{"id":63,"date":"2026-11-02T22:07:49","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T22:07:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thesmogdawg.com\/?page_id=63"},"modified":"2026-11-02T22:17:52","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T22:17:52","slug":"vehicle-safety-systems-inspection-vssi-checklist","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thesmogdawg.com\/?page_id=63","title":{"rendered":"Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection (VSSI) Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

California Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection<\/p>\n\n\n

KNOW WHAT
WE LOOK FOR.<\/h1>\n\n\n

A practical customer checklist based on California BAR\u2019s VSSI inspection manual. The exact inspection follows BAR procedures and the vehicle manufacturer\u2019s specifications.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
Call 559-677-7664<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n

Who commonly needs a VSSI?<\/p>\n\n\n

DMV-DIRECTED SAFETY CERTIFICATION.<\/h2>\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n
\n

What the certificate does<\/h3>\n\n\n

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\u2014keep it with your DMV paperwork.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Inspection overview<\/p>\n\n\n

SYSTEM BY SYSTEM.<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\n

Lighting<\/h3>

Headlights and aim, brake and tail lamps, turn signals, hazards, reverse and license-plate lights, reflectors, and applicable added lighting.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

\n

Passenger compartment<\/h3>

Mirrors, windshield and rear window, wipers, seats, seatbelts, LATCH components, and visual checks of airbag\/SRS components and warning light.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

\n

Tires and wheels<\/h3>

Tire condition, tread and inflation, wheel condition and attachment, TPMS, and the temporary spare when applicable.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n
\n

Brakes<\/h3>

Brake pedal and power assist, friction and hydraulic components, parking brake, and brake-system warning lights or messages.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

\n

Steering and suspension<\/h3>

Physical and visual checks for worn, damaged, loose, or improperly installed components, plus related warning lights.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

\n

Body structure<\/h3>

The body and structural areas applicable to the vehicle type are checked for integrity, condition, and secure installation.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n
\n

OBD and safety recalls<\/h3>

Applicable vehicles receive an OBD communication check, and BAR-SIS checks for NHTSA safety recalls. An unrepaired safety recall can prevent certification.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

\n

Road test<\/h3>

Horn and dashboard warning-light checks are followed by a stopping test and an evaluation of vehicle control.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n

WHAT TO BRING.<\/h2>\n\n\n