A
major role for AMVIC is the adequate protection of consumers
against illegal or unethical business practices. In Alberta,
any business that sells, buys, leases, consigns or repairs motor
vehicles must have an AMVIC licence. As well, every person who
sells, leases or consigns motor vehicles for an automotive business
must be registered with AMVIC. By becoming licensed or registered,
they have accepted a responsibility to deal with consumers in
good faith and in an ethical and legal manner.
To conduct a
search of licensed businesses in Alberta, click
here. To conduct a search of registered salespersons in
Alberta, click
here.
Consumers can take the first step towards protection by ensuring
the business is licensed or salesperson is registered. So the
next time you are in the market for a new or used automobile,
truck or RV, or seeking repair services, look for AMVIC’s seal
of authenticity. This is a licence or registration certificate
that certifies a business or salesperson must operate within
the requirements of Alberta’s Fair Trading Act- a set of comprehensive
rules for the automotive industry in Alberta.
E-mail, call or
write us if you encounter someone who doesn’t have a licence/registration
certificate, or if you have a complaint against a motor vehicle
business that is not being resolved. We can tell you if you
have a legitimate complaint and help mediate a settlement.
Unfortunately, there are some businesses and individuals in
Alberta who do not to comply with the Fair Trading Act, Criminal
Code of Canada, Highway Traffic Act and other provincial or
federal laws. In most cases, businesses are quick to comply
once a violation is brought to their attention.
In some cases, AMVIC needs to revoke a licence, lay charges
or levy fines in order to enforce the law. AMVIC’s
Consumer Alert! program is designed to notify consumers
and the public of businesses and individuals that have violated
one or more provincial laws.
AMVIC has a number of people on staff that can help consumers
resolve complaints or get advice about dealing with the automotive
industry. We have also developed some information materials
regarding rules and regulations under the Fair Trading Act,
your rights as a consumer, and the responsibilities of AMVIC
licensed businesses and AMVIC registered salespersons.
Check out our Reference
Library for information about other automotive and consumer organizations.
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