Purpose

To determine the extent of implementation of the three recommendations included in our initial audit report, Registration and Enforcement of Automotive Service, Sales, and Salvage Facilities (2016-S-71).

Background

The Department of Motor Vehicles (Department) is responsible for administering motor vehicle laws to promote highway safety, promote proper repairs to vehicles, and protect consumers of motor vehicle repairs. The Vehicle and Traffic Law outlines the Department’s responsibilities for administering the registration and licensing for certain types of automotive businesses, including registration of repair shops, dealers, dismantlers, and junk and salvage facilities and licensing of inspection stations. The Department is also responsible for issuing and enforcing regulations of these automotive businesses. The Department is responsible for receiving, investigating, and responding to complaints from the public relating to the types of automotive businesses it regulates. Where facilities are found to be in violation of laws, rules, or regulations, the Department must take necessary actions against them, which may include issuing penalties, suspending or revoking registrations/licenses to operate, or referring the operator or facility for criminal prosecution. Our initial audit report, which was issued on August 15, 2017, identified many automotive facility locations where businesses could potentially be operating without a license. We also identified delays in the Department’s process for handling consumer complaints. We made three recommendations to the Department to improve the identification of potentially unregistered facilities, and the ability to promptly address and resolve consumer complaint cases.

Key Finding

Department officials have made significant progress in correcting the problems we identified in the initial report. However, improvements are still needed. Of the three prior audit recommendations, two have been implemented and one has been partially implemented.

Key Recommendation

Officials are given 30 days after the issuance of this follow-up review to provide information on any actions that are planned to address the unresolved issues discussed in this review.

Other Related Audit/Report of Interest

Department of Motor Vehicles: Registration and Enforcement of Automotive Service, Sales, and Salvage Facilities (2016-S-71)