Department of State takes action against St. Clair County vehicle dealership

LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC of St. Clair, Inc. suspended for alleged violations

LANSING, Mich. – Today, the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) suspended the license of LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC of St. Clair, Inc. for imminent harm to the public. The vehicle dealership is located at 3050 King Rd. in China Township, Mich.

LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC of St. Clair, Inc. was summarily suspended for several violations of the Michigan Vehicle Code discovered during an investigation by MDOS regulatory staff: 

• Violating existing/current probation and the Alternative Penalty Agreement previously imposed by MDOS  
• Committing fraudulent acts in connection with selling or otherwise dealing in vehicles by presenting and selling used vehicles to customers as new vehicles.  
• Failing to properly complete MDOS title and registration applications by falsely indicating used vehicles as new  

During a general compliance inspection in September 2024, MDOS regulatory staff found the dealership was registering new vehicles in their business name to serve as loaner vehicles for their customers. After these vehicles were pulled from the loaner program, the dealership was reselling them as “new” to consumers. MDOS issued violations for these transactions.  

In separate October 2024 emails, MDOS and the Michigan Auto Dealers Association directed all new vehicle dealerships to immediately stop selling used vehicles as new or risk administrative action by the department and a suspension of the dealer's license.  

On Nov. 12, 2024, MDOS held a teleconference with LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC of St. Clair, Inc. to discuss the inspection and violations, and to provide educational materials. In December 2024, MDOS established an Alternative Penalty Agreement for the dealer that included a $3,000 financial penalty and an 18-month probation period. Subsequently, several representatives of the dealership attended an MDOS training session that included education on violations of the Michigan Vehicle Code.  

MDOS regulatory staff conducted a follow-up inspection of the dealership on Sept. 24, 2025, and found more than two dozen instances of the dealership continuing to sell used vehicles as “new,” which led to today’s action. These vehicles had varying number of miles on them. One vehicle had up to 6,000 miles and was sold as new.

These violations created an imminent threat to the health, safety or welfare of the public, requiring emergency action. The dealership may not conduct business during the time of the suspension. 

Consumers who have a complaint against LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC of St. Clair, Inc. are encouraged to call the MDOS Office of Investigative Services automotive complaint line at 844-372-8356. 

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