There are new penalties for odometre tampering that are going to be introduced under new reforms for motor dealers and repairers announced by the NSW Government.
Odometre readings are one of the most frequent factors consumers refer to when purchasing a used car.
NSW fair trading minister, Matthew Mason-Cox said: “As part of the changes, the maximum penalty for any dealer or repairer altering a car odometre will be doubled to $22,000.”
Another addition to this penalty will be a form of naming and shaming through use of a register. It will allow consumers to see if a dealer or repairer has a current licence and whether they’ve had disciplinary action or offences recorded against them.
The new changes are due to start from December 1 this year with the start of the Motor Dealers and Repairers Act.
Businesses will have a choice of a one year or three year licence, a key change for the industry through modernisation. From December 1 there will be only three licensee types. Motor Dealer, Motor Vehicle Recycler and Motor Vehicle Repairer.
Tradesperson certificates will be required to be renewed every three years and a prescribed minimum qualification standard will be set for new tradespeople. Those who choose three year licence will see cost saving and time saving in government dealings and paperwork.
Car dealers will be required under new laws to disclose all information about a vehicle being offered for sale. Hail, odometer interference and flood damage are among the list of things that must be included in disclosure. NSW Fair Trading inspectors will have new powers to issue orders to licensed dealers and repairers to fix faults without a consumer having to take legal action.
There’s a limit to the claims to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal. The Act’s compensation fund has seen an increase from $30,000 to $40,000.