A Smog station, be it in Los Angeles or Eureka, can be super busy. Every car in California is required to get a smog check every two years. This means a steady stream of customers (most of whom look at smog checks like they look a root canals: necessarcy, but not fun). The bays can become full of cars awaiting smog inspections, diagnostics, and repairs every day. A smog shop can get so booked up that you jump from one emissions test to another with scarcely an opportunity to take a break.
No matter if you’re assisting a busy California driver to keep their registration in force or diagnosing a check engine light, the work just keeps on coming. And then the mail comes…
A BAR citation can be a punch in the gut for many technicians. One minute you’re focused on ensuring vehicles meet California’ emissions laws. Then the next thing you know, a letter with allegations is sent to you, and your business could be in jeopardy. Enter the powerful California Bureau of Automotive Repair.
The citation can be an inconvenience to your business. The notice can cause fines, loss of your SMOG license to operate, or even loss of your rights to inspect. Some technicians may not realize that letting a citation slide can make things even worse for just a short time.
If you do not respond to a notice you receive. The BAR runs on tight calendars, and failure to meet a deadline could result in the state going ahead with action against you without getting to hear your side of what happened.
What You Should Do Immediately
Take the following legal steps asap:
- Read the citation carefully. DO NOT IGNORE IT!
- Figure out exactly what violation BAR is charging, whether in terms of procedure, paperwork, or test results.
- Gather supporting documents.
- Inspection records, repair notes, customer communication anything that proves you did everything right.
- Do NOT ignore deadlines!
Do not ignore the notice from the BAR! We cannot emphasize this enough. You are “in their system” and you had better respond. Ignorance is not an excuse. This will prevent you from getting your license. The best thing you can do is to speak with an attorney who handles BAR defense. BAR rules are so confusing that even innocent mistakes can appear to be infractions without an understandable explanation SMOG tech in Los Angeles has enough day to day challenges. A BAR citation does not have to ruin your career. Act fast when getting a notice. Gather the correct documents. Consult a lawyer as soon as possible. These tips will help preserve your license, career, and reputation.