Photo: American Honda (Honda US Newsroom). 2026 Honda Accord. Part of the Car Buyer Protection Series by Henry Chen, Maple Honda, Vaughan.
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
Frequently asked, Vaughan edition
Does the Code of Ethics apply to private sellers?
No. The Code applies to OMVIC-registered dealers and salespersons. Private sellers aren't bound by it. That's one of the structural reasons OMVIC's framework only protects you when you buy from a registered dealer.
What if the salesperson (not the dealer) violates the Code?
Both the salesperson and the dealer can be disciplined. The dealer is responsible for the actions of the salespersons they employ. If a salesperson does something wrong, the dealer is on the hook.
Can I see the dealer's Code of Ethics violations?
Yes — OMVIC's enforcement history is searchable on the dealer-search tool for records since 2010. Past Code of Ethics violations are part of the dealer's enforcement history.
What is OMVIC's Code of Ethics?
OMVIC's Code of Ethics is the conduct standard every registered Ontario dealer and salesperson must follow. It covers: honest advertising, accurate representations, full disclosure of material facts, fair contract terms, professional conduct, confidentiality of buyer information, prohibition on high-pressure tactics, and proper handling of deposits and trade-in payoffs. A dealer who violates the Code can face OMVIC discipline up to and including licence revocation.
Does the Code of Ethics protect me during a test drive?
Yes. The Code includes specific protections during test drives: dealers cannot pressure you to commit during or immediately after a test drive, cannot require you to disclose financial information before the drive, must let you drive a meaningful route (not just around the block), and must accompany you for insurance purposes. Violations are reportable to OMVIC.
Can a salesperson be disciplined separately from the dealer?
Yes. Both the salesperson AND the dealer can be disciplined independently. A salesperson who lies, misrepresents, or pressures a buyer faces their own OMVIC discipline — including fines and licence suspension or revocation. The dealer is also liable for the salesperson's conduct but does not shield the salesperson from individual consequences.
Does the Code of Ethics cover add-on products like GAP or extended warranty?
Yes. Add-on sales are explicitly covered: the dealer must disclose the price, the terms, your right to cancel, and that the product is optional. Pushing add-ons as mandatory, hiding them in financing, or misrepresenting coverage are all Code violations. If you felt pressured into an add-on, you can file an OMVIC complaint.
Is the Code of Ethics publicly available?
Yes. OMVIC publishes the full Code of Ethics on omvic.ca, and dealers are required to make it available on request. Each registered dealer must post or provide a copy at their place of business. Henry keeps a copy at the desk and is happy to walk through any section with a buyer — bring questions to the test drive appointment.
Want me to walk through the OMVIC piece of your next deal?
If you have a quote from another store, a private sale you're considering, or just a question about how OMVIC's rules apply to your situation, send me the details. I will help you pressure-test the structure.