Repairers performing those services also have a responsibility to inform consumers of reduced fee assistance information
Sacramento, Calif.—The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) has recently stated that in accordance with Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 9882.14 and Title 16, California Code of Regulations (CCR) section 3363.4, automotive repair dealers (ARDs) who install, maintain, or service ignition interlock devices must meet specific standards.
Those standards include:
- Prohibiting customers or other unauthorized persons from observing the installation, maintenance, or servicing of an ignition interlock device.
- Having all tools, test equipment, and manuals needed to install an ignition interlock device and to screen vehicles for acceptable mechanical and electrical conditions prior to installation.
- Providing adequate security measures to prevent unauthorized persons from accessing secured materials (e.g. tamper seals or installation instructions).
- Installing an ignition interlock device in a vehicle considering the condition of the vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems.
- Installing an ignition interlock device following accepted trade standards and instructions from the ignition interlock device manufacturer.
- Verifying that the ignition interlock device is functioning properly after it has been installed in the vehicle.
- Ensuring that an ignition interlock device is not installed in a manner that could adversely affect the performance of the ignition interlock device or impede the safe operation of the vehicle.
- Restoring a vehicle to its original condition when an ignition interlock device is removed. All severed wires must be permanently reconnected and insulated with heat shrink tubing or equivalent.
In addition, under BPC 9882.14(d)(2), ARDs performing ignition interlock device services have a responsibility to inform consumers of both the fee schedule for reduced ignition interlock device program costs provided in subdivision (k) of Section 23575.3 of the Vehicle Code and BAR’s telephone number.
To comply with this requirement, ARDs may provide to customers receiving ignition interlock device services a copy of the BAR-developed Ignition Interlock Device Reduced Fee Assistance notice.
Fee Schedule
A consumer may be eligible for reduced ignition interlock device program costs if their income falls within the federal poverty level (FPL) guidelines or if they receive CalFresh benefits.
| Consumer’s income is… | Consumer pays*… |
|---|---|
| At 100% of the FPL or below | 10% of the program costs |
| At 101-200% of the FPL | 25% of the program costs |
| At 201-300% of the FPL or the consumer receives CalFresh benefits | 50% of the program costs |
| At 301-400% of the FPL | 90% of the program costs |
* The consumer is responsible for any additional costs due to noncompliance with program requirements. A consumer whose income does not meet eligibility requirements is responsible for all costs.
Income Verification Documents
Income verification is required to determine a consumer’s eligibility for reduced costs. The consumer must submit one of the following documents:
- The consumer’s previous year’s federal income tax return.
- The consumer’s previous three months’ weekly or monthly income statements.
- The consumer’s Employment Development Department (EDD) verification of unemployment benefits.
- The consumer’s verification of CalFresh benefits.
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