A New Jersey used vehicle dealership was slapped with fines and penalties totaling $840,000 as a result of a case brought forth by the state’s attorney general’s office.
According to a ruling by New Jersey Superior Court Judge John Huda, BM Motor Cars of Rahway will pay a civil penalty of $793,500, $14,740 to reimburse the state’s investigative costs and $34,536 for attorney fees.
BM Motors stood accused of 511 violations, including failure to make required disclosures on advertisements and violating a 2018 consent order for selling “gray market” vehicles –vehicles imported without authorization that may not meet U.S. safety and emissions standards – illegal inspection waivers and failing to provide odometer disclosures.
“Access to a safe and affordable vehicle is not a luxury – it is a necessity for New Jersey families. Consumers have the right to clear, truthful information when navigating the expensive and complex process of buying a car,” said Acting New Jersey Attorney General Davenport in a press release. “We will always stand up for our consumers when corporations seek to defraud them and hide the ball on the products they sell. Dealers who repeatedly violate our consumer protection laws or Consent Orders prohibiting them from hiding information about vehicle history, safety, and pricing will face enforcement actions and significant penalties for their misconduct.”
