Morley says...

YOU RAISE a very interesting point, Duncan. Regardless of what you think about the law as it stands and whether four cars should make you a car-dealer or not, it remains that the law is the law (and I’ll assume it varies from State to State). And in this electronic age where the trail can be followed back to whoever, whenever, there’s no ducking and dodging it.

While it might seem a bit unfair to those of us who like to flip cars for a bit of fun and relaxation, I can see why such a law would exist. It’s basically there to stop backyarders flogging dodgy pieces of crap to unsuspecting punters and using their civilian status to dodge warranty claims and having to guarantee clear title. You know, all the stuff that used-car dealers have to deal with. So you can thank the Arthur Dalys of this world for the fact that such legislation exists at all.

Meantime, I’m pleased to hear you got a sympathetic hearing from the gummint department. And I’ll bet being let off with a warning was a huge relief. And thanks for sharing your experience, because it’s a fair bet that there are other readers of this magazine who might be about to flip their fifth car for the year, who need to check the law in their home State or Territory first. And I wouldn’t be thinking that they’ll never catch up with me. Government departments like this one have incredible powers. They’re a bit like the Tax Office; nobody – not even the police – has the same powers as the ATO in some areas. And they’re certainly not afraid to use them. Which is why, even though many of us disagree with how our taxes are spent in some areas, the smart ones make damn sure they pay their tax every year and don’t try hiding income or making false claims. And as you found out (almost) the hard way, Duncan, ignorance of the law is absolutely no excuse.

“IN THIS ELECTRONIC AGE THERE’S NO DUCKING AND DODGING IT”