- $145,000 in fines for unlicensed dealing of over 40 vehicles by two family members
- One man is a repeat offender with a third unlicensed dealing offence
- Court refuses spent convictions due to seriousness of offending
Two family relatives involved in extensive unlicensed motor vehicle dealing have been ordered to pay a combined $146,320 in fines and costs after prosecutions by Consumer Protection.
Van Vinh Tran pleaded guilty in the Perth Magistrates Court on 4 September 2026 to carrying on the business of buying or selling vehicles without a licence, in breach of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act 1973. He was fined a total of $70,000, comprising a $10,000 penalty and $60,000 in daily penalties, and was ordered to pay $660 in costs.
The court heard that between 1 July 2024 and 30 March 2025, Van Vinh Tran bought and sold at least 18 vehicles and received payment from the sale of up to 39 vehicles, despite never holding a motor vehicle dealer’s licence.
Van Vinh Tran’s offending marked his third conviction for unlicensed motor vehicle dealing. He was previously convicted in January 2023 and March 2025 for similar offences.
His family relative, Clinton Trong Tin Tran, was also convicted of unlicensed motor vehicle dealing and fined a total of $75,000, comprising a $10,000 penalty and $65,000 in daily penalties, in addition to $660 in costs.
The court heard that between 12 October 2024 and 15 August 2025, Clinton Tran bought and sold 22 vehicles without holding a motor vehicle dealer’s licence.
Under the Act, a person is deemed to be a dealer if they hold themselves out as carrying on the business of buying or selling vehicles, or if they sell or exchange four or more vehicles with anyone who is not a dealer within a 12-month period.
During sentencing, Magistrate Johnson said he was not minded to grant either man a spent conviction, given the seriousness of the offending.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake said the unlicensed dealing carried out by both men was substantial and repetitive, with the transactions resulting in significant financial benefit.
“This case involved two family members who engaged in substantial unlicensed motor vehicle dealing over an extended period, operating outside the regulatory framework designed to protect consumers,” Ms Blake said.
“The fact that this is Van Vinh Tran’s third conviction for unlicensed dealing is a matter of particular concern. In this latest case, he was buying and selling vehicles at a rapid pace – at least 18 in about eight and a half months, with an average turnaround time of only 15 days.
“Consumers who buy vehicles from unlicensed dealers can be left vulnerable if problems arise, including difficulties obtaining remedies and missing out on important consumer protections such as statutory warranty rights, with some vehicles sold in an unsafe or unroadworthy condition.
“The significant penalties imposed by the court, together with the decision not to grant spent convictions, send a clear message that unlicensed motor vehicle dealing is a serious offence and fines will not be treated as simply a cost of doing business.”
Consumers can check whether a motor vehicle dealer is licensed by conducting a search on the Consumer Protection website. Suspected unlicensed dealers can be reported by email to consumer@lgirs.wa.gov.au or by calling 1300 30 40 54.
Media Contact: cpmedia@lgirs.wa.gov.au