You earned your dealer license through strict compliance, operational diligence, and a reputation built on trust. Now, a complaint, audit, or enforcement inquiry may place your license and livelihood at risk.
A Texas car dealer license defense lawyer from Bertolino LLP can step in before things get worse. We help licensed professionals across Texas safeguard the enterprises they’ve worked tirelessly to maintain.
As a Texas trade and vocational license defense lawyer team, we know how the Texas Motor Vehicle Board operates, what rules they enforce, and how they move through each phase of a disciplinary process. We’ve handled these cases for over 20 years. Reach out to us today.
Why the Texas DMV Flags Car Dealers for Investigation
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) handles licensing and enforcement for dealers across the state. When they receive a complaint or identify a pattern of violations, they open a case. Sometimes, they show up unannounced.
Dealerships get investigated for:
- Misrepresenting vehicle conditions or titles.
- Failing to file buyer paperwork on time.
- Selling without the correct bond or insurance.
- Operating outside of approved locations.
- Odometer fraud or title jumping.
- Improper use of temporary tags or plates.
Investigations may originate from competitor complaints, routine compliance audits, or customer dissatisfaction. No matter how it starts, the outcome can threaten your license.
What Happens When TxDMV Investigates a Dealer
An investigator might visit your property, or you might receive a complaint letter or a notice of a violation by mail. After that, things start happening fast. The board could request documents like sales records, customer lists, bond paperwork, inspection reports, or registration proof.
Each communication and every document you submit can influence the direction of your case. We’ve seen well-intentioned license holders try to cooperate, only to make small mistakes that worsen their situation.
Consult us before engaging with the board. Our Texas car dealer license defense attorneys can speak on your behalf and help you answer the board without making yourself more vulnerable.
Dealer Hearings: Administrative Penalties and License Revocation
If the board decides to pursue formal action, you’ll receive a Notice of Department Decision (NODD) or Notice of Hearing. This usually follows a report recommending sanctions, a fine, or revocation.
At this stage, your license and your business are on the line. The case may be referred to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH), where an administrative law judge will hear arguments, examine evidence, and issue a proposal for decision.
An experienced Texas car dealer license defense lawyer begins preparing for the hearing in advance. We gather your paperwork, find witnesses to support your case, and use proof to defend your reputation against the state’s claims. We know what can influence administrative law judges and which facts might guide their choices.
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When the Board Gets It Wrong
We’ve faced cases where on-time submissions were wrongly flagged. Some customer complaints came from misunderstandings about ‘as-is’ disclosures. There were also violations caused by problems that had been fixed months earlier. Most of the time, these situations begin with confusion rather than wrongdoing.
Not every enforcement action reflects a serious offense. Some mistakes happen during busy seasons. Others stem from unclear communication. But that doesn’t mean your license should be at risk.
When the Texas Motor Vehicle Board makes mistakes, we take action. We ask for changes, dispute unjust decisions, and oppose penalties that ignore the truth. Our efforts begin right away with a straightforward plan in place.
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Why Car Dealers Across Texas Call Us
Whether you operate a large franchise dealership or run a small independent lot, your license matters. Without it, you lose your ability to access dealer auctions, process titles, and legally sell vehicles in Texas.
Our clients include:
- Used and new car dealers.
- Motorcycle dealers.
- Trailer and semi-truck sellers.
- Rebuilders and salvage operators.
- Dealers with out-of-state locations.
Each case looks different. Some require immediate board contact. Others call for quiet preparation behind the scenes. We tailor our strategy to your situation, and we keep you in the loop the entire time.
What to Do if You Receive a TxDMV Violation Notice
If you receive a letter, call, or visit from the TxDMV, take it seriously. The board may be building a case before they ever contact you. What feels like a small paperwork error may be interpreted as a pattern of misconduct. Even a minor detail, like a late filing or missing signature, can take on a different meaning once it lands in an investigator’s report.
Here’s what to do:
- Don’t respond without speaking to a lawyer: Even a short call can help you avoid mistakes.
- Gather relevant records: Start collecting titles, invoices, inspection reports, and sales contracts.
- Document your timeline: Make a note of any internal efforts to fix the issue or clarify your intent.
- Avoid speaking to investigators without representation: We can request information on your behalf and protect your rights.
This isn’t just about avoiding fines. It’s about keeping your license, your lot, and your name intact.
Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Defense
We’ve worked with dealers who tried to do the right thing but made avoidable errors once the board got involved. Some of those mistakes didn’t seem serious at the time, but they made the case harder to defend later.
Watch out for these pitfalls:
- Responding emotionally to a complaint instead of strategically
- Admitting fault in writing before speaking to a lawyer
- Submitting incomplete documentation that leaves out important context
- Assuming the board will work with you informally without needing legal representation
You are not expected to resolve every issue immediately. However, you must respond with care and foresight to avoid compounding the problem. A measured approach can protect your license and reputation. A Texas licensing lawyer can help you avoid these pitfalls and respond with strategy, not guesswork.
Call a Texas Car Dealer License Defense Lawyer at Bertolino LLP
We treat every license defense matter with urgency and care because the outcome directly impacts your future. At Bertolino LLP, we’ve helped professionals across Texas protect their livelihood when everything felt like it was slipping away.
Our team of Texas car dealer license defense lawyers knows the system. We understand the laws. And we know how to push back when a good dealer gets flagged unfairly. You built your business. We’ll help you protect it.
Call today. Let’s talk about what happened, what’s at stake, and what comes next. We stand by you.
Call or text (512) 476-5757 or complete a Case Evaluation form
