The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee has passed a bill introduced by Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco (R-25). The legislation aims to establish the “Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act.” This act is designed to shift the financial responsibility of vehicle recalls from dealers and consumers to the automakers responsible for the defects.
Senator Bucco emphasized the importance of this bill, stating, “New Jersey consumers and dealers shouldn’t be stuck paying the price for a manufacturer’s mistake.” He added that it is a “fair, commonsense solution” that protects automobile customers in New Jersey while supporting local dealerships.
Key provisions of the bill include a requirement for the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to verify if a vehicle has an open recall before issuing registration or renewal notices. If an open recall exists, the MVC must notify the owner and inform them that repairs will be carried out at no cost by an approved dealer.
The full text of Bill S-3309 is available for public reading.
