Shops Push Back on New BAR Towing Regulation

Collision repair shops and the California Autobody Association (CAA) are questioning a new towing regulation from the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), citing confusion and increased paperwork. The rule, which took effect July 1, requires towing services to be documented separately from repair estimates and invoices—even when related to teardown procedures.

Previously, towing could be included as a sublet item within a single estimate. Now, shops must issue separate documents, which industry representatives say adds unnecessary administrative burden and confuses customers.

CAA attorney Jack Molodanof said many shops were blindsided by the change, which was quietly included in BAR’s broader teardown disclosure regulations. BAR officials said the revision was made to align with a 2009 vehicle code requiring towing estimates to be separate, but admitted the requirement had never been enforced.

After more than two hours of discussion, BAR acknowledged the need for further clarification and said a public workshop may be held. In the meantime, the agency has updated its “Write It Right” guide to help shops navigate the changes. Another meeting is scheduled for October 23. Source: https://www.repairerdrivennews.com