TMO unveils ‘refreshed’ motor industry codes of practice
25 June 2025 
The Motor Ombudsman has unveiled its newly updated Motor Industry Codes of Practice to broaden their scope to meet the challenges of the changing face of the UK’s automotive sector.
TMO said that the four refreshed codes, which cover the entire customer vehicle purchase and ownership experience, had taken immediate effect.
The principal changes, unveiled on June 2, cover:
- The addition of specific clauses relating to ADAS and self-driving features;
- New guidance for the delivery of roadside assistance and service plans;
- Dedicated sections on paint, perforation and manufacturer base warranties, and in relation to guidelines on the sale of alloy wheel and guaranteed asset protection insurance;
- The introduction of a requirement for staff training in relation to the maintenance of alternatively-fuelled vehicles, such as EVs and hybrids;
- Clauses governing the sale of vehicles where an agency model has been adopted by vehicle manufacturers.
TMO said its portfolio of Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)-approved codes play an integral role in the self-regulation of the automotive sector.
More than 7,500 independent garages and franchise dealers, as well as 46 vehicle manufacturers and 21 extended vehicle warranty providers, have voluntarily committed to delivering high standards of work and service to consumers beyond those required by law.
The four codes also feature a refreshed visual identity incorporating the recently updated CTSI-approved codes insignia.
Bill Fennell, TMO’s chief ombudsman and MD, said: “With our codes established as a key driving force in the self-regulation of the UK’s motor industry, it is important that they remain aligned and keep pace with technological advancements and innovation, as well as with the latest trends in consumer buying behaviour, so as to provide the best possible level of coverage and protection.
“To enable a smooth transition to the refreshed codes, we have been consulting and supporting accredited businesses with a number of training initiatives and additional resources to ensure that the industry is fully up to speed with the changes.”
The Codes of Practice are online.