CTDA Capitol Report
BAR Regulations Dealers Should Watch
CTDA is monitoring regulatory developments that may impact tire dealers, automotive repair facilities, and small businesses across California.
Several Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) regulatory proposals and clarifications could affect automotive repair dealers, including shops that sell tires, arrange towing, charge storage fees, advertise online, or handle airbag-related repairs.
BAR Airbag Safety Regulations
BAR is proposing regulations that would prohibit an automotive repair shop from installing or using any component designed to mislead a vehicle owner into believing a functional airbag has been installed. Shops would be required to restore any airbag that is part of an inflatable restraint system to its original operating condition, as designed by the original equipment manufacturer.
In addition, shops would be required to purchase all airbag replacement parts or components from the manufacturer or an authorized supplier or reseller and retain receipts for all parts purchased and received.
BAR Vehicle Storage Fee Regulations
The BAR has released proposed regulations that would significantly impact how automotive repair dealers charge vehicle storage fees and set a troubling precedent for the future.
The proposal raises several concerns, including allowing BAR to publicly survey and post vehicle storage rates and effectively requiring repair shops to provide at least three days of free storage before fees may accrue.
BAR Tear Down and Towing Regulations – Proposed Amendments
New BAR regulations impose requirements on automotive repair dealers, including, but not limited to, requiring shops that arrange towing on behalf of a customer to list towing fees on a separate document rather than including them in the repair estimate.
Due to concerns raised about the towing fee documentation requirements, BAR has indicated that it plans to make regulatory changes to these provisions. We are working with BAR to address these concerns.
BAR Internet-Based Advertising Regulations – Proposed Clarification
These new regulations require all shops to clearly display in any internet-based advertising the following 1) the Business name; 2) the ARD registration number and 3) the phone number registered with BAR.
Due to questions and concerns with regard to phone numbers, BAR has indicated that they were going to provide further through revised regulations. We will work with BAR to make sure clarification is provided for the industry.
CTDA will continue monitoring these regulatory issues and working to protect the interests of California tire dealers and automotive businesses as new requirements are considered.