- Bennett Springs man penalised more than $87,000 for unlicensed car dealing
- Continued selling cars just a month after prior conviction for same offence
- Anyone buying/selling four or more vehicles a year needs a dealer’s licence
A repeat offender who illegally sold more than 30 vehicles in 17 months has been convicted and ordered to pay a total of $87,300.50 by the Perth Magistrates Court.
Van Vinh Tran, of Bennett Springs, pleaded guilty to breaching the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act when he bought 33 vehicles and sold 31, making a $75,950 profit, without holding a dealer’s licence.
An investigation by Consumer Protection found Mr Tran resumed buying and selling vehicles only one month after receiving an initial conviction in January 2023 for a similar offence.
The Motor Vehicle Dealers Act 1973 defines a dealer to be anyone selling or exchanging four or more vehicles to non-dealers in a 12-month period.
In sentencing, the Magistrate emphasised the need for personal deterrence, noting Mr Tran’s disregard for his previous conviction by immediately reoffending.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake said the substantial penalty imposed in this case demonstrated the court’s recognition of unlicensed dealing as a serious offence.
“To deter any future unlicensed car dealing by Mr Tran, we are pleased the Magistrate imposed a penalty surpassing the profits, sending a clear message that such activities will not be tolerated,” Ms Blake said.
“Consumers are the primary victims of unlicensed car dealing, as they are vulnerable to receiving substandard vehicles and may struggle to resolve issues.
“Because of these risks, vehicle sales are tightly regulated in WA, with even a small number of transactions qualifying as dealing.”
Consumers can check whether a motor vehicle dealer is licensed by doing a search on the Consumer Protection website. Unlicensed dealers can be reported by emailing consumer@demirs.wa.gov.au or by calling 1300 30 40 54.
Media Contact: cpmedia@demirs.wa.gov.au