Code of Advertising

Standards and responsibilities for all advertisements on Auto.co.za

Effective Date: 2026

This Code of Advertising (“Code”) outlines the standards and responsibilities that apply to all advertisements, listings, promotions, and marketing communications published on Auto.co.za ("the Platform"). All users — including private sellers, dealerships, and third-party advertisers — must adhere to this Code when promoting cars or services through our platform.

  1. Purpose

    The Code ensures that:

    • All advertising is truthful, non-misleading, and transparent
    • Advertising complies with the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) of South Africa
    • Users trust and engage with listings in a safe, fair, and respectful environment

  2. Scope

    This Code applies to:

    • Car listings (private and dealer)
    • Sponsored posts, boosted listings, and display ads
    • Dealer branding, banners, and product placements
    • WhatsApp, SMS, email, and AI-generated promotions
    • Content uploaded or created using Auto.co.za's AI tools

  3. General Principles

    All advertising must:

    • Be honest and factual
    • Avoid false claims, hidden fees, or bait-and-switch tactics
    • Clearly indicate when a listing is sponsored or boosted
    • Not misrepresent the car's condition, ownership, mileage, price, or model year
    • Disclose all terms and conditions related to pricing, finance, or promotions
    • Respect user privacy, POPIA compliance, and opt-out rights for marketing

  4. Prohibited Content

    You may not advertise any content that:

    • Is fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading
    • Includes offensive, racist, discriminatory, or defamatory material
    • Promotes illegal cars, cloned VINs, or unroadworthy cars
    • Uses manipulated photos to disguise defects
    • Infringes on intellectual property rights (e.g., logos, trademarks, or stolen images)

  5. Dealer-Specific Responsibilities

    Registered dealers must:

    • Ensure their staff follow this Code when uploading or responding to listings
    • Maintain up-to-date inventory and correct car specs
    • Clearly disclose if a car is a demo, trade-in, accident-damaged, or rebuilt
    • Avoid pressure-selling, harassment, or bait tactics in communication
    • Ensure all leads generated via Auto.co.za are used only for the intended purpose

  6. AI-Generated Listings and Ads

    If using Auto.co.za's AI tools:

    • You are responsible for reviewing and verifying all AI-generated content
    • You must correct any factual inaccuracies before publishing
    • All generated ads remain subject to this Code

  7. Transparency in Pricing

    • List all-inclusive pricing wherever possible
    • Disclose dealer fees, on-road costs, and finance terms
    • Avoid "price from" advertising unless multiple configurations exist and are clarified

  8. Monitoring and Enforcement

    Auto.co.za reserves the right to:

    • Monitor and review all listings and advertisements
    • Suspend or remove any content that violates this Code
    • Take action against repeat offenders, including account suspension or legal referral
    • Report serious violations to the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) or National Consumer Commission

  9. Complaints Process

    Any user may report a listing or ad that violates this Code:

    All complaints will be reviewed fairly and confidentially.

  10. Amendments

    This Code may be updated periodically. The latest version will always be published on Auto.co.za. Continued use of the platform implies acceptance of the most current version.

  11. Legal Compliance

    • The Advertising Regulatory Code of South Africa
    • The Consumer Protection Act (CPA)
    • The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)
    • The Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECTA)

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