DMV Sting Issues 139 Citations To Unlicensed Car Dealers

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - The California Department of Motor Vehicles launched a statewide, daylong sting Saturday, issuing 139 citations to unlicensed car dealers posing as private sellers.

The unlicensed car dealers, called "Curbstoners," typically purchase low-end vehicles from private parties and salvage auction yards. The vehicles are cosmetically refurbished but tend to have little mechanical or safety repairs.

"By towing and issuing citations, we hope to prevent [Curbstoners] from putting dangerous vehicles onto California roads," said DMV Director George Valverde.

These vehicles are sold on pop-up lots that are created by parking multiple vehicles in one location. The lots clog city streets, public parking lots and private property. Potential buyers are lured by Craigslist advertisements, and other similar websites, by using different seller names, but the same phone number.

Curbstoners can face several thousand dollars in fines and fees for each confiscated vehicle.