehicle passes, BAR issues an electronic certificate of compliance. For applicable DMV transactions, that certificate replaces the former separate brake and light certificates. You also receive a printed Vehicle Safety Report—keep it with your DMV paperwork.
Inspection overview
SYSTEM BY SYSTEM.
Lighting
Headlights and aim, brake and tail lamps, turn signals, hazards, reverse and license-plate lights, reflectors, and applicable added lighting.
Passenger compartment
Mirrors, windshield and rear window, wipers, seats, seatbelts, LATCH components, and visual checks of airbag/SRS components and warning light.
Tires and wheels
Tire condition, tread and inflation, wheel condition and attachment, TPMS, and the temporary spare when applicable.
Brakes
Brake pedal and power assist, friction and hydraulic components, parking brake, and brake-system warning lights or messages.
Steering and suspension
Physical and visual checks for worn, damaged, loose, or improperly installed components, plus related warning lights.
Body structure
The body and structural areas applicable to the vehicle type are checked for integrity, condition, and secure installation.
OBD and safety recalls
Applicable vehicles receive an OBD communication check, and BAR-SIS checks for NHTSA safety recalls. An unrepaired safety recall can prevent certification.
Road test
Horn and dashboard warning-light checks are followed by a stopping test and an evaluation of vehicle control.
WHAT TO BRING.
- The vehicle and all available keys.
- DMV or CHP referral paperwork and registration or ownership documents available for the vehicle.
- Any repair receipts, recall-completion records, or supporting paperwork you were given.
- Call first with the year, make, model, vehicle type, and the reason DMV requested the inspection.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE.
- Complete known safety repairs before the inspection.
- Check every exterior light, the horn, wipers, mirrors, seatbelts, parking brake, and tire condition.
- Make sure the vehicle can be driven safely for the required road test.
- Resolve open safety recalls and bring proof of completion when available.
VSSI is not the same as a Smog Check
The VSSI OBD check concerns communication and vehicle safety information. A check-engine light or permanent diagnostic trouble code does not by itself cause a VSSI failure. However, an applicable vehicle that cannot communicate with BAR-SIS can fail the VSSI, and Smog Check requirements remain separate.
READY TO PLAN YOUR VSSI?
Call before bringing the vehicle so we can confirm the vehicle type, paperwork, availability, and any preparation specific to your situation.
This checklist is a customer preparation summary, not a substitute for BAR procedures, applicable law, or manufacturer specifications. Inspection requirements vary by vehicle.