All motor vehicle dealers (new and used) and salespeople are required by law to be licenced by OMVIC and are bound by the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA) and a Code of Ethics.
Most registered dealers and salespersons adhere to the laws and regulations governing the industry. But if they fail to comply, they may be subject to one or more of OMVIC’s enforcement proceedings.
OMVIC can issue a proposal to refuse, revoke or suspend registration of a dealer or salesperson, they can be subject to discipline if they don’t follow the Code of Ethics or in some cases they may be formally charged with an offence and prosecuted under the Provincial Offences Act.
Use our find a dealer search to review the history of a dealer or salesperson you are working with.
To be eligible for an OMVIC license, dealers and salespeople undergo background checks and must successfully complete an Automotive Certification Course which provides them with a certified in automotive law and ethics designation (CALE). This designation helps to ensure industry professionalism to support a fair and informed marketplace.
Dealers or salespeople registered with OMVIC prior to 2010 (when CALE was established) may not have this designation.
Car buyers who purchase from an OMVIC-registered dealer are entitled to various protections under the law including:
