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California Bureau of Automotive Repair Revokes License and Registration of Three San Diego Auto Shops for Consumer-Protection Law Violations
Superior Court's Temporary Restraining Order Had Kept Shops Closed Since March
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 24, 2005
SAN DIEGO — The California Department of Consumer Affairs' Bureau of Automotive Repair has revoked the repair dealer registrations and Smog Check station licenses of three San Diego auto repair shops after their owners admitted to more than 40 violations of consumer-protection laws.
Following up on consumer complaints, the Bureau of Automotive Repair utilized undercover vehicles during the investigation into the activities of these shops. The resulting violations included performing unnecessary repairs, making untrue or misleading statements, failure to follow accepted trade standards, failure to get customer authorization for repairs, and failure to prepare and/or provide proper estimates and invoices to the customer.
Due to the seriousness of the violations, the San Diego Superior Court had ordered these shops to be closed on March 18, 2005, on a temporary basis.
"These were serious violations of the Automotive Repair Act, the California law that guides auto repair industry practices and protects consumers who need vehicle repairs and Smog Checks", said Charlene Zettel, Director of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. "Most shops obey the law and deal honestly with customers. But in instances where consumers are harmed, the Department of Consumer Affairs will investigate and take the appropriate action."
All three owners of the San Diego shops signed "stipulated" settlements calling for the revocation of their state licenses and registrations needed to operate the businesses. The owners also agreed to pay a portion of the cost of the investigation of the case, with the Department of Consumer Affairs waiving payment of the remaining cost to facilitate the settlements.
Vinhny "Vinny" Luu and Thanh "Vincent" Luu operated On Time Auto Smog & Repair Center, 6660 Miramar Road #C as partners. They admitted to 15 violations of the law, including fraud, making misleading statements and disregard of accepted trade practices, and must pay $22,500 in investigative costs.
Jason Luu owned On Time Auto Smog & Repair Center, 2920 Damon St. He admitted to 14 similar violations and must pay $16,650.
Jason Luu and Vinhny "Vinny" Luu operated On Time Tire Alignment Auto Smog Repair, 3351 Hancock St. as partners. They admitted to 15 similar violations and must pay $15,500.
The settlements became effective on July 27, 2005.
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