The Michigan Department of State has suspended the license of a car dealership in St. Clair County for several violations of the Michigan Vehicle Code, a news release from the state agency says.
The alleged violations were against LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC of St. Clair, Inc., located at 3050 King Road in China Township.
The violations were discovered during an investigation by MDOS staff. They include:
During a general compliance inspection in September 2024, agency staff reported finding that the dealership was registering new vehicles in its business name and using them as loaner vehicles.
After the vehicles were pulled from the loaner program, the dealership allegedly resold them as “new” to customers.
In an October 2024 email, the agency and the Michigan Auto Dealers Association told all new vehicle dealerships to immediately stop selling used vehicles as new or risk administrative action by the department and a suspension of the dealer’s license
Then, in November 2024, the state agency had a teleconference with LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC of St. Clair Inc. to discuss the inspection and violations.
A month later, the agency issued a financial penalty of $3,000 and an 18-month probationary period to the dealer, according to the release.
When the agency went to follow up with the dealership almost a year later, on Sept. 24, they found more than two dozen instances of the dealership selling used vehicles as new.
One vehicle had up to 6,000 miles and was sold as new, the agency said.
“These violations created an imminent threat to the health, safety or welfare of the public, requiring emergency action,” the department of state said in a news release. “The dealership may not conduct business during the time of the suspension.”
The Free Press reached out to the LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC of St. Clair Inc., which did not immediately respond for comment. It is not yet clear how long the suspension will last.
Consumers who have a complaint against the dealership are encouraged to call the state’s Office of Investigative Services automotive complaint line at 844-372-8356. 
According to Free Press reporting, the state agency in December 2024 suspended the license of LaFontaine Hyundai of Livonia for also selling used cars as new ones.
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.

source