A Huntingdale man has been fined $9,500 by the Joondalup Magistrates Court for selling vehicles from his home without a licence.

Grant William James Hislop failed to appear in court on 3 August 2018, and the matter proceeded in his absence.

Mr Hislop was convicted of unlicensed motor vehicle dealing in relation to 18 cars that were bought, and then 12 sold, during a 12 month period. Costs of $205.30 were also awarded.

In sentencing, Magistrate Deen Potter highlighted the need for deterrence, especially with the prevalence of online sales via sites such as Gumtree which allow sellers to reach many potential buyers and carry out a high volume of transactions.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard said a person who buys and sells vehicles other than for private use is taken to be carrying on the business of selling vehicles as a dealer if four or more transactions occur in any 12 month period.

 “We urge the community to report unlicensed motor vehicle dealing to us,” My Hillyard said.

“This illegal activity means consumers do not get the warranties and protections that they would otherwise receive when purchasing from a licensed dealer.”

“The licensing system is there to ensure the buyer’s rights to a warranty and other consumer guarantees are protected.

Anyone wishing to sell motor vehicles as a way of making money needs to become licensed. It is not a complicated or expensive business to establish.  More information about this process and the requirements is available on the Consumer Protection website at www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au.

Consumers can also use the website to check whether a motor vehicle dealer is licensed by doing a search. 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: Claudine Murphy, (08) 6552 9366 / 0423 846 397 /claudine.murphy@dmirs.wa.gov.au