OMVIC (Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council) enforces the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA) on behalf of the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services.
This Ontario consumer protection legislation provides vehicle-buying protections when consumers purchase from an OMVIC-Registered Dealer.
Four Key Areas of Ontario's Consumer Protection Legislation
- Vehicle Disclosure: Consumers are entitled to full disclosure of a vehicle’s past-use, history and condition as well as all material facts that could otherwise change the mind of the consumer entering into the contract.
- All-in Price Advertising: If an advertisement includes the price of a vehicle, that price must include all fees and charges the dealer intends to collect. HST and licensing (actual cost of vehicle registration and plates) do not have to be included in the price so long as the ad clearly states they are not included.
- Cancellation Rights: If a dealer does not fully disclose specified information about a vehicle, a consumer may be able to cancel or rescind the contract.
- Access to Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund: If a consumer suffers a financial loss arising from a transaction with a motor vehicle dealer, they may be eligible to make a claim to the Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund.
Know When You’re Protected
Consumer protection legislation ONLY applies when consumers buy from an OMVIC-Registered Dealer. There is no consumer law that covers private transactions. If something goes wrong, you’re on your own.
To identify an OMVIC-registered dealer, look for the blue and yellow decal on dealership doors and windows.
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Click on the button below to search for OMVIC-Registered Dealers and salespeople: