Brooklyn Auto Shop Operates Without License Despite Previous Investigations

Ongoing Violations at State to State Automotive

• ⚠️ Despite a license suspension, a state fine, and previous CBS News New York investigations, a Brooklyn auto repair shop, State to State Automotive, appears to be operating without a valid license.
• 🚗 Customers previously reported that the shop held their cars hostage for months, even after full payment, leading to initial investigations in February.

Legal Proceedings and Penalties

• ⚖️ An administrative law judge reviewed the case in May, stemming partly from the February investigation, where the DMV sought a 6-month license suspension.
• 📄 The judge ruled against a longer suspension but fined State to State Automotive $1,000 for failing to provide work orders for four vehicles.
• 🗓️ The shop's operating license expired on May 31st, meaning it is not legally permitted to work on cars.

Continued Operation and Evasion

• 🔍 On July 4th, investigators observed someone using a heat gun on a car at the shop with the garage door open, suggesting active work was being done.
• 📞 A producer's subsequent call to the shop on a different day confirmed they were open to working on a car, though a manager later claimed they were only cleaning it.
• 🚗 The shop eventually returned cars to customers Lewis Dy and Sarah Lee Ramsac after CBS News New York began inquiring again.

DMV Response and Follow-Up

• 📺 The DMV has stated they are looking into the new video evidence of the shop operating without a license.
• 📰 CBS News New York plans to follow up with the DMV to track further actions against the auto shop.