The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), California’s regulatory agency for auto repair and smog shops, is both feared and respected. It performs a necessary and proper regulatory function, but that role also comes with much controversy. As a car repair or smog shop technician, you must keep your business in compliance with the BAR.
Sounds easy, but it’s not. There is a lot to do running a business, and you also have to keep one eye on following all the rules and regulations. But the Bureau of Automotive Repair can also be pretty ruthless – they are even known to send out “undercover cars” in cities like Los Angeles, San Jose, or Fresno to “test” SMOG shops on their proficiency.
Navigating these issues is like navigating a minefield. This is where specialized legal assistance can become crucial; as attorneys who specialize in fighting the Bureau of Automotive Repair, our staff “knows” what it takes, but no one can guarantee a victory in every issue. Even if you bust your rear-end and try to do everything you can to do it properly, sometimes it is still not enough. A business owner does not seek to jeopardize his business with the BAR, yet sometimes it becomes that way. A violation notice may be for various reasons: an inspection that was not performed properly, incorrect documentation filed, and even a customer complaint that investigators deem merits further investigation. In worse situations, your business can face heavy fines and potentially have its SMOG license suspended or–even worse– to have your business completely unable to do business in numerous cities because of merely having the BAR issue you with a citation or call your business in to investigate.
Why You Need a Lawyer
Fighting the BAR is a daunting endeavor. The stakes are high when shop owners and SMOG techs get into regulatory trouble. The rules are so complicated, however, that you might not even understand your alleged “violations,” even if you do, you may be mystified as to why the BAR thinks you have done something wrong. It’s not that there are bad people. Rather, it’s a very complex, bureaucratic mess, and it isn’t fair on a bad day. This is also where an experienced attorney who understands the car repair and smog industry can be golden..
Here is what makes having good counsel on the law so important:
Technical Understanding of BAR Rules
Guidance on Response
Defending Your Rights
As little interruption to your business as possible
Ongoing Compliance
An attorney can also assist you in navigating the legal process, ensuring that your defense is complete and that any necessary paperwork is in order. Smog shop owners and technicians can be subject to heavy fines and have their licenses suspended. An experienced attorney can assist with protecting your rights, bargaining with the BAR, and possibly reducing or dismissing penalties. Counsel can get in there early to prevent the issue from getting out of hand. And our goal is always to get you back to business as usual. Contact us today if you are facing any “action” from the Bureau of Automotive Repair.