Bureau of Automotive Repair Seeks to Discipline San Diego Auto Repair Shops

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Temporary Restraining Order Shuts Down Three Facilities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2005

SAN DIEGO — The California Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Automotive Repair (DCA/BAR) is taking legal action seeking to suspend or revoke the Automotive Repair Dealer registrations of the following three (3) San Diego auto repair shops:

On Time Auto Smog & Repair Center, 6660 Miramar Road #C
On Time Auto Smog & Repair Center, 2920 Damon Street
On Time Tire Alignment Auto Smog Repair, 3351 Hancock Street

Because of the severity of the alleged violations found at the three shops, the San Diego Superior Court issued a Temporary Restraining Order that will close them down at 5 p.m. today. The order will stay in effect until civil proceedings take place. Criminal and administrative proceedings are pending.

"Consumers need protection against unlawful business practices," says DCA Director Charlene Zettel. "Most auto repair shops in California are run by honest, hard-working people. But when there are apparent violations of the Automotive Repair Act that are this serious, strong action must be taken to make certain that consumers are protected."

DCA/BAR is charging On Time Auto Smog & Repair Centers with engaging in conduct that constitutes fraud, willful departure from accepted trade standards, theft, and making untrue or misleading statements.

The legal action is the result of lengthy investigative work by DCA/BAR and follows the inspection of nine (9) undercover vehicles to gather evidence of numerous alleged violations. The bureau is working with the California Attorney General's Office and San Diego City Attorney's Office on the case.

Any consumer who has a problem with an auto repair facility can file a complaint with the Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Automotive Repair online at www.bar.ca.gov (Scroll down to "How to File a Complaint.") For additional information about filing a complaint call 1-800-952-5210.

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