NSW Fair Trading has issued more than $130,000 in fines following a series of targeted compliance operations focusing on unlicensed motor dealers, vehicle repairers and suspected odometer tampering.
Since 1 July, inspectors have carried out almost 200 unannounced inspections of dealerships and suspected unlawful traders across Sydney, the Central Coast and regional NSW.
The inspections resulted in 65 enforcement outcomes, including 15 official warnings and 40 fines totalling more than $130,000. Of those fines, 17 related to unlicensed motor dealing.
Inspections Target Unlicensed Trading and Odometer Tampering
NSW Fair Trading said the recent operations focused on a range of potential breaches, including the sale of vehicles without the required dealer licence, defective vehicles, forged inspection certificates and suspected odometer tampering.
Under NSW law, businesses buying, selling or exchanging vehicles as a retailer or wholesaler generally require a current motor dealer licence.
It is also illegal to interfere with a vehicle odometer by altering its reading, removing or replacing it improperly, or otherwise making the reading inaccurate. Current penalties can include a $5,500 infringement notice or prosecution carrying a maximum $55,000 penalty for each offence.
Recent Cases Lead to Compensation Orders
The latest inspections follow several enforcement actions taken against individuals involved in unlicensed motor dealing and vehicle history manipulation.
According to NSW Fair Trading, one operator prosecuted earlier this year pleaded guilty to offences including unlicensed dealing, odometer tampering, deception and the use of false documents. The court imposed a custodial sentence and ordered more than $45,000 in consumer compensation.
Another case investigated in 2026 involved the sale of 30 vehicles with altered odometer readings, with authorities alleging more than $194,000 in profits. The operator was ordered to pay more than $196,000 in compensation to 27 consumers and received a 20-month Intensive Correction Order.
A separate case resulted in more than $75,000 in compensation after vehicle service histories were falsified and odometers were allegedly wound back by a combined total of around 1.6 million kilometres.
Buyers Encouraged to Check Dealer Credentials
NSW Fair Trading is encouraging consumers to check whether a motor dealer is properly licensed before purchasing a vehicle.
Buyers can use the NSW Fair Trading public register to verify a dealer’s licence status and use Service NSW vehicle checks to review registration and available odometer information.
Service NSW also recommends comparing the displayed odometer reading with previous registration records, service histories and other vehicle documentation. Buyers can also inspect the VIN, service logbook and general vehicle wear for possible inconsistencies.
Consumers who suspect odometer tampering can report the matter to NSW Fair Trading through Service NSW.
The latest enforcement activity forms part of NSW Fair Trading’s ongoing compliance programs targeting unlicensed motor dealing and breaches of consumer protection laws.
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