Vehicle complaints and investigations
Trading Standards investigates complaints of a criminal nature regarding issues with vehicles, including:
- milometers which have been turned back (known as 'clocking')
- unroadworthy vehicles
- traders selling vehicles in residential areas
We will:
- provide traders with advice on their legal responsibilities
- prosecute those who commit criminal offences such as 'clocking' vehicles and selling unroadworthy vehicles
- monitor newspaper and online publications to identify traders claiming to be private sellers
- investigate complaints about unsafe and unroadworthy vehicles
For further information or to make a complaint, phone the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
Buying a used car
If you’re thinking of buying a second hand vehicle, visit the Citizens Advice web page on buying a used car for advice on what to look out for.
Remember, if you’re buying from a trader you have rights if the car turns out to be faulty. So always look out for traders who sell from home and are pretending to be private sellers, as this means that they are trying to get out of their legal obligations to you.
If you are buying a car from an auction and are given the opportunity to attend but choose not to, you are waiving your consumer rights.
If you are in any doubt, just walk away!
MOT tests
If you have any questions about MOT tests, visit the GOV.UK website.
Page last updated: 13 March 2025
