Can You Reject Delivery of a New Car If the Dealer Placed His Name on It?

If you specified in the contract that the new car be delivered without dealer badging, then you can reject the car or have them remove the badging. Otherwise, you can remove the badging yourself.

You Can

If the sticker can be removed, it isn’t a significant issue. You can ask the dealer to remove it, especially if you hadn’t requested them not to place a badging on the car before delivery. It's relatively easy for them to get it off, and you can even bill them for advertising costs.

Alternatively, you can remove it yourself. Just stand in front of the dealer and demonstrate your ability to do so. For example, if the badging is on a license plate frame, you can simply take off the plate frame and use a cleaning solution like WD-40 to remove the sticker.

You Can’t

In general, you can't refuse to accept the car just because the dealer placed their name on it. If you allowed them to do so in the contract, it's seen as a minor issue and should be resolved through dialogue or self-resolution.

You can still ask them to remove the badging, but if the car would be damaged in the process, that might render the dealer liable under trade practices laws. For example, if the sticker is on glass, it can easily be removed. However, if it's on the paint, that paint might be damaged.

Checking the Terms and Conditions

It's important to read the terms and conditions of the predelivery contract you signed. There might be a clause that allows the dealer to apply dealer information in a prominent area without compensation. If you didn't read the agreement, it's probably your fault.

Unfortunately, if you signed the contract with terms you didn't agree to, it's too late to change your mind. However, it's always a good practice to read any contract thoroughly before signing to avoid such issues.

Dealership Sticker Removal

Dealerships often add their branding to new cars to serve as free advertising. While some people find this offensive, most local governments are reluctant to pass laws that would make removal difficult.

Instead of getting worked up over a minor issue, simply remove the sticker when you get home. It's a small task, and there are many ways to do it, such as using WD-40 or a specialized sticker remover.

For example, if the dealer sticker is on the license plate frame, remove the frame, and clean it with WD-40. This is a quicker and easier solution than making a big deal about it in front of the dealer.