• $5,682 fine and costs for trading in motor vehicles without a licence
• 19 vehicles bought and 18 sold during an almost two year period
• Public urged to dob in unlicensed backyard dealers

The Perth Magistrates Court has imposed a $5,000 fine on a backyard motor vehicle dealer who operated without a licence for almost two years.

Indrek Veskioja of Nollamarra pleaded guilty to buying 19 vehicles and selling 18 of them between May 2020 and April 2022 without being licensed as required by the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act. He was also ordered to pay costs of $682 when convicted on 10 February 2023.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake appealed to the public to dob in illegal motor vehicle traders.

“Backyard operators who don’t have a licence are undermining the industry as well as depriving consumers of their warranty rights and jeopardising their safety,” Ms Blake said.

“As most of these operators are pretending to be private sellers, it is difficult for buyers to spot unlicensed trading. However, if any members of the community suspect any illegal activity in their community, they should report it to Consumer Protection immediately.

“We are keen to put a stop to this illegal practice in the interests of not just consumers, but also in fairness to those licensed businesses that bear the cost of doing the right thing.”

Consumers can check whether a motor vehicle dealer is licensed by doing a search on the Consumer Protection website. Unlicensed dealers can be reported by emailing consumer@dmirs.wa.gov.au or by calling 1300 30 40 54.

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