OMVIC's Code of Ethics: What Every Honda Buyer Should Expect From a Clean Dealer

Photo: American Honda (Honda US Newsroom). 2026 Honda Odyssey.

OMVIC's Code of Ethics is mandated through the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, 2002. Every OMVIC-registered dealer and salesperson agrees to abide by its language and intent. Violations are grounds for discipline, including suspension or revocation of registration.

For a GTA buyer, the Code of Ethics is the reason a clean dealer behaves the way you expect. When a dealer cuts corners, OMVIC's discipline framework is supposed to catch it. When the framework doesn't catch it, OMVIC's complaints process is your recourse.

The core obligations every dealer agrees to

• Conduct business with honesty, integrity, financial responsibility, and in accordance with the law
• Be clear and truthful in describing the features, benefits, and prices of the vehicles and related products and services
• Make all representations — including advertising — legal, decent, ethical, and truthful
• Disclose all material facts about a vehicle before the buyer signs
• Honor the terms of every contract the dealer enters into
• Maintain professional standards in dealing with the public, other dealers, and OMVIC

What this means for you as a buyer

The dealer has agreed to be honest with you about the vehicle's condition, history, and pricing.

The dealer has agreed to honor the contract you sign — including the financing terms, the warranty terms, and the trade-in terms.

The dealer has agreed to disclose everything material about the vehicle before you sign. If they fail to disclose, that's a Code of Ethics violation and an MVDA breach.

The dealer has agreed to treat you professionally. That includes prompt responses, clear communication, and willingness to resolve disputes.

Photo: American Honda (Honda US Newsroom). 2026 Honda Odyssey.

What the Code of Ethics specifically prohibits

• False, misleading, or deceptive representations about any vehicle, price, or service
• Withholding material facts about a vehicle's history or condition
• Charging hidden fees not disclosed in the advertised price
• Tied-selling — requiring the buyer to purchase one product as a condition for buying another
• Acting in any way that would reasonably be regarded as disgraceful, dishonourable, unprofessional, or unbecoming of a Registrant

What OMVIC does when a dealer violates the Code

• Initial inquiry and information gathering
• Formal complaint acknowledgement and assignment of a Complaint Review Specialist
• Investigation, including asking the dealer for a written response
• Voluntary resolution attempt if appropriate
• Discipline hearing before the Discipline Tribunal if formal action is warranted
• Possible outcomes: administrative penalties, suspension of registration, revocation of registration, financial penalties
• Referral to the Licence Appeal Tribunal for any appeals

How you as a buyer use the Code of Ethics

• Know what the Code requires — that's what a clean dealer looks like
• When the dealer behaves contrary to the Code (deceptive pricing, undisclosed history, hidden fees, tied-selling), escalate to OMVIC's complaints process
• Document everything — dates, names, what was said, what was promised, what was on the contract
• If the formal complaint doesn't resolve it, the Licence Appeal Tribunal is the next step
• If the violation caused you a financial loss, the Compensation Fund may be available