• Unlicensed motor vehicle dealer to pay $10,000 fine and $682 in costs
• 19 vehicles were sold between May 2021 and May 2022
• Consumers urged to report unlicensed motor vehicle dealers  

A man has been fined $10,000 by the Bunbury Magistrates Court for buying and selling motor vehicles without a valid motor vehicle dealer licence.

Bradley Christopher Diable was also ordered to pay costs of $682 when convicted on 3 April 2023 of breaching the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act.

Between May 2021 and May 2022, Mr Diable purchased 21 vehicles and sold 19 vehicles with an average turnover of ownership of 19 days. A Consumer Protection investigation determined that Mr Diable had never held a vehicle dealer’s licence.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake said unlicensed motor vehicle dealing represents a real risk to the community as the vehicles sold could be defective.

“It also threatens consumer rights such as those covering warranties, as it can be difficult for consumers to seek a refund, repair or replacement if problems arise with a motor vehicle purchased from an unlicensed dealer,” Ms Blake said.

“Unlicensed dealing creates an uneven playing field and undermines the integrity of the industry by taking away market share from those licensed dealers who conduct lawful business.

“Before buying a motor vehicle, consumers can do a motor vehicle dealer licence check online, and if a business or individual appears unlicensed, report it immediately to Consumer Protection so we can investigate.”

Further information on reporting unlicensed traders and licence checks can be found on the Consumer Protection website. Enquiries can be made by emailing consumer@demirs.wa.gov.au or calling 1300 30 40 54.

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Media Contact: Alan Hynd, (08) 6552 9248 / 0429 078 791 / cpmedia@demirs.wa.gov.au