Date: Fri 18-Sep-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

Trudeau-DMV-Farren-Payne

Full Text:

State Suspends Trudeau's License To Repair Vehicles

BY ANDREW GOROSKO

The state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has suspended Trudeau Service

Center's vehicle repairer's license, finding that the automobile repair shop

made a false statement to a customer, overcharged a customer for repairs,

which included unauthorized work, and sold a used car without a certificate of

title.

William Trudeau, Jr, proprietor of the 47 South Main Street repair shop, said

Thursday morning he is appealing DMV's three suspension orders and a future

hearing will present his side of the story.

The repairer's license was revoked September 2 based on the conclusions of

July DMV hearings on customer complaints. Mr Trudeau did not appear at the

hearings.

On November 3, 1997, Loretta Farren of Monroe complained to DMV that her son,

Andrew, bought a 1986 Chevrolet Camaro for $900 from Trudeau Service Center

without receiving a certificate title on August 21, 1997. A DMV inspector

testified at the July hearing that Trudeau held only a repairer's license from

DMV and wasn't authorized to sell motor vehicles.

In enforcing the violation, DMV is requiring Trudeau to pay a $900 civil

penalty; that Trudeau's repairer license be suspended for five consecutive

business days; and that Trudeau file a $1,000 forfeiture bond with DMV for a

one-year period.

In a September 2 memorandum, Lynn Payne, DMV's administrative hearings

officer, found that Trudeau failed to comply with the above requirements and

thus issued an order to suspend his repairer's license.

Mr Trudeau said Thursday the vehicle sold to Andrew Farren had a title.

On February 17, Laura Simonds of Trumbull complained that Trudeau told her on

February 6 that her vehicle needed front brakes. A DMV inspector testified

that Ms Simonds had had front brakes done on her vehicle at another auto

repair shop on October 7, 1997. Ms Simonds brought her vehicle back to the

shop where she had had the brake work done and was advised there was no need

for brake work on her car.

In its findings, the DMV ordered that Trudeau pay a civil penalty of $1,000,

and that he file a $1,000 forfeiture bond for a one-year period.

Because Mr Trudeau did not comply with those requirements, the DMV ordered

that his repairer's license be suspended and that the license by confiscated.

Mr Trudeau said a repairman made only a casual inspection in recommending the

installation of new front brakes.

On January 28, Ruth Syman of Waterbury alleged to DMV that Trudeau overcharged

her for repairs, did not obtain authorization to perform certain repairs to

her vehicle, that the repair bill excluded the cost estimate earlier provided

to her, and that the bill failed to provide her with a credit as had been

agreed upon.

A DMV inspector testified at the July hearing that Ms Syman had agreed to pay

$1,308 for repairs. Trudeau called Ms Syman and recommended that she have new

tires installed, but she told him not to do so, according to DMV.

However, Trudeau installed four new tires on the vehicle and charged her $359

beyond the agreed upon amount.

A DMV inspector visited Trudeau's and found no record of a written

authorization or estimate in writing. The inspector testified in July that

Trudeau said that Ms Syman was provided with a credit for the overcharge. Ms

Syman testified at the hearing she had not received a credit.

In its findings, DMV ordered Trudeau to pay a civil penalty of $750, that

Trudeau pay Ms Syman $359 in restitution, and that Trudeau file a $1,000

forfeiture bond with DMV.

Because Mr Trudeau did not comply with those requirements, the DMV on

September 2 ordered that his repairer's license be suspended.

Mr Trudeau said there was some confusion over whether Ms Syman wanted new

tires, adding the service center gave her a credit for the tires.

Mr Trudeau said he was not properly notified of the July hearings. He added he

hasn't acted on the suspension sooner because his attorney has been ill.