All Automotive Repair Dealers (ARDs) in California are required to follow updated online advertising regulations adopted by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). These requirements apply to all automotive repair businesses, including traditional repair shops, mobile automotive repair services, and automotive repair referral services.
If your business advertises online in any form, your ads must meet BAR’s current compliance standards.
Current BAR Online Advertising Requirements
Under the updated regulations, all online advertisements for automotive repair services must clearly include the following information:
Required Information for Online Ads
Every online advertisement must display:
-
Business name exactly as registered with the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR)
-
ARD registration number
-
Phone number as registered with BAR
These requirements apply to:
-
Business websites
-
Google Business Profiles
-
Social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
-
Online directories (Yelp, Bing, and similar platforms)
-
Paid online advertisements and landing pages
If the content promotes automotive repair services, it must be compliant.
Why This Matters for Automotive Repair Shops
BAR uses online advertising to help consumers verify that an automotive repair business is licensed, legitimate, and accountable.
Non-compliant advertising can lead to:
-
Consumer complaints
-
BAR investigations
-
Citations or fines
-
Loss of customer trust
Maintaining compliant advertising protects both your business and your customers.
How to Check If Your Auto Repair Business Is Compliant
BAR encourages all ARDs to review and confirm their license information to ensure accuracy across all online platforms.
What You Should Do:
-
Verify your BAR registration details
-
Confirm your business name, ARD number, and phone number are correct.
-
-
Update your website
-
Add your ARD registration number and registered phone number to:
-
Website footer
-
Contact page
-
About page
-
-
-
Review all online listings
-
Google Business Profile
-
Yelp
-
Facebook and Instagram business pages
-
-
Check paid ads and landing pages
-
Ensure required BAR information is clearly visible.
-
If your business information has changed, update it directly through BAR’s online system.
Does This Apply to Mobile Automotive Repair and Referral Services?
Yes. These advertising requirements apply to:
-
Traditional automotive repair shops
-
Mobile automotive repair businesses
-
Automotive repair referral services
Any business advertising automotive repair services online must comply.
Compliance Also Supports SEO and Customer Trust
Including your ARD registration number, registered business name, and accurate phone number not only keeps you compliant—it also:
-
Builds credibility with potential customers
-
Improves trust signals for local SEO
-
Reduces hesitation when customers are choosing a repair shop
A compliant website is a stronger, more professional website.
Final Reminder for California ARDs
If your automotive repair business advertises online, your advertising must reflect your BAR-registered information accurately and consistently.
Regularly reviewing your website and online profiles helps ensure ongoing compliance and protects your business from avoidable issues.