Consumer Education

The bureau provides consumer assistance for people who live in Los Angeles County. The bureau is responsible for enforcing the Automotive Repair Act, assisting consumers with auto repair problems, educating the public about their rights as automotive consumers, and administering the Smog Check program. It also provides guidance to auto repair and smog check businesses to help them comply with state Clean Air and Automotive Repair laws. Services include automobile complaints, consumer education, automobile emissions control and vehicle recycling information. There are no geographic restrictions.

Consumers may file a complaint by contacting their local field office or online on the bureau's website. All complaints are reviewed to determine if the shop involved violated the Automotive Repair Act or other law. The Bureau will try to resolve the matter, but cannot represent consumers in court, collect money, or levy fines.

The Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) offers repair assistance to income eligible consumers whose vehicle fails a biennial Smog Check. The vehicle repair option offers up to $1100 for vehicle model years between 1976 to 1995 and up to $1450 for vehicle model years 1996 or newer. The vehicle retirement program offers $1350 to $2000.

The Smog Check Referee Program is a statewide network of inspection centers that assist motorists with unusual smog check issues. Specialized services include smog check dispute resolution, waivers to extend repair deadlines, locating hard to find emission parts, gross polluter checks, checks for modified or exempt vehicles, and checks for vehicles with alternative fuel conversion kits or engine changes. Referee Centers are centrally located within certain community colleges throughout California.