“The State employees who investigate fraudulent activity associated with car repairs often go unnoticed by the motoring public, but their work helps to keep us safe out on the roads.  Their work also protects consumers from financial harm.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

SACRAMENTO – On September 3, 2026, the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR)announced that a judge suspended the license of Los Angeles-based automotive repair dealer, Industry Smog, after a BAR investigation revealed the business performed fraudulent vehicle safety systems inspections and issued 15 certificates of compliance without performing the required inspections.

The suspension was granted by an Administrative Law Judge in response to a BAR petition filed to protect consumers. Automotive repair dealers engaging in fraudulent activity and allowing unsafe vehicles on the road threatens both the physical and financial safety of Californians.

Vehicles that have been repaired after being declared a total loss by an insurance company, known as revived salvage vehicles, must pass a safety systems inspection before they can be registered with the DMV and driven on roadways.

Certificates of compliance issued without the required safety systems inspection can lead to unsafe total-loss vehicles being back on the road, posing serious dangers to Californians in communities across the state.

Industry Smog’s license suspension marks the third Los Angeles area repair facility suspended in three months as a direct result of BAR investigations.

• In July, Ponce’s Smog Check’s license was suspended for issuing 12 fraudulent certificates of compliance.
•  In June, Danny’s Test and Repair Inc.’s license was suspended for issuing 10 fraudulent certificates of compliance.

The interim suspension orders will remain in place until associated pending disciplinary actions are resolved. BAR is seeking to revoke the licenses of all three businesses. The actions are the latest in BAR and DCA’s work to protect Californians through rigorous oversight and enforcement.

Californians with concerns about automotive repair work performed on their vehicle are encouraged to file a complaint with BAR online or by calling (800) 952-5210.