Fair Trading Auto Torque

October 2025

News for the automotive industry from NSW Fair Trading

A message from the NSW Fair Trading Commissioner

NSW Fair Trading is committed to maintaining high standards across the motor industry. Through strong regulatory practices, tackling non-compliant traders, and supporting operators to better understand their obligations, we aim to foster a fair and transparent marketplace for both businesses and consumers.

Building on this commitment, recent changes to motor dealer and repairer laws are now in effect. These reforms strengthen consumer protections and align regulations with evolving industry practices, shaped by valuable feedback from both industry stakeholders and the community.

We continue to take firm action to uphold integrity within the sector, with rigorous compliance and enforcement measures. Between June and September 2025, we issued 77 warning letters, and 73 penalty infringement notices to the value of $134,215.

In this edition of Auto Torque, you’ll find updates on licensing, compliance operations, recent prosecutions, and key information about the latest law changes. I encourage all operators to stay informed and make the most of the resources available.

Natasha Mann

NSW Fair Trading Commissioner

Motor industry law changes commence

Changes to the Motor Dealers and Repairers Regulation have now commenced. These changes aim to modernise the regulatory framework, strengthen consumer protections, and better reflect current industry practices. 

Key changes

Key changes now in force include new requirements for motor dealers selling vehicles online, updated qualification standards for repair specialists, and tighter restrictions on recyclers to help prevent the trade in stolen goods.For changes to online sales, licensed motor dealers already selling online will have until 1 December 2025 to comply with the new requirements. This includes notifying NSW Fair Trading of any current online business details.    These law changes also expand access to the Motor Dealers and Repairers Compensation Fund, introduce statutory guarantees for trailers and caravans, modernise record keeping requirements, and improve processes for declared trade shows. 

EV repair class not included

The proposed EV repair class and related qualifications are not part of this Regulation. The Government remains committed to introducing an EV mechanic repair class and other appropriate training and will continue to work with industry on the EV reforms to keep workers safe, protect consumers and support upskilling in the automotive industry. 

Where can I find out more? 

The new Motor Dealers and Repairers Regulation 2025 commenced on 1 September 2025. The Regulation supports changes that have been made to the Motor Dealers and Repairers Act 2013 which also came into effect on 1 September 2025.

More about the updated laws

Ensure your tow truck application is complete before lodgement

NSW Fair Trading is currently experiencing an increase in tow truck driver and operator applications. To help avoid delays, make sure your application is complete before submitting it.

Here are some key tips for a smooth application process:

• Apply early – applications are assessed in the order they are received.
• Complete all sections – make sure every part of the form is filled in and that you’ve attached the required documents. Use the supporting document checklist to confirm nothing is missing.
• Check your documents – documents must be current and in the name of the applicant.
• Avoid delays – incomplete applications will cause further delays and increased wait times. 

If you lodge a renewal before your licence or certificate expires, you can continue working while your application is being assessed.

Apply for a Tow Truck Driver Certificate or a Tow Truck Operator Licence.

Coming soon: You will soon be able to lodge your tow truck applications online.

Faster assessment times for Motor Vehicle Tradesperson Certificates

Applying for a Motor Vehicle Tradesperson Certificate with NSW Fair Trading is now quicker and easier. Over the past 6 months, average wait times have dropped by more than 60% – down to just 15 days.

You’ll need a Motor Vehicle Tradesperson Certificate to do repair work on motor vehicles, even if you hold a Motor Vehicle Repairer Licence. To apply, you must have the required qualifications for each class of repair work, and not be an apprentice or trainee.

For a faster experience, lodge your application online and ensure you attach proof of identity and your qualification.

How to apply

When can you apply for a Motor Vehicle Tradesperson Certificate?

If you're applying for a Motor Vehicle Tradesperson Certificate, you can't be registered as an apprentice when you apply. Even if you’ve completed your qualification, you need to wait until your apprenticeship is officially completed.  

Misrepresenting your apprentice status – even by mistake – can lead to your Motor Vehicle Tradesperson Certificate being cancelled or even legal penalties.

Visit the NSW Fair Trading website for guidance on applying the right way.

If you aren’t sure of your apprenticeship status, check with Training Services by contacting them on 13 28 11 or visiting one of their offices.

Industry compliance and enforcement

SW Fair Trading enforces strong laws and regulations to protect consumers and uphold the reputation of the motor industry. If you are unsure about any aspect of industry legislation or your trade licence requirements, visit the NSW Fair Trading website or contact us on 13 32 20.From June to September 2025 NSW Fair Trading issued:

• 77 warning letters
• 73 penalty infringement notices to the value of $134,215

Enforcement activities

Autosports Castle Hill Pty Ltd Enforceable Undertaking

NSW Fair Trading has entered into a 2 year EnforceableUndertaking from 17 July 2025 with Autosports Castle Hill Pty Ltd (ACN 163 974 481), trading as Volvo Cars Parramatta, Castle Hill Volkswagen, Dycati Sydney by Autosports, Sydney City Land Rover, Bentley Sydney, Sydney City Jaguar, Brighton Jaguar Land Rover, Brighton Land Rover and Brighton Jaguar.This action follows an inspection and investigation into conduct between 17 July 2018 and 24 May 2024, which identified violations of theMotor Dealers & Repairers Act 2013, Motor Dealers & Repairers Regulation 2014, Australian Consumer Law 2010, andNSW Fair Trading Act 1987.The Undertaking reflects a shared commitment to improving future compliance with consumer protection laws and ensuring better service and transparency for customers across the various dealership locations.

Find out more about the Undertaking. 

Motor Tradesperson James Steven Power disqualified for 10 years after multiple offences

NSW Fair Trading has cancelled the Motor Vehicle Tradesperson Certificate of James Steven Power and disqualified him for 10 years, after Mr Power pleaded guilty to:

• 16 breaches of the Crimes Act 1900 for knowingly producing false or misleading vehicle inspection reports
• 1 breach of the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2017 (Regulation) for knowingly issuing inspection reports without inspecting the vehicles; and
• 1 breach of the Regulation for breaching a condition of his examiner’s authority.

This matter was referred to NSW Fair Trading by Transport for NSW as part of a joint initiative to address and prevent misconduct in the motor industry. 

Motor Tradesperson Anthony James Baysari disqualified for 6 years

NSW Fair Trading has cancelled Anthony James Baysari’s Motor Vehicle Tradesperson’s Certificate and disqualified him for 6 years after he:

• was found guilty of one breach of the Crimes Act 1900 for producing vehicle inspection reports knowing the documents to be false or misleading; and
• failed to disclose that he had been found guilty of offences in the preceding 10 years when renewing his licence. 

This matter was referred to NSW Fair Trading by Transport for NSW as part of a joint initiative to address and prevent misconduct in the motor industry. 

Couple convicted for running an unlicensed motor dealing business

A husband-and-wife duo have been convicted for running an unlicensed motor dealing business from their home in Kellyville Ridge, NSW, involving fraudulent practices including odometer tampering, false service logbooks, and deceptive sales tactics.Between 2021 and 2023, Pedram Hemmatifarahani and Neginsadat Nabavieh used Facebook Marketplace and SMS to sell numerous vehicles with tampered odometers and forged logbooks. In several cases, they rolled back odometers by tens of thousands of kilometres to inflate sale prices, misleading unsuspecting buyers.

Mr Hemmatifarahani has been sentenced to a community correction order of 18 months, a total of 180 community service hours and to repay $16,900 in compensation to victims, in addition to covering prosecution costs. Ms Nabavieh was sentenced to a 12 month community correction order and ordered to pay a $1,200 penalty.

NSW Fair Trading takes this conduct seriously. Odometer tampering is a deliberate and deceptive act that misleads buyers, creates safety risks, and erodes trust in the second-hand car market.

Check a vehicle’s past 3 odometer readings here.

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Call 13 32 20 Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm.