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REGINA – To help make buying a vehicle fair for consumers, the Saskatchewan government has introduced new regulations for dealers.

Starting on Feb. 1, licensed dealers have to adhere to new vehicle history disclosure rules, advertising requirements and minimum warranty requirement for used vehicle sales.

Unlicensed dealers will also face stiffer penalties and fines for selling without a licence.

According to the Saskatchewan government, complaints about extra fees and charges not included in the advertised price led to the new rules.

Now, when a dealer advertises a vehicle, the price must include any fees and levies up front, called the “The Drive Away Price.” This price does not include taxes.

Dealers are also required to disclose important information to buyers, such as providing a SGI VIN search, telling the consumer if the vehicle was a rental, disclosing if the vehicle’s odometer has been rolled back and revealing if a new vehicle was damaged in transit by more than 20 per cent of its value.

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The regulations, which cover vehicle dealer leasing activities, will be incorporated in “The Consumer Protection and Business Practices Act,” administered by the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority (FCAA).

READ MORE: New legislation keeps Sask. consumers from getting ripped off

The new protections do not apply to private sales.