Is It Safe? 

Are workers wearing protective gear like gloves, aprons, and boots? When detailing, are workers wearing face masks and gloves to protect them from chemicals on tires?

Are Workers Paid Fairly? 

Are all of the workers being paid at least the minimum wage for all of the hours they work? Are they paid for less than the total hours worked? Are they paid for overtime hours?

Are Workers Treated Humanely? 

Is drinking water provided to workers? Are workers given adequate time and space for breaks and meals? Is there an area with shade where workers can take breaks away from the chemicals?

Car wash Licensing and registration

According to the Department of Industrial Relations of California’s website, “Every business entity engaged in car washing and polishing must register with the Labor Commissioner.” If you have questions about how to obtain a license to operate a car wash from the California Labor Commissioner, please visit their website for more details.

The new Car Wash Worker Law that went into effect on January 1, 2014, further provides that no car wash can register or renew its registration (as required annually) unless it has “obtained a surety bond issued by a surety company admitted to do business in this state. The principal sum of the bond shall be not less than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000).” The purpose of the bond requirement is to insure that workers who are not paid in accordance with law can be compensated if their employer disappears or is otherwise unable to pay wages or benefits owed the employees.

Before purchasing an existing car wash establishment, employers should also be aware of potential successor liability. A new employer might be liable for owed wages and penalties of the previous car wash operator. See the Department of Industrial Relations’ website for more details.

Pay your employees for all hours worked including hours they are spent waiting for cars to arrive.

Provide adequate meal breaks and paid rest breaks.

Provide drinking water and access to shade.

Pay your employees for overtime pay if they work more than 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week.

Respect your employees.

EMPLOYER RESOURCES

Please visit the following websites for information about how to assure your car wash business is in compliance with all the necessary laws and regulations.