Secretary
of State Ruth Johnson announced today that she has suspended the license of Flint
used-vehicle dealer Miller Used Cars, 5518 N. Saginaw St., after an
investigation with area law enforcement found multiple violations including the
alleged illegal sale of temporary vehicle registrations.
The investigation
began after the Michigan State Police informed the Secretary of State’s Office
of numerous traffic stops involving vehicles displaying temporary registrations,
often called paper plates, allegedly issued by the dealership. The drivers of
the vehicles each provided statements indicating the temporary registrations
had been purchased illegally and were also unable to provide sufficient vehicle
purchase documentation.
Secretary
of State investigators conducted an inspection of Miller Used Cars, with
assistance from the Genesee Area Investigations Network (GAIN). Upon
inspection, investigators found that dealership staff could not provide
requested records, could only account for 7 of 385 temporary registrations
purchased, and could not account for more than 60 vehicles, even though they
had the vehicle titles in possession. Laws requiring detailed recordkeeping
protect against the sale of stolen vehicles and parts, and ensure the vehicle
buyer receives a clear and valid title to prove ownership.
“We
take our responsibility to safeguard consumers from unscrupulous auto dealers
seriously,” Johnson said. “The vast majority of auto dealers are reputable
business people who follow the rules, but if we determine a dealer is operating
outside the law, we will take swift action.”
As
part of her focus on strengthening her office’s consumer protection efforts,
Johnson created the Office of Investigative Services, which investigates and
inspects automotive-related businesses.
Dealers
may request an administrative hearing to contest their suspension and may
regain their license if they show they’ve complied with the law. Additional
administrative actions are also possible.
Consumers
who have a complaint against Miller Used Cars are encouraged to call the Office
of Investigative Services automotive complaint line at (517) 335-1410.
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