Getting suspended from anything isn’t good news for the person going through it. When the general public thinks about “suspensions,” they might look back on high school and who the “problem children” were. Certain kids just brought trouble with them, and everyone was probably relieved when they were suspended from school for a week or so.
Sports fans might hate it when their favorite player breaks the rules and is suspended. It might happen because of what they did on the field or in their private time. The result could range from a few games’ suspension to indefinite suspension. It’s certainly no fun for Fantasy Football participants who might be betting on a particular player who just got thrown out of the game.
Everyone knows a suspension is a problem, but in cases like the above, it’s most often meant to stop abusive behavior with real accountability. But things are more complicated with a Bureau of Automotive Repair suspension. In many instances, a SMOG accusation (now more commonly called a “Notice of Suspension”) can be more about perception than actual harm. If you are facing a STAR suspension, immediate steps are critical!
What Action to Take With a Bureau of Automotive Repair Suspension Notice
A Bureau of Auto Repair suspension notice can be issued for several reasons, including when a shop services one of its undercover cars. Known as ‘trap cars’ to the smog testing community, these vehicles are designed to catch a smog tech doing something wrong. And once the suspension notice arrives, the agency often assumes the smog tech is guilty and must be held accountable. And that accountability may mean a STAR suspension lasting up to six months, or worse. FOREVER. This is a real blow to a respectable STAR-certified smog shop. The technician may not even understand where they made the mistake when checking the so-called Bureau of Automotive Repair trap car.
Although much more serious, it’s a little like being suspended from school after the bully came over and took the first swipe at you. You weren’t interested in trouble, but he showed up, and now you’re being held accountable for something that’s not your fault. Unlike that kid who gets dragged into the fight, smog technicians can defend against the charges and walk away without repercussions. Our legal team is very familiar with Bureau of Automotive Repair suspension notices. We know the agency delivers over 1,000 STAR suspension notices every year. And although the BAR tries to be ‘fair’ in investigations and enforcement, it can take a partisan viewpoint and miss vital evidence. That’s why it’s important to fight back and protect your ethical STAR-certified smog shop. And the best action to take is working with an attorney who can defend against the BAR and make them accountable for their accusations.