GovWire

You can report a vehicle manufacturer, supplier, dealer or private seller if you think theyre breaking the law.

This includes if theyre:

• selling new vehicles, trailers or non-road mobile machinery that have not been approved to the right safety and environmental standards
• selling new accessories that do not meet safety standards, such as motorcycle helmets or child car seats
• selling new parts that do not meet safety standards (known as type approval) - this includes parts sold in the aftermarket that may not be original to the vehicle
• offering to remove or change emission control systems, such as diesel particulate filters and catalytic converters

Report the company or person

Contact DVSA to report the company or person. You can do this anonymously (not giving your name) or give your details.

You need to give as much information as possible about:

• the name of the company or person who is involved
• what the company or person is doing
• where theyre making or selling vehicles or parts, which could include links to online listings
• the vehicles involved, including the registration plates (number plates) if you know them

Use the subject For attention of Market Surveillance Unit if you send an email.

Reporting something anonymously

If you call or write anonymously:

• youll never be asked for your name or to provide contact details
• your call will not be traced
• you will not have to make a statement or be called as a witness
• you will not have to appear in court

Depending on what youre reporting, it might be possible for the company or person to work out that you reported it even if you report it anonymously.

If you do give your contact details

You can ask to remain anonymous. However, if you give DVSA your contact details you might:

• be contacted for more information
• be asked to provide a statement
• have to act as a witness and appear in court

Read the privacy notice for reporting a vehicle manufacturer or supplier to find out more about how your details are stored and used.

What happens next

DVSA will review the information and decide what to do next.

This could include:

• investigating the report further
• asking you for more information if you did not make the report anonymously
• working with other government departments and agencies or the police

Getting feedback on what happened

If you ask DVSA to give you feedback on what happened with a criminal prosecution, youll get it when:

• any investigation and criminal or other official proceedings have ended
• a decision has been made if the person appeals against their verdict

DVSA cannot give feedback on an ongoing case. Criminal investigations can take time.