Cox Automotive released its the 20th edition of its Dealertrack Compliance Guide. As the automotive industry remains stable yet faces major market shifts in the coming year related to fair financing, vehicle electrification and omni-channel buying, dealers must prioritize compliance to protect consumers and themselves from risks. For dealers who are establishing or improving their compliance programs in 2025, the Dealertrack Compliance Guide is a resource that provides them with actionable strategies to help them navigate the complexity of regulatory changes and continue to build trust with consumers.  

 “Compliance isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about building a foundation of trust and transparency that supports long-term success,” said Robert Newman, director of performance management and a Cox auto retail compliance specialist. “With increasing regulation and rising consumer expectations, dealers must balance the need for compliance with the demand for speed and simplicity in the car-buying experience. This year’s Dealertrack Compliance Guide offers essential tips to help dealers implement practical, actionable strategies that protect their business and their customers, ensuring confidence and reliability in an increasingly digital and regulated landscape.” 

The Dealertrack Compliance Guide is designed to help dealers understand their legal compliance obligations. As dealers face new challenges in 2025, including intensified data-privacy obligations and stricter state and federal oversight, they will want to consider their own compliance action plan and follow regulatory shifts, including: 

• The finalized Combating Auto Retail Scams Rule, originally set to take effect on Sept. 30, 2025. (Since the Cox Automotive Compliance Guide was released, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has overturned the CARS Rule, creating an uncertain future.)

• New data privacy and security laws enacted by California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island and Tennessee. Texas, Utah, and Virginia. Several other states are considering legislation to do the same. 

• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Small Dollar Rule takes effect in 2025, instituting underwriting and credit reporting guidelines for certain lending activities. 

 “A robust compliance program should include, among other things, appropriate resource allocation, training, monitoring, assessments, updates, oversight, and disciplinary measures,” Newman said. “As part of their compliance efforts, auto dealers should review enforcement actions, reports, and updates issued by federal and state regulators that may address unlawful and discouraged practices, whether under new or longstanding regulatory interpretations.” 

Dealers can download the complimentary guide here.