Consumer Protection for Unfair Trading Regulations: Further guidelines

legal updates

The guidance places a requirement on dealers to adhere to the requirements of Sale of Goods law and the Supply of Goods and Services Act.

Read our disclaimer keyboard_arrow_down

This website content is intended as a general guide to law as it applies to the motor trade. Lawgistics has taken every effort to ensure that the contents are as accurate and up to date as at the date of first publication.

The laws and opinions expressed within this website may be varied as the law develops. As such we cannot accept liability for or the consequence of, any change of law, or official guidelines since publication or any misuse of the information provided.

The opinions in this website are based upon the experience of the authors and it must be recognised that only the courts and recognised tribunals can interpret the law with authority.

Examples given within the website are based on the experience of the authors and centre upon issues that commonly give rise to disputes. Each situation in practice will be different and may comprise several points commented upon.

If you have any doubt about the correct legal position you should seek further legal advice from Lawgistics or a suitably qualified solicitor. We cannot accept liability for your failure to take professional advice where it should reasonably be sought by a prudent person.

All characters are fictitious and should not be taken as referring to any person living or dead.

Use of this website shall be considered acceptance of the terms of the disclaimer presented above.

In this article we look at a further section of the Office of Fair Trading guidelines for adhering to the Consumer Protection for Unfair Trading Regulations (CPRs). 

As we have said before the new regulations are wide reaching and take the law much further than you might imagine.

The guidance places a requirement on dealers to adhere to the requirements of Sale of Goods law and the Supply of Goods and Services Act.  The CPR’s are criminal requirements and they are making it a criminal offence if you don’t satisfy the requirements of these civil laws when a customer is seeking redress.

As a reminder, the Sale of Goods law requires the car you sell to be:

a) Of satisfactory quality
b) Fit for its purpose (eg it will to a particular weight)
c) As described

The Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 requires you to carry out repairs:

a) With reasonable care
b) With reasonable skill
c) Within reasonable (or an agreed) timescale

So literally, if you adopted a policy of refusing to honour these requirements you could be prosecuted for a criminal offence by Trading Standards.

DMS NavigatorDealer Management System software for Car Sales, Aftersales and eCommerce

Our dealers use us to help them be more Efficient and Profitable!

You can use our Dealer and Lead Management software to integrate all dealership departments, both online and physical ; providing all in-house functions; Invoicing, Stock Management, Accounting and Marketing as well as interfacing for advertising, ecommerce and more.

Dennis ChapmanIn remembrance of Dennis Chapman 1951 -2015Read More by this author

Related Legal Updates

Don’t Get Caught Out: Your Essential Part Exchange Checklist

Part exchanges can quickly become costly if a trade-in isn’t as described. Learn what to ask and how to protect yourself with our practical checklist.

Coincidence or Cause? When Timing Leads to Claims

A motorcycle engine seized just 30 miles after a service, sparking a claim of negligence. Find out how this case unfolded in court and why coincidence doesn’t always mean liability.

Elusive Vehicle Noises: What to Do When You Can’t Find the Fault

More customers are reporting strange noises that seem impossible to trace. Learn practical steps to recreate, record, and address these elusive issues while protecting your business.

AI is the future – but treat it with care!

AI can be a powerful ally—but recent cases show its misuse can lead to serious consequences, even contempt of court.

Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024

Unfair trading rules are shifting from the CPRs to the new Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 – effective April 2025.

The devil is in the detail

A solid report can make or break your legal case, but even minor mistakes can be costly. Learn what details to double-check in vehicle reports and how to avoid common pitfalls that could undermine your evidence in court.

Major changes to UK Consumer Law have landed

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 has introduced sweeping updates to UK consumer law, including powerful new enforcement tools for the CMA.

Get in touch

Complete the form to get in touch or via our details below:

Phone
01480 455500
Address

Vinpenta House
High Causeway
Whittlesey
Peterborough
PE7 1AE

By submitting this quote you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.