Complaint Review: 91 Express Lanes - Corona California

I traded in a truck 3 years ago to Countywide Jeep In Garden Grove, for another truck. The truck that was traded into the dealership was sold to a wholesaler, and purchased by a REAL idiot. The 91 is usually a really slow freeway, but almost always becomes a parking lot conviently where the 91 Express lanes begin. 3 years later, I start receiving tickets saying their records indicate that the time and location listed on the ticket, the vehicle identified (listed on ticket) was found traveling on the 91 express lane with no transponder. I didnt take more than 2 seconds for me to realize this was the Model Make and year (including same license plate number) to the vehicle I traded in 3 years ago. I laughed and ripped it up.

The next day, I received another...and did the same thing. As the days passed, It seemed the 91 express lanes had grown quite fond of sending me violation notices. After about 2 weeks, I finally decided to keep one of them, and dedicate 2 minutes of my lunch our by giving these people a call to let them know the vehicle listed on the ticket, was traded in 3 years ago, and I was released of any and all legal liability through the DMV. 15 minutes turned into an Hour. Customer Service stated if I disputed the ticket, I had to fax over a copy of a release of liability. I explained to the Customer Service Rep that I did not have a copy of the release of liablity, I traded in the truck I bought from them, and destroyed the sales contract when the loan matured.

The lady basically said youre on your own. I was outraged. I asked to speak with a manager of violations, and she explained they dont take calls, and customer service could no longer assist me with my problem. Of course, if I wanted to PAY the violation, she would gladly accept my payments, but anything other than that, had to be done directly through mail. The next day I dedicated my lunch hour and contacted the DMV via phone. (anyone in CA knows that visiting a DMV location can be an all day event) The DMV operator insured me that the vehicle (id'd by vin and license plate) was no longer regiestered to me, but couldnt release the current registered owners info, because of privacy laws. Wow, wonderful. I then contacted the 91 express lane again, and Spoke with another Customer Service Rep and explained to her that I contacted DMV myself and verified that I was no longer the owner of the vechile citied in the express lane. She stated that HER records indicated that the information coming from me was false, and I was still the registered owner. We went round and round for about 30 seconds before I asked to speak with her manager.

Both had piss poor attitudes, and basically told me I was up a creek, without a paddle. Ive faxed letters to the violation department for returned calls, no response. I contacted the dealership, and asked for a copy of the Release of Liability. They said they might not have it because it had been so long, and if they didnt, I had to request the document from DMV, which could take up to 30 days. Wow, it had been a week already, and no progress. It has been a month and a half already, and I have not had any response from the 91 express lane...accept more violations. I called a highway patrol office, and spoke with an officer, the only thing he insured me as that the headache will continue, and Id probably be summond to court and have to provide documents showing Im not the registered owner.

Rob

California, California
U.S.A.