Anti Curbstoning Legislation Becomes Law!

By Bill Dohring, IADAC Chief Lobbyist

For the 28 years that I have been your lobbyist, we have tried numerous approaches to halt the practice of unlicensed individuals selling cars -- the practice known as "curbstoning." This activity cuts into your bottom line, punishing you for obeying the law and doing what is required of you as a dealer by the State of California. As I said, we tried many ideas, but were never 100% effective.

This began to change after we met last year with the new DMV Chief of Investigations, Kathy Door. During the course of our conversation, our discussion eventually turned to illegal dealer activities. She suggested a simple approach: "Why not expand existing law to remove the curbstoners' vehicles when cited?"

Removal of vehicles by police officers is already allowed in many sections of the Vehicle Code, but not by DMV investigators. We needed to amend the law to permit DMV investigators to cite and order the removal of curbstoners' vehicles. After removing these vehicles, the unlicensed individual cannot retrieve it from impound, until he/she first properly titles it, paying the sales tax, registration fees and any outstanding parking tickets, and showing proof of insurance. This simple procedure removes the profit from the illegal activity and levels the playing field for our members who comply with the law.

With this suggestion in mind, we needed an author to sponsor our bill. While introducing legislation sounds simple, it can be a difficult and time consuming process. The first step, obtaining an author, can be the toughest step. We were exceptionally fortunate that Assemblyman Felipe Fuentes from the 29th Assembly District agreed to author our bill, assigned as AB 2042 last year. The Assemblyman was familiar with our concerns. Many of his constituents in the northeast San Fernando Valley were experiencing problems with unlicensed automobile sales. Complaints were made to him regarding the unsightly environment the cars created and the possible fraud on unsuspecting buyers. IADAC had these same concerns and thus an alliance between Assemblyman Fuentes and IADAC was the natural outcome.

We could not have chosen a better author to champion our cause! Fuentes studied the issues in-depth, coming to realize the unjust effect curbstoning has on IADAC's members. With knowledge and devotion, Fuentes did a masterful job presenting our proposal to the Legislature and ensuring its passage. AB 2042 was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger on September 30, 2008.

The Assemblyman is a life-long resident of his district. He attended local public schools, graduating from San Fernando High School and continued his education by graduating from UCLA. He also earned his MBA from the Graziado School of Business at Pepperdine University in Southern California.

Fuentes has a long history of service to the people in the San Fernando Valley. He served as Deputy Mayor for the Valley and Chief of Staff to the Los Angeles City Council President, Alex Padilla. His hard work helped launch such successful projects as the construction and revitalization of police and fire stations, libraries and infrastructure improvements in the Valley. He was also instrumental in the effort to turn Hansen Dam into an educational and recreational center. Of considerable note was his establishment of the "Safe Route to Schools" program. He also created an effective anti-gang program and played a pivotal role in bringing the Valley its first new police station in 25 years.

He now resides in Sylmar with his wife, Lena Wu-Fuentes, owner of a successful Los Angeles-based children's apparel company. They are the proud parents to their one-year old daughter, Llians Flor Fuentes.

Thanks to the Assemblyman for his hard work and great effort on this anti-curbstoning measure.