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H 3745

An Act relative to private sale requirements for used vehicles

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dave Muradian

Bill H 3745 mandates private sellers in Massachusetts to use a standardized bill of sale for used vehicles, enhancing consumer protection and transaction transparency.

Accompanied a study order, see H4710
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Bill Summary · H 3745

Summary of Bill H 3745: An Act Relative to Private Sale Requirements for Used Vehicles

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 3745 aims to establish clear requirements for private sales of used vehicles in Massachusetts. The primary intent is to protect consumers by ensuring that private sellers use a standardized bill of sale form, which will help document the transaction and provide essential information about the vehicle being sold.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes several significant changes to the existing laws regarding the sale of used vehicles:

  1. Definition of Terms:

    • Buyer: Defined as a person purchasing a vehicle for personal use, not for resale.
    • Dealer: A person or entity engaged in the business of selling used vehicles, excluding banks and government entities.
    • Private Seller: An individual selling a used vehicle who is not classified as a dealer.

  2. Mandatory Use of Bill of Sale:

    • Private sellers are required to use an approved bill of sale form for each transaction.
    • A copy of the completed bill of sale must be provided to the buyer at the time of sale.

  3. Creation of Standardized Form:

    • The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is tasked with creating and maintaining an approved bill of sale form.
    • The form must include:
      • Names and addresses of both seller and buyer
      • Vehicle details (make, model, year, identification numbers)
      • Odometer reading
      • Known defects affecting safety or usability
      • Purchase price
      • Notarized signatures of both parties

  4. Exemptions:

    • The bill does not apply to vehicles sold for less than $700.

  5. Regulatory Oversight:

    • The Secretary of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation will establish rules for the implementation of this section, including the form's wording and distribution.

  6. Legal Implications:

    • Failure to use the approved bill of sale form is considered an unfair or deceptive act.
    • While the bill does not create a new cause of action against private sellers, it allows courts to consider the absence of a bill of sale in any related legal proceedings.

Affected Parties

  • Private Sellers: Individuals selling their used vehicles will need to comply with the new requirements.
  • Buyers: Consumers purchasing used vehicles will benefit from increased transparency and documentation of the sale.
  • Registry of Motor Vehicles: The RMV will have additional responsibilities in creating and managing the bill of sale form.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Current Status: The bill has been accompanied by a study order (H4710) as of November 10, 2025.
  • Upcoming Hearing: A hearing is scheduled for May 13, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in Room B-2.

Related Legislation

  • This bill is related to House Docket No. 2399, which it replaces, and is similar to House Bill No. 3387 from the previous session.

In summary, Bill H 3745 seeks to enhance consumer protection in the private sale of used vehicles by mandating the use of a standardized bill of sale, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in such transactions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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