Hensley's Auto
VSSI Safety Inspection
Mention Website for $20 Off
💰 Pricing
-
*Inspection is $499 with certificate.
-
$100 re-test. Must be within 30 days and 500 miles.
-
Large vehicles may cost extra depending on size and inspection time.
What’s Involved in a Smog Check?
Basic Overview for Salvage Title Inspections
-
VSSI Safety Inspection (Salvage / Rebuilt Titles)
-
If your vehicle has a salvage or rebuilt title, the DMV requires a safety inspection before it can be registered and driven again.
-
Our VSSI Safety Inspection is designed to verify that the vehicle is safe, complete, and roadworthy after repairs.
California Licensed Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection
California’s BAR Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection (VSSI) for recertifying revived-salvage vehicles for DMV registration.
This test used to be called brake and lamp inspection.
Set Appointment. Same day may be available.
*Most vehicles. (examples of higher pricing) Heavy Duty, Large Vehicles, Non Stock
JF2SJAJC2HH406266
California Licensed Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection
California’s BAR Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection (VSSI) for recertifying revived-salvage vehicles before DMV registration.
This test used to be called brake and lamp inspection.
Phone call appointments only. Same day may be available.
Inspection is $500 with certificate. $100 re-test. Must be within 30 days and 500 miles.
Hensley’s Auto is proud to be a **California Licensed Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Station**. This inspection is for Salvaged Vehicles that need to be recertified to go on the road. Below is a list of some of the things that will be checked. Please refer to the Official manual for a more extensive list.
California Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection (VSSI) checklist the state uses when recertifying a revived-salvage vehicle for DMV registration. I grouped the items by the chapters of BAR’s official manual so you know what is checked.
1) — Pre-checks (done in BAR-SIS)
Verify VIN and vehicle identifiers.
Confirm OBD communicates with BAR-SIS (non-communication = fail).
Auto-check for open NHTSA safety recalls (any unrepaired safety recall = fail).
2) — Lighting
Headlamps (low/high) incl. aim, beam color, operation.
DRLs (if equipped), turn signals, hazards, stop lamps, tail lamps.
Reverse lamps, license-plate lamp, side markers/reflectors.
Fog/auxiliary lights (if equipped), lamp mounting/condition.
Bulb-failure warning system (if equipped).
3) — Passenger Compartment
Windshield & glazing (FMVSS 205), windshield mounting (FMVSS 212).
Mirrors, wipers/washer, defog/defrost (as equipped).
Seat belts (condition, latching, retractor), seats/head restraints secure.
SRS/airbags: no signs of prior deployment; SRS warning light must bulb-check and go out.
4) — Tires & Wheels
Tire size/load rating, damage, tread depth, inflation.
Wheels: cracks/bends, correct type/size; no mismatched sizes on same axle.
TPMS bulb-check/indicator (if equipped).
Temporary spare may not be in use during inspection.
5) — Brakes
Brake pedal condition/travel; power assist function.
Hydraulic system leaks/lines/hoses, pads/shoes/rotors/drums.
Parking (emergency) brake holds.
Brake warning/ABS lights bulb-check and extinguish.
Trailer brake wiring/controller/battery (if applicable); air-brake components on equipped vehicles.
Bureau of Automotive Repair
Chapter 6 — Steering & Suspension
Steering gear/column/intermediate shafts; power-steering pump/hoses/belts.
Linkages: tie-rods, idler/pitman arms; ball joints, bushings, bearings.
Suspension: control arms, struts/shocks, springs, sway bars, subframes.
Related warning lights (if equipped) must bulb-check and go out.
Bureau of Automotive Repair
Chapter 7 — Body Structure
Frame/unibody integrity; no sharp edges or unsafe damage.
Fuel system secure and sealed from cab (no leaks/fume paths).
Bumpers, doors/hood/trunk/tailgate latches secure and operable.
RVs/trailers: exterior panels/doors secure; propane tanks/lines secure (if visible); tongues/goosenecks and chains (trailers).
Bureau of Automotive Repair
Chapter 8 — Road Test
Horn operates before entering roadway.
Watch dashboard warnings (brake/ABS, steering/suspension, SRS)—no faults.
Vehicle tracks straight; steering control normal; no abnormal noises/vibrations.
Meets required stopping performance and stops straight/smooth.
Bureau of Automotive Repair
Notes & source
This is the official BAR program used to clear revived-salvage vehicles for DMV registration; certification is issued only when every required system passes.