California Bureau of Automotive Repair

Bureau of Automotive Repair

BAR headquarters in Rancho Cordova
Bureau overview
Formed 1972
Jurisdiction California
Headquarters Rancho Cordova, California
Employees 594
Bureau executive
  • Patrick Dorais, Bureau Chief
Parent department California Department of Consumer Affairs
Website www.bar.ca.gov

The California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) is a division of the California Department of Consumer Affairs that enforces the Automotive Repair Act and associated regulations and administers the California Smog Check Program.[1][2]

History

The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) was established in 1972 by the Automotive Repair Act.[3] The act required automotive repair dealers be registered and regulated. The act also gave the authority to license and regulate official stations and mechanics in the areas of lamp, brake, and smog device inspection and repair.

The act protects consumers by requiring all automotive repair dealers, including lamp, brake, and smog stations, to provide written estimates, to obtain written work authorization from their customers prior to commencing any repair services, and to provide customers with itemized invoices that detail the parts provided and the labor performed. The act requires BAR to mediate complaints, investigate violations, and take action against automotive repair dealers or brake and lamp stations and technicians that fail to comply with the act or associated regulations.

Smog Check

In 1984, to reduce air pollution from vehicles, BAR was required to create a biennial Smog Check Program, also known as the motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program.[4] It requires testing of vehicle emission control components and the licensing of Smog Check stations and technicians. In 2010, BAR's was able to begin certifying high performing Smog Check stations and technicians as STAR certified, which allows them to inspect and repair vehicles that are likely to be high polluters; fines for program violations by stations and technicians were also increased.[5]

Financial assistance

In addition to consumer protection functions, including licensing and enforcement, BAR administers the Consumer Assistance Program (CAP). CAP provides income eligible consumers whose vehicle fails a biennial Smog Check up to $500 in emissions-related repairs, and also compensates consumers up to $1500 for the voluntary retirement of an eligible vehicle that has failed its Smog Check. In 2010, CAP began administration of the newly required Enhanced Fleet Modernization Program (EFMP) which offers eligible consumers up to $1500 in compensation to voluntarily retire an eligible vehicle, regardless of Smog Check history.[6] In the South Coast and San Joaquin Valley air districts, EFMP also offers consumers who volunteer to retire their vehicle a voucher worth up to $2500 toward the purchase of a newer, cleaner vehicle in a program administered by the Air Resources Board.

Structure

BAR is headed by a Chief, who is appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate. The Chief serves at the pleasure of the Governor and under the direction and supervision of the Director of the Department of Consumer Affairs. BAR actively seeks the advice of consumers, educators, the automotive and Smog Check industries, and other governmental agencies through the formation of two voluntary ad hoc advisory groups – the BAR Advisory Group (BAG) and the Educational Advisory Committee.

Smog Check Operations, Engineering, Research, Administration

  • Technology Services Branch
  • Engineering and Research Branch
  • Consumer Assistance Program
  • Licensing Program & Administration Branch

Field operations & Enforcement Division

  • Field operations & Enforcement Division (Northern California Region)
  • Field operations & Enforcement Division (Southern California Region)
  • Field operations & Enforcement Division (Enforcement Planning & Oversight)
  • Forensic Documentation Program

List of bureau chiefs

  • Patrick Dorais (2013-2015)
  • John Wallauch (2012-2013)
  • Sherry Mehl (2007-2012)
  • Richard Ross (2004-2007)
  • Patrick Dorais (2003-2004)

References

  1. ↑ "Bureau of Automotive Repair History and Overview". Retrieved July 10, 2011.
  2. ↑ "About us: DCA Boards/Bureaus". Retrieved July 10, 2011.
  3. ↑ Automotive Repair Act, Senate Bill 51 (SB 51), Chapter 1578, Statutes of 1971; codified at Business and Professions Code, Chapter 20.3, Section 9880, et seq.
  4. ↑ Senate Bill 33 (SB 33), Chapter 892, Statutes of 1982; codified at Health and Safety Code, Chapter 5, Section 44000 et seq.
  5. ↑ Assembly Bill 2289 (AB 2289), Chapter 258, Statutes of 2010
  6. ↑ Assembly Bill 118 (AB 118), Chapter 750, Statutes of 2007
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