A Perth mother and son have admitted to illegally buying and selling motor vehicles without a dealers’ licence, resulting in each being fined $6,000 and ordered to pay $580.50 in costs by the Perth Magistrates Court.

From October 2017 to November 2018, Angela Goodwin and Stuart Goodwin of Banksia Grove bought and sold 27 motor vehicles without holding a licence, breaching the Motor Vehicles Dealers Act.

In sentencing, Magistrate Scadden rejected Mr Goodwin’s explanation that selling vehicles was a hobby, describing the unlawful practice as a danger to the community.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Lanie Chopping said unlicensed dealers erode the rights of consumers who buy a used-car and potentially jeopardise their safety.

“People who buy vehicles from illegal operators do not have the protection of a warranty, meaning they have very little chance of getting repairs done if something goes wrong with the car after purchase,” Ms Chopping said.

“Dealer and repairer licensing also ensures repair work is undertaken properly, meaning the vehicle is safe to drive and industry standards are maintained. 

“I urge car-buyers to only deal with licensed operators, and to report any illegal business to Consumer Protection so action can be taken.”

Consumers can check whether a motor vehicle dealer is licensed by doing a search on the Consumer Protection website: www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au. Unlicensed dealers can be reported by emailing consumer@demirs.wa.gov.au or by calling 1300 30 40 54.

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Media Contact: Alan Hynd, (08) 6552 9248 / 0429 078 791 / alan.hynd@demirs.wa.gov.au