What is a "curbstoner" in motor vehicle sales?

A "curbstoner" refers to an unlicensed individual who sells vehicles in a manner that resembles the operations of a licensed dealer. This term is often used to describe someone who conducts multiple vehicle sales without the appropriate licensing and regulatory compliance required for legitimate dealers.

Curbstoners typically operate by purchasing vehicles from auctions or private sellers, then reselling them without proper documentation or adherence to state laws. Their activities can lead to consumer protection issues as buyers may lack recourse if the vehicle has problems or if the sale is not conducted according to legal standards.

This definition highlights the risk associated with curbstoning, both for consumers and for compliant licensed dealers, who may contend with unfair competition from these unregulated sellers.