PUBLIC AUTO AUCTION - VEHICLE LIGHT SYSTEM
Public Auto Auction Vehicle Light System
The Thomas Hirchak Company uses a vehicle light system at our Public Auto Auctions to help bidders understand important information about vehicles before bidding. Vehicles are identified using Green, Yellow, or Red Light designations, with each color representing different auction conditions.
Buyers should understand the meaning of each light before bidding.
The light system does not replace a buyer's responsibility to inspect a vehicle, review the auction terms, and make an informed bidding decision.
VEHICLE LIGHT SYSTEM FAQs
What do the colored lights mean at your car auction?
Vehicle light systems communicate important auction conditions to bidders. At The Thomas Hirchak Company Public Auto Auction, vehicles may receive Green, Yellow, or Red Light designations. Buyers should understand the applicable designation before bidding.
What does a Green Light mean at The Thomas Hirchak Company Public Auto Auction?
A Green Light gives the buyer the right to test the drive engine and drivetrain within one hour of payment in full. Buyers also have 72 hours to identify and report any frame defects that would prevent the vehicle from passing Vermont State Inspection. All Green Light provisions are subject to the complete Public Auto Auction Terms and Conditions.
Does a Green Light mean the vehicle has no problems?
No. A Green Light does not guarantee that a vehicle is free from mechanical, cosmetic, electrical, or other issues. Buyers should inspect vehicles carefully and understand exactly what is covered under the Green Light terms before bidding.
What does a Yellow Light mean at the Public Auto Auction?
A Yellow Light alerts bidders to a specific disclosure, condition, or exception associated with the vehicle. Examples may include title delays, bill of sale delays, or the last valid registration being unavailable on auction day.
How long does a seller have to provide a title for a Yellow Light vehicle?
Sellers have up to 10 business days to provide the title or appropriate paperwork. Buyers are responsible for checking with the Auction Office to confirm when the required documentation is available.
What should I do before bidding on a Yellow Light vehicle?
Carefully review the vehicle listing and listen for any announcements made by the auctioneer. Buyers should understand the specific disclosure or condition associated with the Yellow Light vehicle before placing a bid.
What does a Red Light mean at the Public Auto Auction?
A Red Light vehicle is sold subject to ALL defects and strictly AS-IS, WHERE-IS. Red Light vehicles may require repairs, may have significant mechanical or other issues, and are not guaranteed to run, drive, or pass any type of inspection.
Can I test drive a Red Light vehicle?
No. Test drives are not available for Red Light vehicles. Buyers should inspect the vehicle carefully before bidding and should not make assumptions about its mechanical, operating, or overall condition.
Are Red Light vehicles guaranteed to run or drive?
No. Red Light vehicles are not guaranteed to run or drive and are not guaranteed to pass any type of inspection. They are sold subject to all defects and strictly AS-IS, WHERE-IS.
Can I inspect a vehicle before bidding?
Yes. Buyers are encouraged to inspect vehicles before bidding. Inspection gives bidders an opportunity to examine vehicles of interest and make a more informed bidding decision.
Should I rely only on the Green, Yellow, or Red Light when deciding to bid?
No. The light designation provides important information about the vehicle's auction terms or disclosures, but it should not replace a buyer's own inspection and review of the auction terms. Buyers should also review the vehicle listing and listen carefully for auctioneer announcements.
Where can I find the complete rules for the Public Auto Auction Light System?
The complete requirements, timeframes, buyer responsibilities, and other conditions are included in the Thomas Hirchak Company Public Auto Auction Terms and Conditions. Buyers should review the current terms in full before participating in an auction.
Does The Thomas Hirchak Company inspect vehicles before the auction?
No. The Thomas Hirchak Company does not inspect vehicles offered in the Public Auto Auction. Buyers are responsible for inspecting vehicles, reviewing available information, understanding the applicable light designation, and reading the complete auction terms before bidding.
Understanding Our Public Auto Auction Light System
🟢 Green Light
A Green Light vehicle gives the buyer the right to test the drive engine and drive train within one hour of payment in full. Buyers also have 72 hours to identify and report any frame defects that would prevent the vehicle from passing Vermont State Inspection.
Any qualifying defects must be reported to the Auction Office within the applicable timeframe. All Green Light provisions are subject to the complete
Public Auto Auction Terms and Conditions.
A Green Light designation does not guarantee that the vehicle is free
from all mechanical, cosmetic, electrical, or other issues.
🟡 Yellow Light
A Yellow Light designation alerts bidders to specific disclosures, conditions, or exceptions associated with a vehicle. These may include, but are not limited to, title delays, bill of sale delays, or the last valid registration being unavailable on auction day.
Sellers have up to 10 business days to provide the title or appropriate paperwork. Buyers are responsible for checking with the Auction Office to confirm when the required documentation is available. Buyers should also carefully review the vehicle listing and listen for any auctioneer announcements before bidding.
Any conditions or disclosures associated with a Yellow Light vehicle
should be carefully considered before placing a bid.
🔴 Red Light
A Red Light vehicle is sold subject to ALL defects and strictly AS-IS, WHERE-IS. These vehicles may require repairs, may have significant mechanical or other issues, and are not guaranteed to run, drive, or pass any type of inspection.
NO TEST DRIVE IS AVAILABLE.
Buyers are strongly encouraged to inspect Red Light vehicles carefully before
bidding and should not make any assumptions about the vehicle’s
mechanical, operating, or overall condition.
Important Information for Public Auto Auction Buyers
The Thomas Hirchak Company's Light System communicates auction conditions and disclosures but should NOT be considered a complete vehicle inspection or condition report.
All bidders are encouraged to:
- Review the vehicle's online listing and available information.
- Inspect vehicles in person before the auction.
- Start and examine vehicles when permitted under auction rules.
- Review the applicable Light System designation.
- Listen carefully for announcements made by the auctioneer.
- Read the complete Public Auto Auction terms and conditions before bidding.
Inspect Vehicles Before You Bid
Buyers are encouraged to inspect vehicles before participating in the auction. Public Auto Auction inventory can be viewed at our Williston, Vermont Auto Division at 298 James Brown Drive during designated inspection hours and before the auction.
Buyers should use this opportunity to evaluate vehicles of interest before placing a bid.
