Brake and lamp inspection in Sacramento. It's now the VSSI.
If the DMV told you to get a brake and lamp inspection (or a brake and light inspection, same thing), here's what changed: California retired the separate brake and lamp certificates and replaced both with one Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection. Smog Mart is licensed to perform it, and it's the certificate the DMV accepts.
Text us a photo of your DMV paperwork
VSSI certificate. Full pricing by vehicle type on the VSSI page
Three steps from DMV paperwork to certificate
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Check what your paperwork says
Brake and lamp, brake and light, brake and lamp adjustment certificate, or VSSI. They all mean the same requirement. Not sure? Text us a photo.
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Bring it in for the VSSI
Plan to leave the vehicle for the day. If it isn't currently registered, get a one-day moving permit first, because the inspection ends with a road test.
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Smog in the same visit
Most salvage registrations need a smog certificate too. We're a STAR station, so both happen in one drop-off.
What's included
- Everything the old brake certificate covered, now with the wheels off
- Everything the old lamp (light) certificate covered, including headlight aim
- Plus passenger compartment, tires, steering, suspension, body and frame, and a road test
- One Certificate of Compliance the DMV accepts for the brake and lamp requirement
What replaced the brake and lamp certificates
Revived salvage vehicles used to need two certificates: one from a licensed brake station and one from a licensed lamp station. California folded both into the Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection, and the scope grew with it. A VSSI now covers lighting, the passenger compartment and restraints, tires and wheels, brakes (wheels off), steering and suspension, body and frame, a road test on a public road, and a safety-recall and records check.
One visit, one certificate, one fee, and a licensed station that can handle any repairs the inspection turns up. The VSSI page walks through each area, with pricing by vehicle type and the re-inspection policy.
Reading your DMV paperwork
Your paperwork may say “brake and lamp inspection,” “brake and light inspection,” or “brake and lamp adjustment certificate.” They all mean the same requirement, and the VSSI satisfies it. If a VIN verification is also on the list, the CHP does that, not an inspection station. Not sure what yours is asking for? Text us a photo at (916) 427-7664.
Salvage title? Here’s the full path
Most salvage registrations need a VSSI and a smog certificate. We’re licensed for both, so it’s a single drop-off: we run the VSSI, run the smog check, fix anything holding either one up (with your approval), and hand you the Vehicle Safety Report, the Certificate of Compliance, and the smog certificate. There’s a $10 VSSI coupon if you show it at drop-off.
Brake and lamp inspection questions
My DMV paperwork says 'brake and lamp inspection required.' Is that still a thing?
The paperwork wording lags behind the program. The inspection you need today is the VSSI, and it satisfies that requirement. We perform it here.
Is a brake and light inspection the same as a brake and lamp inspection?
Yes. Same inspection, two names. The DMV form said brake and lamp; most people say brake and light. Both are now the VSSI.
Do you still do brake and lamp inspections for salvage cars?
The salvage-title requirement is the same. The inspection that satisfies it is now the VSSI. Bring your DMV paperwork and we'll take it from there.
Can any brake shop do this?
No. The VSSI can only be performed by a technician and station licensed by the Bureau of Automotive Repair, and the certificate is issued through the state's BAR-SIS system. Smog Mart is a licensed VSSI station in Sacramento.
How much is a brake and lamp inspection now?
The VSSI is $295 for cars, $395 for trucks, vans, SUVs and motorcycles, $795 over 10,000 lb, and $1,395 for semis and full-size trailers. There's a $10 VSSI coupon on our deals page.
Do I need an appointment?
Plan to leave the vehicle with us for the day. The inspection commonly takes 3 to 4 hours, and timing depends on the vehicles ahead of yours. Drop it off with your DMV paperwork when we open, or call (916) 427-7664 to set it up.
What customers say about this service
★★★★★ 5 out of 5 stars“Great people, excellent service. Employees are very professional and hospitable. They completed my head and lamp inspection as a walk in and it was complete in an hour. They treated me with respect and offered the req...”
★★★★★ 5 out of 5 stars“Got my brake and lamp done for dmv inspection.”