Regulating the business of selling cars

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

Search the register

The motor vehicle traders register makes it easy to find out who's a registered trader, and who has been banned from trading.

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

  • MBIE’s proactive approach to compliance

    Date published:

    MVTR

    The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is using a proactive, education‑led approach to identify potential unregistered motor vehicle traders and support compliance with the Motor Vehicle Sales Act 2003.
  • MVDT annual report: key lessons for traders

    Date published:

    MVTR

    In this article we look at key lessons for traders from a selection of decisions highlighted in the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal’s latest annual report.
  • Recent MVDT decisions – March 2026

    Date published:

    MVTR

    In this article we highlight 2 recent Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal (MVDT) decisions show how the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA) is applied to disputes about vehicle quality, durability, and remedies.
  • View all news and notices

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