Use this checklist to help meet station equipment requirements. All equipment must be on site and calibrated for inspection by BAR. For more information on these requirements, see the Smog Check Manual.
Important! Complete this checklist before you apply for a station license.
Important! Applicants for Smog Check station licensure are strongly encouraged to complete this checklist **before** submitting an application. -->
Post signs and licenses where customers can easily see them. Display licenses under glass or other transparent cover.
Post outside the business in a location easily visible to the general public.
Post the price charged for inspections, reinspections, a certificate of compliance, and, if applicable, the hourly labor rate for repairs.
Not required for repair-only stations, or test-only stations and test-and-repair stations that do not perform OBD inspections on model-year 2000 and newer vehicles.
The computer must run a BAR tested and approved version of Microsoft Windows operating system software. The operating system software version must be supported by Microsoft. When no longer supported, the operating system software must be updated to a supported version.
The printer may be any technology (laser, ink, etc.), compatible with the Microsoft Windows operating system used, and use 8½ inch by 11-inch plain paper. The printer may have a wired or wireless connection to the BAR-OIS computer.
Bar code scannerThe bar code scanner may be wired or wireless but must be capable of connecting to the computer (e.g., through USB connection, Bluetooth), compatible with the Microsoft Windows operating system, and able to at least scan 1-d (linear type) bar codes. Optionally, a 2-d (square type) bar code scanner may be used for late model-year vehicles.
Internet connectionA continuous internet connection is required. The internet connection may be shared with other devices but must always remain connected to the system.
California Vehicle Inspection System (Cal-VIS) softwareBe sure to register and download the Cal-VIS software to your BAR-OIS and complete the online enrollment and station participation agreement through the Cal-VIS enrollment and billing portal.
Registration and download
Enrollment and billing portal
Certificates of compliance can be purchased through the BAR-OIS.
Not required for repair-only stations, or test-only stations and test-and-repair stations that do not perform tailpipe emission inspections.
Not required for test-only stations and test-and-repair stations that do not inspect 1976-1995 model-year vehicles with evaporative systems.
Not required for test-only stations and test-and-repair stations that do not inspect 1976-1995 model-year vehicles with evaporative systems.
Not required for test-only stations and STAR test-only stations.
Diagnostic and repair tools for ignition, fuel, emission control, computer engine control systems, and other related components for each vehicle type that the station diagnoses and repairs
Hand tools necessary to adjust, maintain, and repair vehicle ignition, fuel, and emission control systems
Compression tester Tachometer/dwell meter Fuel pressure gauge Propane enrichment kitAn ignition analyzer or ignition oscilloscope that displays at least: primary ignition system voltage and coil oscillations, and firing voltage and spark duration of the secondary ignition system
For distributor equipped vehicles, the device shall display this information for all cylinders at the same time.
A high impedance digital volt/ohm meter, and ammeter that measures amps and milliamps A device capable of retrieving vehicle computer trouble codes and its operating instructionsThis device shall display and store live streaming OBD data, and shall have bi-directional capability. Hardware and software in the device shall be updated to the current available calendar year.
An electronic device capable of graphically displaying electrical signals, with adjustable voltage and time scales
The device shall capture and display a high frequency abnormal signal, regardless of time scale or screen refresh rate.
An electronic device capable of accessing the BAR’s webpage for the purposes of entering repair dataNot required for test-only stations and test-and-repair stations that do not inspect 1976-1995 model-year vehicles with adjustable timing, or test-and-repair stations and repair only stations that do not inspect and repair vehicles with spark ignition engines.
Hand vacuum pump and gaugeNot required for test-only stations that do not inspect 1976-1995 model-year vehicles.
Tire pressure gauge Tools necessary to inspect vehicle ignition, fuel delivery, and emission control systemsNot required for repair-only stations.
Not required for repair-only stations.
Emission control application guidesNot required for repair-only stations.
Vacuum routing and electronic component location guides Technical Service Bulletins and manufacturer recall noticesDiagnostic and repair information that may be printed or electronic form and may be nationally distributed and periodically updated references that contain repair and emissions procedures
Not required for test-only stations and STAR test-only stations.
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