CCPC warns car dealers across Cavan and Monaghan to comply with consumer protection law
June 24, 2022
The CCPC is warning car traders in counties Cavan and Monaghan of their legal obligation to give complete and correct information to consumers when they are selling a car.
Following on from a number of complaints made by consumers to the CCPC, authorised officers this week conducted a series of unannounced inspections on car traders across the two counties. Complainants reported they may have been misled by car traders in relation to a car’s history.
Under consumer protection law, it is an offence for traders to give false, misleading or deceptive information about the history of a car, for example, its mileage or if the vehicle was previously involved in a crash or recorded as an insurance ‘write off’. If a car dealer is found guilty of such an offence, they may be liable for a fine of up to €3,000 and up to six months in prison.
Speaking about the inspections, Úna Butler, Member of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission said: “Misleading a consumer about the history of a car is a very serious offence. Not only can it be costly but also, critically, it can be dangerous. Consumers need to be able to rely on accurate information from car dealers about a vehicle’s roadworthiness and its history, particularly its mileage and any damage history. This week’s inspections should act as a reminder to all car dealers that if you mislead consumers then you are liable to face criminal prosecution.
The CCPC is aware that some traders in the border region may import damaged cars from Northern Ireland with a view to repairing them and then selling them on. It’s crucial that any trader who chooses to do this does not mislead the consumer about the history of the car. If they do so, they may be in breach of consumer protection law and the CCPC will use our powers to take enforcement action.”
The CCPC is also reminding consumers to do their own research before they buy a used car. Our website has lots of information and advice on what to consider, along with a car buyer’s checklist which lists important questions consumers should ask before they purchase.
Return to News