Dodgy Car Sellers to face nation’s strongest penalties

Dodgy car sellers are on notice in South Australia with penalties for odometer tampering and unlicensed vehicle selling ratcheted up to the strongest in the country.

The tough new laws accompany a suite of improvements to the Second-hand Vehicle Dealers Act, secured with focused lobbying by the Motor Trade Association SA/NT (MTA) and its members.

Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs Andrea Michaels said, “As cost-of-living pressures continue to bite, more people are buying second-hand vehicles and I want to make sure that no one is taken advantage of.”

The new laws increase the maximum penalty for winding back an odometer from $10,000 to $150,000 for a first or second offence and/or up to two years imprisonment for a third or subsequent offence. For unlicensed dealing, penalties have been raised from $100,000 to $150,000 for a first or second offence.

MTA CEO Darrell Jacobs argued the changes were sorely needed following a series of high-profile cases in which dodgy car sellers walked away with nothing more than a slap on the wrist. “With three out of four used cars sold privately on online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree, we applaud the State Government for hearing industry calls for action.”

“It’s time to hit dodgy car sellers where it hurts,” Mr Jacobs added.

The updated legislation will also come as a relief to licensed vehicle dealers who will benefit from improved processes reflecting modern business practices and a reduction in paperwork.

MTA Automotive Business Manager Nathan Groves reflected on a job well done having worked closely with MTA members and Consumer and Business Services over several years: “Whether it’s more commonsense duty to repair provisions or dealers being able to add additional information into sale contracts, industry can now get on with business”.