NEWS

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release: April 10, 2008
Contact: Michael R. Greene 614.995.0714

COLLISION REPAIR REGISTRATION ENFORCEMENT UPDATE

Columbus – The Ohio Board of Motor Vehicle Collision Repair Registration and Attorney General Marc Dann’s Office filed injunctions on twenty-three separate collision repair facilities in late 2007. The suits included three shops in Clermont County, eight shops in Butler County, and twelve shops in Hamilton County. Each shop is accused of being in violation of Ohio’s collision repair registration laws. In early 2007, the Board was granted injunctions in Lorain County against four illegal repair shops.

In March, the Court of Common Pleas of Lorain County found one shop owner in “Contempt of Court” for failing to comply with the injunction order. Jeff Gaines, owner of Jeff’s Body Shop in Lorain, will have until May 9th to register his shop, pay back fees and fines. Mr. Gaines’ case is the only remaining court action from the original filing. Other shops in the original suit settled with State.

Also in March, the Common Pleas Court of Hamilton County granted injunctions on nine collision repair facilities. Three Hamilton County repair shops, four Butler County repair shops, and all three of the Clermont County shops settled their cases with the State prior to the injunctions being granted. Four cases in Butler County are still pending.

Michael Greene, Executive Director of the agency, indicated, “Enforcement efforts against illegal repair facilities increased in 2007, and will continue this year. It is not the Board’s intention to close down repair shops, but rather bring them into compliance with state and federal regulations.” He added, “It’s a consumer issue, and I would suggest everyone visit our website at www.collisionboard.ohio.gov prior to selecting a repair facility. Consumers can check for registered shops at our e-licensing verification link, and learn the rights of a motorist when seeking auto repairs.”

The Ohio Board of Motor Vehicle Collision Repair Registration was created in 1999 to regulate the collision repair industry and provide consumer protection. The Board is entirely funded by registration fees from collision shops, auto glass businesses, paintless dent repair companies and airbag replacement units throughout Ohio. The Board is made up of five collision repair shop owners, one mechanical repair shop owner, and one person to represent the public, who has no financial interest in the auto repair industry.

For additional information, please visit our website, www.collisionboard.ohio.gov.


Ohio Board of Motor Vehicle Collision Repair Registration

37 West Broad Street, Suite 880, Columbus, Ohio 43215-4159 Telephone: (614) 995-0714 Facsimile: (614) 995-0717
 www.CollisionBoard.Ohio.Gov

MEDIA RELEASE

                   For Immediate Release: April 2, 2007
Contact: Michael R. Greene 614.995.0714 Arial

Lorain County Court Grants Injunctions Against Body Shops

Columbus – The Ohio Board of Motor Vehicle Collision Repair Registration and Attorney General Marc Dann’s Office were granted injunctions in Lorain County Court of Common Pleas against three collision repair facilities operating without being registered with the state.  The injunctions were granted March 8, 2007 following a complaint filed by the Attorney General.  The three repair shops in Lorain County are Rapid Auto Body, Jeff’s Auto Body and Fender Mender.  Each shop was found to be in violation of Ohio’s collision repair registration laws, and was ordered by the court to cease from acting or operating as a motor vehicle collision repair shop.

 

Michael Greene, Executive Director of the agency, indicated, “Enforcement efforts against illegal repair facilities will be stepped up in 2007.  It is not the Board’s intention to close down repair shops, but rather bring them into compliance with state and federal regulations.”  Mr. Greene pointed out that the law has been in effect long enough for existing shops to become compliant.  He added, “It’s a consumer issue, and I would suggest everyone visit our website

at www.collisionboard.ohio.gov prior to choosing a repair facility.  Consumers can check for registered shops at our e-licensing verification link, and learn the rights of a motorist when seeking auto repairs.”

 

The Ohio Board of Motor Vehicle Collision Repair Registration was created in 1999 to regulate the collision repair industry and provide consumer protection.  The Board is entirely funded by registration fees from collision shops, auto glass businesses, paintless dent repair companies and airbag replacement units throughout Ohio.  The Board is made up of five collision repair shop owners, one mechanical repair shop owner, and one person to represent the public, who has no financial interest in the auto repair industry.

 

For additional information, please visit our website, www.collisionboard.ohio.gov