Regulating the business of selling cars

Occupational Regulation registers motor vehicle traders in New Zealand and administers the Register of Motor Vehicle Traders.

Upgrade to the new motor vehicle traders register

The motor vehicle traders register was upgraded October 2024. Find out how the new register works, and how you can set up your access.

Apply to register as a motor vehicle trader

You need to register with us if you are trading in motor vehicles. This includes importing more than 3 vehicles or selling more than 6 vehicles within any 12-month period.

Getting help or making a complaint

Find out what we can do to help, and where you can make a complaint. We’ll also let you know who else can help, if we can’t.

News and notices

  • Banned trader fined $10,000 for selling 40 cars

    Date published:

    MVTR

    Kenneth James Michael Cumming has been sentenced in the Timaru District Court after pleading guilty to 3 charges under the Motor Vehicle Sales Act 2003 (MVSA) for trading motor vehicles when he was banned.
  • Decisions from the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal – July 2025

    Date published:

    MVTR

    The Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal (MVDT) hears disputes between consumers and registered motor vehicle traders. Below are 2 recent decisions from July 2025 that highlight your obligations under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA).
  • Displaying Vehicles for Sales

    Date published:

    MVTR

    Recently the Hāwera District Court fined Ōpunake-based Hamish Dormer-Rowe $22,500 for operating as a motor vehicle trader without registration. This breaches the Motor Vehicle Sales Act 2003.
  • View all news and notices

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