Following the reopening of auto dealerships in the province, (by appointment only), Ontario’s Vehicle Sales Regulator, OMVIC has released a comprehensive COVID-19 Crisis Guidelines: Guidelines for Dealership Sales Operations to help motor vehicle dealers operate while protecting the health and well-being of their employees, customers and the public.

The framework for OMVIC’s guidelines came from the industry-specific recommendations created by the province, and its public health agencies.

“The guidelines are the result of the consultations we had with consumer advocacy groups, trade associations as well as queries from our registrants,” noted John Carmichael, OMVIC’s CEO and Registrar. “The guidelines offer a clear and comprehensive plan for dealerships to maintain day-to-day operations while ensuring the right health and safety protocols are followed.”  

The 14-page guideline includes: an overview of the COVID-19 pandemic, dealership operations, vehicle, and premises sanitization checklists; tips for day-to-day administration; best practices during touchless test drives and more.

It also has resources such as measures needed to ensure physical distancing, use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and other practices that should be in place when auto dealerships conduct business with customers as well as their staff.