Davis Test Only Smog Testing v. Dept. of Consumer Affairs etc.

This case involved citations issued to smog technician Marc Madison and his employer Davis Test Only Smog Testing (d/b/a Citrus Heights Star Smog (Star Smog)), after Madison passed an unpassable vehicle brought to the business by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Automotive Repair (Bureau) for a smog inspection. The Bureau had replaced the working air injection system (part of the emissions control system) with a nonworking air injection system and did not attach a belt to the pulley to power the air injection system. Star Smog was assessed a $1,000 fine, and Madison was ordered to complete a Bureau training course. Star Smog and Madison appealed the citations, and the case was heard by an administrative law judge. Star Smog and Madison acknowledged that Madison passed a vehicle that should not have passed the smog inspection, but they argued that the relevant regulations and guidelines from the Bureau were vague and did not give Madison notice that he needed to determine whether a belt was attached to the air injection system. The administrative law judge issued a proposed decision upholding the citations, which proposed decision the Bureau adopted. Star Smog and Madison filed a petition for writ of administrative mandamus, making the same arguments in the superior court. The superior court denied the petition, and Star Smog and Madison appealed, arguing the administrative decision was void because Star Smog and Madison were represented by a non-attorney. The Court of Appeal affirmed, concluding that Star Smog’s decision to send its former secretary/treasurer to represent it in the administrative hearing did not render the decision void, and Madison properly represented himself. View "Davis Test Only Smog Testing v. Dept. of Consumer Affairs etc." on Justia Law