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Putting illegal, unregistered sellers on notice: OMVIC steps up enforcement

May 20, 2026
Selling

Across Ontario, OMVIC registered motor vehicle dealers and salespeople work hard to earn a living, serve consumers, and operate their businesses in a compliant manner. Illegal, unregistered sellers, also known as “curbsiders”, undermine that system, creating unfair competition and eroding consumer trust in the marketplace.

At a recent OMVIC open house, the Honourable Zee Hamid, Ontario’s Associate Solicitor General responsible for Auto Theft and Bail Reform, voiced his support for OMVIC registered dealers and salespeople. Minister Hamid reinforced the importance of addressing illegal, unregistered sellers and maintaining consumer trust. Hear Minister Hamid’s remarks:

At issue: protecting OMVIC registered dealers and salespeople

Vehicle sales should be fair, honest, and straightforward. Protecting registered dealers and salespeople is at the core of OMVIC’s mission. Illegal, unregistered sellers threaten the industry by posing as private sellers while operating outside the law. In doing so, they compete unfairly with registered dealers and salespeople, put consumers at risk through non-disclosure issues, and undermine confidence in the broader motor vehicle sales industry. Addressing illegal, unregistered sellers is about maintaining a level playing field for registrants who operate in compliance with the law.

OMVIC takes action through enforcement and education

OMVIC investigations are resulting in charges against illegal, unregistered sellers, contributing to stronger enforcement and building on enhanced public awareness.

Enforcement that gets results

In 2025, OMVIC’s enforcement  efforts contributed to 895 charges being laid against 174 alleged curbsiders. Altogether, curbsiding penalties and other enforcement actions resulted in more than $1.9 million in fines under the Provincial Offences Act. At the same time, OMVIC established a dedicated Curbsider Task Force to proactively gather intelligence and disrupt illegal activity. OMVIC continues to work closely with law enforcement across Canada and across the border to investigate and prosecute possible illegal, unregistered sellers.

Increasing consumer awareness of curbsiders

Through consumer education, OMVIC informs the public of red flags to watch out for when buying a vehicle such as avoiding illegal, unregistered sellers . In 2025, consumer awareness campaigns generated 143 million impressions. OMVIC continues to host webinars, participate in large public events, and share monthly content across its digital channels to inform the public about the dangers of buying from illegal, unregistered sellers. Awareness of illegal, unregistered sellers has steadily increased over the past three years, and has now reached 28% awareness among consumers, with campaigns underway to further increase awareness. For example, OMVIC’s campaign to “Look Twice, Buy Smart”, encourages consumers to slow down, ask questions, and choose registered dealers and salespeople.

Creating value for registrants

OMVIC’s actions are focused on protecting the regulated marketplace and supporting registered dealers and salespeople. By targeting illegal sellers and increasing public awareness, OMVIC is helping to reduce unfair competition and reinforce trust in the industry.

Take action

Dealers and salespeople play an important role in identifying and reporting curbsider activity. If illegal, unregistered selling is suspected:

OMVIC continues to investigate reports to protect the industry and address illegal, unregistered sellers.