The Minns Labor Government is urging motorists to check who they are buying vehicles from after a targeted compliance crackdown saw over $130,000 worth of fines issued to rogue car traders.
NSW Fair Trading's most recent compliance blitzes targeted unlicensed motor dealers and vehicle repairers, allegations of odometer tampering, the sale of defective vehicles, forged inspection certificates and individuals who have never held a licence or continue to operate after failing to renew required licences.
Since 1 July, intelligence from consumer complaints has helped inspectors conduct almost 200 unannounced inspections of dealerships and suspected unlawful traders across Sydney, the Central Coast and regional NSW.
These blitzes have resulted in 65 enforcement outcomes, including 15 official warnings and 40 fines totaling over $130,000 - 17 of which were related to unlicensed motor dealing.
This blitz comes after significant disciplinary action taken by NSW Fair Trading in recent months against motor dealers caught doing the wrong thing. In April 2026, NSW Fair Trading prosecuted an operator after he pleaded guilty to unlicensed motor dealing, odometer tampering, deception and using false documents. The individual was sentenced to 16 months' imprisonment, and the court also ordered more than $45,000 in consumer compensation.
In July 2026, another operator was convicted of unlicensed motor dealing and fraud offences related to odometer tampering. This followed an investigation which revealed he had sold 30 vehicles with altered odometers and generated more than $194,000 in profits. The individual was also ordered to pay more than $196,000 in compensation to 27 people and was given a 20-month Intensive Corrections Order.
In August of this year, an unlicenced motor dealer was ordered to pay more than $75,000 in victim compensation after falsifying vehicle service histories and winding back odometers to the tune of around 1.6 million kilometres to boost his profits.
These enforcement outcomes are a result of NSW Fair Trading's 'Anytime, Anywhere' Program, Unlicensed Compliance Program, and other proactive inspections.
Consumers are encouraged to check a trader's credentials before purchasing a vehicle by searching the NSW Fair Trading public register, which allows members of the public to verify whether a motor dealer is appropriately licensed. Consumers should also check the car's history on the Service NSW website.
Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:
"Buying a car is a significant purchase and people deserve to have confidence that the vehicle they're buying is safe and represented honestly.
"We're targeting unlicensed, rogue operators who think they can fly under the radar by trading online, hiding in suburban backyards or advertising vehicles through social media platforms.
"If you're selling vehicles as a business, you need a licence. If you're winding back odometers, forging documents or misleading consumers, expect NSW Fair Trading to come knocking."
