Automotive Certification and MVDA Regulations

Dishonesty, lack of integrity, or irresponsible financial practices by a dealer or salesperson.

The Motor Vehicle Dealers Act sets out the rules for motor vehicle dealers to follow the law.

The Automotive Certification Course is a required course for individuals managing dealerships to ensure competency and adherence to industry standards.

When a dealer renews their registration, they must provide accurate and up-to-date contact information.

If an applicant doesn't meet the requirements of the MVDA, OMVIC can reject their application without needing to explain.

All motor vehicle dealers and salespeople in Ontario must register with OMVIC. This ensures they meet the requirements set by the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA).

The registration process involves background checks and screening to ensure applicants meet OMVIC's standards. New applicants are required to provide a criminal record search.

Registration is valid for two years for salespeople and one year for dealers. After this period, registration needs to be renewed. Dealers with multiple locations must list all authorized places of business on their registration.

Dealers who are also registered in other provinces or countries are classified as 'Outside Ontario Dealers'.

Each dealership must designate a 'person in charge' who is responsible for the dealership's operations.

OMVIC has a defined process for appealing registration refusal. This process involves the Licence Appeal Tribunal.

Individuals or organizations that don't fall under OMVIC's regulatory scope (e.g., manufacturers, auctioneers) are exempt from registration.

OMVIC categorizes dealers into different classes (e.g., new car dealers, used car dealers) based on their specific business activities.

Two people are linked through various business relationships: one is an officer/director of a corporation, both are in a partnership, they are partners of the same firm, one controls a corporation the other is part of, both control corporations by the same person, they are members of the same voting trust, or are associated with the same person in one of these ways.

The process of officially registering individuals or businesses as dealers or salespeople in a specific industry.

A temporary suspension of a dealer or salesperson's registration. It is initiated by the Registrar if there is a concern about public safety or interest.

A legal body responsible for reviewing appeals against the Registrar's decisions regarding temporary suspensions of registration.

A formal request to have a hearing to challenge a temporary suspension.

A specific timeframe during which a temporary suspension remains in effect.

The ability of the LAT to extend a temporary suspension if the hearing begins before the suspension expires.

A person or company licensed to buy and sell vehicles in Ontario.

They must be at least 18 years old.

They must be at least 18 years old, pass a written test, and complete a Criminal Record Check.

OMVIC might refuse registration if they don't meet the requirements, or if they have previous misconduct.

They must reapply and provide evidence that they now meet the requirements.

New, Used, Wholesale and Reconditioning.

OMVIC doesn't require registration for people who are selling their own vehicles, auctioneers, or manufacturers and distributors selling through their own dealer network.

A dealer must notify OMVIC if they change their business address, phone number, or ownership.

A type of dealer that primarily buys and sells motor vehicles, offering both new and used vehicles.

A dealer specializing in leasing motor vehicles. They cannot directly sell to the public but can only lease to individuals or businesses and then sell to other registered dealers or at specific auctions.

A dealer focused on leasing vehicles to fleets, like businesses owning multiple vehicles.

This type of dealer can only register in one category, including General Dealer, Broker or Outside Ontario Dealer. All other dealer types can register in multiple categories.

This dealer can only buy vehicles, but cannot sell them directly to the public. They may sell to other registered dealers.

A dealer who only buys or sells vehicles within Ontario. They cannot operate outside the province, so they are limited to Ontario only.

A dealer licensed to sell motor vehicles in Canada, either new or used. They may operate online or have a physical location.

Dealers are required to keep detailed records about each vehicle in their inventory, including the VIN, any Safety Standards Certificate, results of inspections under the Highway Traffic Act, any repairs or reconditioning performed, and odometer information.

Dealers must maintain records of any repairs or reconditioning work performed on vehicles, including the source of the parts, cost of the work, and the name of the repairer.

Dealers must keep records of the odometer reading before and after any replacement or repair of the odometer.

Dealers must store their vehicle records and other required documents for a minimum of two years after the sale of the vehicle, or three years if the vehicle is still in their inventory.

Dealers must keep records of the date and time of any customer contact, including phone calls, emails, and in-person visits.

Dealers must maintain records of all transactions, including sales, leases, and trade-ins.

Dealers must store all records in a secure and accessible location. These records can be maintained electronically or in hard copy, but they must be organized and readily available for inspection.

OMVIC can inspect a dealer's records at any time, and the dealer must allow for inspection.