The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment warns it’s ramping up enforcement against private vehicle sellers breaking the law.
A recent court ruling has confirmed that advertising vehicles online—classified as “display for sale”—qualifies as a sale under the Motor Vehicle Sales Act 2003.
According to the ruling, anyone selling more than six vehicles annually—whether online or in person—must register as a motor vehicle trader.
Registrar of Motor Vehicle Traders Duncan Connor warns that buyers face higher risks when purchasing from unregistered traders.
If problems occur, buyers can’t access the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal for resolution unless the seller is a registered trader.
“If you break the law, we will act – and we now have stronger legal backing to do so thanks to the recent ‘display for sale’ decision,” Connor said.
“Our priority is consumer protection and maintaining trust in the motor vehicle sales industry.”
“We’re using smarter tools, including NZTA data-sharing, to identify and stop unlawful trading before it harms consumers.”