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BAR explores contracted testing network to support pre‑OBD vehicles
Summary
The bureau presented data on a proposed contracted BAR‑97 testing network for model‑year 1976–1995 vehicles and discussed impacts if 1996–1999 vehicles are shifted to OIS testing.
The Bureau of Automotive Repair presented a data‑driven review on a potential contracted testing network to continue emissions testing for pre‑OBD (model‑year 1976–1995) vehicles, citing concerns about station capacity and the shrinking testing market.
Deputy Chief Clay Leek walked advisory members through telephone and survey data, vendor discussions and BAR‑97 test volumes to assess whether a competitively bid contractor could coordinate testing for older vehicles and subcontract with licensed smog stations. BAR said the contracted network concept stems from authority granted in AB 1263 (the bureau’s sunset bill) and would be competitively procured and could include subcontracted licensed smoke‑check stations.
Nut graf: BAR said the pre‑OBD population, while numerically smaller than newer vehicles, still contributes to overall emissions and that moving 1996–1999 model‑year vehicles to the BAR OIS (on‑board diagnostics) system without an alternative for older cars could exacerbate access problems for vehicle owners seeking BAR‑97 inspections.
The bureau reported telephone survey results that showed median OIS price at about $60 and median BAR‑97 price at about $95, with limited geographic variance. An email survey to STAR and non‑STAR stations returned a majority willing to continue BAR‑97 testing (56% of STAR respondents) and a majority willing to join a contracted network as subcontractors (65% of STAR respondents; 59% of non‑STAR respondents). Equipment suppliers (BAR‑97 vendors) told BAR they planned to continue support and field service; vendors reported current equipment‑as‑a‑service lease pricing in the roughly $500–$700/month range depending on vendor and options.
BAR also presented station test‑volume data showing many licensed stations conduct fewer than one BAR‑97 test per day; staff said that distribution leaves many stations incurring equipment costs while performing little testing. Staff proposed that a prime contractor could guarantee coverage, control consumer price exposure and allow smaller stations to participate as subcontractors without retaining rarely used BAR‑97 gear.
On policy interactions, BAR said pending legislation (SB 712, SB 1368) could change the population of vehicles that require testing, and that the bureau will tailor decisions as needed. BAR recommended further outreach including a Request for Information (RFI) to prospective bidders to refine costs and service models, and asked the advisory group for input on additional metrics to evaluate.
Ending: BAR said implementation would take years, not months, and sought stakeholder feedback on design options, pricing controls and how DMV/registration notices might direct motorists to the contracted network if adopted.
