Training for Dealers
Choose Your Tickets
Select your tickets below to begin registration.
Dealers Teaching Dealers
Come Back Better.
In the highly regulated automotive sales industry, maintaining strict federal compliance is not just a legal requirement—it is a cornerstone of a successful and sustainable dealership. The landscape of federal laws, from the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) to the FTC Safeguards Rule, is complex and constantly evolving. A single misstep can lead to significant financial penalties, legal battles, and irreparable damage to your reputation. Our specialized federal compliance training for dealers is designed to demystify these regulations and empower your team with the knowledge to operate confidently. We provide actionable insights and practical strategies to help protect your business, streamline your operations, and foster a culture of compliance from the sales floor to the finance office. Investing in proactive education is the most effective way to manage risk and secure your dealership’s future in a competitive market.
Plan Your Stay
Aria Resort & Casino
Las Vegas, Nevada April 26-28, 2027
Get your travel plans in place for the BHPH United Summit. Reserve your room at Aria Resort and Casino and explore discounted airfare options for your trip to Las Vegas.
Embracing ongoing compliance education transforms your dealership from being reactive to proactive. Our training programs go beyond simply listing rules; they provide real-world context and application for today's market. By equipping your staff with a deep understanding of federal requirements, you can enhance operational efficiency, improve customer interactions, and build a resilient business model. This commitment to dealer compliance best practices is a powerful asset, demonstrating integrity to customers and financial partners alike, paving the way for stable growth and long-term profitability.
Navigating the Complex Web of Federal Automotive Regulations
For independent, Buy Here Pay Here (BHPH), and subprime auto dealers, the regulatory environment presents a formidable challenge. Federal agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) have established a robust framework of rules that govern nearly every aspect of your operation. From advertising and sales practices to financing, data security, and collections, staying current and compliant is a full-time job. Failure to do so is not an option. This is why targeted used car dealer regulatory compliance training is essential for risk mitigation and operational excellence.
Our programs are built to provide clear, concise, and practical guidance on the critical regulations that impact your dealership daily. We help you understand not just what the rules are, but how they apply to your specific business model. Whether you are focused on buy here pay here in house financing education or managing a large subprime portfolio, a solid foundation in federal compliance is your best defense against audits, investigations, and consumer lawsuits.
Key Areas of Federal Compliance for Dealerships
A comprehensive compliance strategy must address several key pieces of federal legislation and various rules. Our training modules provide in-depth coverage of the most critical areas, helping your team understand their responsibilities and implement compliant processes. Key topics include:
- Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and Regulation Z: This requires creditors to disclose key terms and costs of credit, including the APR and finance charges, in a standardized format so consumers can compare credit terms.
- Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and Regulation B: Prohibits credit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or because a person receives public assistance.
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Governs the collection, dissemination, and use of consumer credit information, including rules for obtaining credit reports, handling adverse action notices, and disposing of consumer data.
- Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) and the FTC Safeguards Rule: Mandates that financial institutions, including auto dealers, have a comprehensive security plan to protect the confidentiality and integrity of personal consumer information.
- Red Flags Rule: Requires dealerships to implement a written Identity Theft Prevention Program to detect, prevent, and mitigate identity theft in connection with credit transactions.
- Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC): Prohibits U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with individuals and entities on the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list, a critical check during the sales process.
- FTC Used Car Rule: Requires dealers to display a Buyers Guide on used vehicles, providing warranty information and other important details for consumers.
Mastering these regulations is fundamental to any dealer risk management training and forms the core of our educational offerings.
Building a Culture of Compliance Through Education
Compliance is not a one-person job; it requires a dealership-wide commitment. From the owner and general manager to your F&I team, sales staff, and collections department, everyone has a role to play in protecting the business. Our buy here pay here staff training development programs are structured to educate every level of your organization.
Effective training fosters a proactive mindset, helping employees spot potential compliance issues before they become serious problems. It empowers them to handle customer interactions correctly, manage sensitive data securely, and complete paperwork accurately. This comprehensive approach, which integrates compliance into your buy here pay here operations best practices, not only minimizes risk but also enhances professionalism and customer trust. Learn more about our approach and industry experts by visiting our about us page and meeting our team.
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Compliance
What is the FTC Safeguards Rule and why is it important for dealers?
The FTC Safeguards Rule, part of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), requires auto dealers to develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive information security program. This includes appointing a qualified individual to oversee the program, conducting risk assessments, implementing safeguards to control identified risks, and having a plan to respond to security incidents. It is critically important because dealers handle a vast amount of sensitive, non-public personal information (NPI) from customers, and a data breach can result in severe financial penalties and reputational harm.
How does the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) apply to dealership financing?
The ECOA applies to any dealership that extends credit, including BHPH and those arranging third-party financing. It makes it illegal to discriminate against a credit applicant based on factors like race, religion, sex, marital status, or age. This applies to every part of the credit process, from initial conversations and application-taking to underwriting decisions and setting credit terms. Consistent and fair credit policies are essential for ECOA compliance. Our underwriting education delves deep into these principles.
What are the consequences of failing to comply with OFAC requirements?
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) prohibits transactions with individuals and entities on the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list. Dealers are required to check customers against this list before finalizing a sale. The consequences for non-compliance are severe and can include substantial fines that can reach into the millions of dollars, asset freezing, and even criminal penalties in egregious cases. Regular OFAC checks are a simple but non-negotiable part of a dealer's compliance program.
How often should dealership staff receive federal compliance training?
Compliance training should not be a one-time event. All new hires should receive training relevant to their role as part of their onboarding process. Furthermore, all employees should undergo annual refresher training to stay updated on changes in regulations and reinforce best practices. Additional, targeted training should be provided whenever significant new laws are passed, or internal policies are updated. A continuous training approach is the best way to maintain a high level of compliance awareness.
Does this training cover both federal and state compliance issues?
Our primary focus in this program is on federal-level regulations that apply to dealers nationwide. However, we consistently emphasize the importance of understanding how federal laws interact with state and local rules, which can often be more stringent. We strongly recommend pairing our federal compliance training with dedicated state compliance education for dealers to achieve a complete and robust compliance posture for your specific location.
Helpful Dealer Education Resources
Continue exploring our wide range of educational programs designed to elevate every aspect of your dealership operations.
