Valley smog check station shut down

A San Fernando Valley smog check station has been shut down after allegedly waiving vehicles from the mandatory California inspection.

The California Department of Consumer Affairs Bureau closed Smog for Less Test Only in Van Nuys and suspended the licenses of the station owner and three technicians, the department announced today.

State investigators found evidence of “clean piping,” the illegal practice of passing a car for a smog check by using an exhaust sample from another vehicle.

The case has been submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorney and a hearing will be scheduled to discuss the violations.

“While the vast majority of Smog Check technicians are honest, hardworking employees, there are some shops or technicians who attempt to defraud or endanger the public,” Bureau Chief Sherry Mehl said in a statement. “This latest shut-down is part of our mission to protect California consumers from illegal practices and put the perpetrators out of business.”

--Tiffany Kelly, Times Community News

Twitter: @LATiffanyKelly