BAR outlines multiple regulatory packages including a new airbag-safety rule; advisory members flag enforcement gaps
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Summary
BAR staff reviewed regulations adopted in 2025 and pending packages including storage fees, change-of-address timing, SmogCheck manual updates and a new airbag safety package that would ban previously deployed or faulty airbags that mislead vehicle owners; advisory members and public commenters urged BAR to clarify inspection linkages, authorized suppliers, and enforcement in the salvage/total-loss pipeline.
Bureau of Automotive Repair regulatory staff briefed the advisory group on multiple packages adopted or under development, and led a focused discussion on an airbag-safety regulation prompted by industry presentations on counterfeit airbags.
Holly Helsing summarized recently adopted 2025 regulations (technical cleanups, teardown-disclosure requirements, SmogCheck readiness-monitor limits, mobile/referral services and online advertising rules) and described pending packages that include: storage-fee standards for automotive repair dealers, a change-of-address package clarifying reporting time frames (14 days for address changes, 30 days for other material changes), and updates to the SmogCheck and Vehicle Safety Systems manuals to permit "or newer" biometric palm-vein scanners.
The airbag safety package would prohibit ARDs from manufacturing, importing, installing or selling airbags that have been previously deployed or that have electrical faults that could mislead owners into believing a functional OEM airbag is installed; the rule would also require ARDs to restore airbags to OEM operating condition and to purchase replacements from manufacturers or authorized suppliers, retaining receipts.
Advisory members raised practical and enforcement concerns. Jack Moladonna asked whether safety inspectors or SmogCheck/vehicle-safety inspection mechanisms would be involved in screening total-loss/salvage vehicles re-entering the stream; BAR staff said the airbag package was intended as a necessary first step and that staff will consider ways to "marry" the ARD rules with the vehicle safety inspection program. Gene Lopez and others queried the clause that would require purchases from manufacturers or authorized suppliers, noting uncertainty about authorized suppliers for certain airbag components and the limited availability of new OEM parts in some markets; BAR staff agreed to review that language and consider clarifications.
Public commenters asked whether the package would or should address EV-related software/battery safety issues; BAR said that would likely be a separate package, and encouraged commenters to participate in CARB's and BAR's other workshops. BAR plans to submit the packages to DCA legal and then OAL (Office of Administrative Law) for final approval before adopting packages and opening short public-comment windows where required.
Next steps: BAR will refine regulatory language based on advisory feedback, consider linkages with vehicle safety inspection processes to address salvage and total-loss vehicles, and will return with clarifying language and options for authorized suppliers.
