Fair Trading Auto Torque
July 2025
News for the automotive industry from NSW Fair Trading
In this issue
A message from Natasha Mann
Confidence in the automotive industry depends on integrity, safety and compliance. At NSW Fair Trading, we remain focused on lifting standards across the sector and supporting licensed operators who do the right thing.
Recent enforcement action shows what’s at stake when those standards aren’t met. From serious breaches in the tow truck industry to odometer tampering and false inspection reports, these are not minor infractions — they have serious financial implications and put people at risk.
As the regulatory landscape evolves, we’re also making sure it works better for businesses. The recent introduction of the Automatic Mutual Recognition scheme will reduce red tape and improve licence portability across state borders. Further, as we finalise the new motor dealers and repairers regulation, industry feedback has been critical in shaping rules and ensuring we have a fair transition period.
This edition of Auto Torque includes important updates on licensing, compliance operations, recent prosecutions, and an invitation to participate in our survey on electric and hydrogen vehicle use. I encourage all operators to stay informed, check your records are up to date, and engage with the resources available.
Natasha Mann
NSW Fair Trading Commissioner
Automotive industry joins the Automatic Mutual Recognition Scheme
More automotive businesses and workers will now find it easier to work across state borders, as automotive industry workers are added to the Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) scheme.
The AMR is a national scheme that recognises trade licences and occupational registrations across states and territories. It supports workers and businesses across Australia by removing red tape, reducing costs and allowing worker movement between states without needing to apply or pay for a second licence to work in NSW.
Automotive workers operating in NSW under AMR will still be required to contribute to the NSW Motor Dealers and Repairers Compensation Fund.
Tow truck drivers have been covered by AMR since mid-2023.
New regulation for motor dealers and repairers
An updated regulation for motor dealers and repairers is currently being finalised.
Thank you to the those who participated in the Have Your Say consultation on the Draft Motor Dealers and Repairs Regulation 2025. Your feedback is being used to help protect consumers and guide the future of the motor dealer and repair industry in NSW.
The proposed new regulation for buying, selling and repairing motor vehicles in NSW will:
The Motor Dealers and Repairers Regulation 2025 will commence on 1 September 2025, except for some reforms that will be subject to a transition period.
Updates in the tow truck industry
Tow truck compliance operation found breaches and issued defects.
NSW Fair Trading’s tow truck compliance team recently took part in Operation HAUL, which was a joint effort with NSW Police Force and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) in Botany. Police intercepted 14 tow trucks and escorted them to the NHVR Depot for detailed inspections.
Multiple breaches were found, including:
We also issued several defects to tow trucks with mechanical issues.
These checks help ensure the tow truck industry operates lawfully, safely and in the best interests of the public.
Unlicensed tow truck operator prosecuted and fined $159,480
An unlicensed tow truck operator has been found guilty of 174 offences and fined $159,480 after operating a towing business despite being deemed by NSW Fair Trading as not a fit and proper person to hold a tow truck licence.
The individual proceeded to advertise towing services through social media without a tow truck licence.
NSW Fair Trading took action and issued a Section 84 Direction for him to cease operating a tow truck for the purpose of towing motor vehicles. However, he continued to operate his towing business, posting images on social media of several vehicles he had towed.
N SW Fair Trading took further action and charged the operator with 174 offences. The Magistrate found him guilty on 42 advertising offences and fined him $56,420. On the remaining 132 offences the person was placed on a Community Corrections Order for 2 years. He was fined a further $39,620, costs and disbursements of $63,440. A total financial liability of $159,480, the highest a magistrate has ever issued for unlicensed towing.
This is a timely reminder of what you may be liable for if you operate as an unlicensed tow truck operator.
Industry compliance and enforcement
NSW 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 business essentials page or contact us on 13 32 20.
From March to May 2025, NSW Fair Trading issued:
Enforcement activities
Oday Al Sahmarani convicted for odometer tampering and ordered to pay $30,400 in compensation
Oday Al Sahmarani has been convicted and sentenced for selling two used cars with tampered odometers, via online marketplaces, to unsuspecting consumers – selling them for inflated prices after misleading the buyers into believing the cars had travelled significantly less than their true mileage.
Mr Al Sahmarani was sentenced to an 18-month Community Corrections Order and ordered to pay $30,400 in compensation after deceiving buyers about the condition of a 2011 Toyota Kluger and a 2008 Toyota Hilux.
The court heard Mr Al Sahmarani would arrange for the rollback of odometers, by over 200,000 km on each vehicle, and used a false logbook to support one of the sales.
NSW Fair Trading takes odometer tampering seriously – it’s a deceptive practice that misleads buyers, undermines trust, and can create safety risks.
Timothy Keith Donohoe disqualified for 8 years
NSW Fair Trading has cancelled Mr. Donohoe’s motor vehicle tradesperson’s certificate and disqualified him for 8 years after Mr. Donohoe received court sentences for:
This matter was referred to Fair Trading by Transport for NSW as part of a joint initiative to address and prevent misconduct in the motor industry.
Electric and hydrogen vehicles in NSW survey
NSW Fair Trading invites you to participate in a short survey about electric and hydrogen vehicles in NSW. Your response will help us understand the use of these vehicles in NSW, and what topics you would like to learn more about.
The survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete.
Subscribe to our eNewsletters
Get the latest information and updates by subscribing to our quarterly eNewsletters:
Tell us what you think
We’d love to hear from you about this newsletter. Did you find this information about the automotive industry useful?
You can unsubscribe or manage your preferences for receiving our emails at any time.
If you know someone who might be interested in receiving our news, you can forward this email and encourage them to subscribe.