OMVIC releases comprehensive guidelines to help dealerships reopen safely

On May 1st, the Ontario government announced that some businesses including auto dealerships in the province could reopen on May 4th (by appointment only) provided they comply with strict public health measures and operate safely during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Following the announcement, OMVIC created an in-depth COVID-19 Crisis Guidelines: Guidelines for Dealership Sales Operations based on our consultations with consumer advocacy groups, trade associations and specific questions we received from our registrants.

The guidelines are built on the recommendations made by the province and Ontario’s public health agencies. Its purpose is to ensure auto dealerships can continue their daily operations while ensuring their employees, customers and public are protected.

What do the guidelines contain?

The 14-page guidelines include: an overview of the COVID-19 crisis, dealership operations, vehicle, and premises sanitization checklists; tips for day-to-day administration; best practices during touchless test drives and more.

The guidelines also have resources such as measures needed to ensure physical distancing, use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and other practices that need to be considered when auto dealerships conduct business with both, the customers as well as their staff.

Important: These guidelines, tips, measures, checklists, and recommendations were created to assist dealers/salespeople and are not legal documents. Dealers/salespeople are encouraged to obtain independent legal advice. The guidelines should not be considered as a guarantee to prevent the spread and/or infection of COVID-19, nor should they be construed as a legal opinion.

OMVIC staff (operating remotely) remain available to assist registrants. Please contact your local inspector or OMVIC’s Business Standards Team at [email protected] if you need further information.

We encourage dealers and salespeople to leverage the information in the guidelines. OMVIC will continue to update registrants on all major developments as these unfold.