• Unlicensed motor vehicle dealer to pay $5,000 fine and $638 in costs
• 36 vehicles were sold between January and November 2021
• Consumers urged to report unlicensed motor vehicle dealers  

A Beechboro man has been fined $5,000 by the Perth Magistrates Court for buying and selling motor vehicles without a valid motor vehicle dealer licence.

Van Vinh Tran was also ordered to pay costs of $638 when convicted on 6 January 2023 of breaching the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA).

Between January and November 2021, Mr Tran purchased 37 vehicles and sold 36 vehicles with an average turnover of ownership of five days. This demonstrated a swift turnover and supported the presumption that Mr Tran was carrying on a business.

A Consumer Protection investigation determined that Mr Tran had never held a vehicle dealer’s licence under the MVDA.

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@dmirs.wa.gov.au or calling 1300 30 40 54.

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Media Contact: Jasmine Sidhu, (08) 6552 9233 / 0423 846 397 / cpmedia@dmirs.wa.gov.au