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.
Inspection is $499 with certificate. $100 re-test. Must be within 30 days and 500 miles.
Mention Website for $20 Off
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.