LOS ANGELES – On May 4, 2018 the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced the results of a recent enforcement operation in Los Angeles County aimed at combating unlicensed vehicle dismantlers. DMV investigators targeted 24 locations in the Wilmington area and issued 16 misdemeanor citations for offenses such as operating as an unlicensed dismantler or auto repair facility, or unlicensed dealer. DMV investigators worked with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration and the Bureau of Automotive Repair.

“Unlicensed vehicle dismantlers can pose a threat to consumers, California’s economy and the environment,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.

During the operation, the strike team focused on verifying that businesses are complying with state laws and environmental guidelines. In addition, investigators inspected Vehicle Identification Numbers, engines and license plates to recover stolen vehicles, components and parts.

Unlicensed vehicle dismantlers operate in the underground economy and do not comply with state licensing requirements. They also ignore environmental regulations, insurance obligations and workplace safety requirements, and avoid paying taxes. This activity poses potential public safety hazards. For example, vehicle fluids can seep and contaminate ground water, and defective parts can be sold to unsuspecting people.

DMV investigators have conducted more than a dozen undercover operations throughout the state and issued 192 citations related to unlicensed vehicle dismantling since 2017.