CONSUMER PROTECTION

How to Ensure You Are Dealing With a Registered Dealer or Salesperson

The Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA) requires all dealers and salespeople in Ontario be registered with OMVIC, the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council. In order to become registered each dealer or salesperson must pass a course in automotive law and ethics, and undergo background checks, including a Canada-wide criminal background check. To ensure consumers are dealing with an OMVIC registered dealer or salesperson the MVDA gives you the right to ask to see a dealer’s or salesperson’s OMVIC licence and the MVDA requires the dealer or salesperson to show it. If they can’t produce one, shop elsewhere, and let OMVIC know.

INDUSTRY HEADLINES

What Else Does OMVIC Do?

OMVIC’s role is to administer and enforce the MVDA on behalf of the Ministry of Consumer Services. This is accomplished by registering all dealers and salespeople, handling consumer complaints, conducting inspections of dealerships, investigating misconduct and illegal selling (curbsiding) and conducting prosecutions.

HAVE YOU HEARD?

Why is it Important to Deal with a Registered Dealer and Salesperson?

Consumers who buy or lease from a registered dealer are protected by OMVIC and Ontario consumer protection laws. The MVDA entitles consumers to:

• All-in price advertising
• Full disclosure of a vehicle’s history, past-use and condition
• Access to the Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund
• Contract rescission (cancellation) rights, should a dealer fail to make specific disclosures

If a consumer buys a vehicle privately and something goes wrong, they are on their own. There is no consumer protection legislation that covers private deals.
To find a registered dealer, consumers may visit OMVIC's website or look for this decal: