What it does
Regulatory compliance tools help dealerships document that each deal and each ad follows the rules. Common features include identity verification, OFAC and red flags checks, privacy notices, adverse action letters, Safeguards Rule programs and advertising review. Many add training and audit reports.
The rules keep moving. The FTC's CARS Rule was struck down in court in early 2025, but the FTC still brings cases over hidden fees and add-ons, and states are writing their own rules. California's CARS Act, for example, adds new pricing, add-on and record-keeping requirements. Texting and calling rules under the TCPA are also changing, with a broader opt-out rule scheduled for January 2027.
A tool can't make a store compliant on its own. Look for one that fits the deal flow, so checks happen without slowing the customer, and that produces records you can hand to an auditor or regulator.
Who in the store uses it
- Compliance officers: run the program and review exceptions.
- F&I managers: complete deal-level checks and disclosures.
- Controllers: keep records and support audits.
- Marketing managers: submit ads for review.
- Dealer principals: answer to regulators and lenders.
What it connects to
- Credit and lending platforms (identity, OFAC and adverse action)
- DMS and deal jackets
- F&I menu software and eContracting
- CRM and texting tools (consent records)
- Website and advertising tools
- Cybersecurity and IT (Safeguards Rule)
Regulatory compliance products in the index
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What to ask vendors
- Which federal and state rules does the tool cover in our states?
- How quickly do you update for new rules?
- Do checks run inside our deal flow, or as a separate step?
- What records can we produce for an audit or regulator?
- Do you review advertising for our state's pricing rules?
- How do you track consent and opt-outs for calls and texts?
- Is training included, and how is completion tracked?
- What are the cost and contract term?
Signs it's time to switch
- Deal jackets are missing required checks.
- Staff skip steps because they slow the deal.
- You can't produce records quickly when asked.
- New state rules arrived and your tool didn't change.
- Advertising goes out without review.
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