These three California laws will impact the automotive repair industry in 2026
A California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) email highlights three laws that will impact the automotive repair industry in the state starting Jan. 1.
The laws focus on vehicle storage and towing, citation and remedial training programs and technical cleanup.
Vehicle Storage and Towing
In September, the California General Assembly passed Assembly Bill 987. It amends a section of the state’s vehicle code to define “unreasonable” storage rates and fees.
The law expands a list of presumptively unreasonable fees including storage fees charged for state holidays that exceed the posted standard daily storage rate. It also includes towing fees charged when the owner is directed by a law enforcement officer to remove their vehicle to clear the roadway during a state or local emergency.
It originally stated that unreasonable storage fees include those assessed on days the storage facility is not open, including holidays. However, changes to the bill were made after Jack Molodanof, the California Autobody Association (CAA)’s lobbyist, reached out to bill writers soon after it was introduced and expressed concerns the association had about it.
BAR continues to work on proposed storage regulations that CAA has submitted official comments on.
According to the comments, the bureau’s plans to conduct a survey to set pricing is a regulatory overreach. The association additionally contends that a one-business-day notification requirement is unrealistic for repair businesses and a mandatory three days of free storage exceeds BAR’s authority.
Citation and remedial training
Senate Bill 774 extends the sunset of a remedial training program that automotive repair dealers can complete to prevent disclosure of a citation or violation on BAR’s website. The program was set to sunset Jan. 1, but the program has been extended to Jan. 1, 2028. The remedial training program is provided by a BAR-accepted training provider.
Technical cleanup
Senate Bill 861 updates cross references to the Business and Professions Code that replaced provisions for licensure of lamp and brake adjusting stations and adjusters with provisions for licensure of vehicle safety systems inspection stations and technicians.
BAR launched a Vehicle Safety Systems Inspections Program in 2024 following Assembly Bill 471, which required the implementation of the program. The program replaced the brake and lamp inspection program. Other inspections, such as body structure, steering and suspension, tires and wheels, and passenger compartment have been added.
Important BAR reminders
-
- Business changes must be reported within 30 days, with inspector and technician changes reported within 14 days.
- Educational certifications for both owners and their employees can be submitted here. It is displayed on BAR’s Auto Shop Locator.
- Businesses can print their licenses here.
- Review applicable laws and regulations here and BAR’s Write it Right guide here.
SCRS Palm Springs Meeting
The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) will welcome a return presentation from Patrick Dorais, Chief of the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), who will be joined by BAR Deputy Chief Bill Thomas in an open meeting in Palm Springs, CA on January 20, 2026.
According to SCRS, Dorais and Thomas will provide an update on the proposed storage-rule regulations and the results of the 45-day public comment period, which concluded on December 31, 2025. The session will include interactive discussion and audience Q&A, and California shops are encouraged to attend.
The SCRS open meeting is free to attend, membership in SCRS is not required, and pre-registration is not necessary.
Image
Photo courtesy of iamnoonmai/iStock