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HD 3817

An Act relative to the used vehicle record book

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Rogers

Allows Class 1 dealers to keep used-vehicle records electronically via an RMV-approved data system, eliminating duplicate entry and reducing paperwork.

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Bill Summary · HD 3817

Summary: An Act relative to the used vehicle record book (HD 3817)

Overview

This Massachusetts bill would modernize how used-vehicle records are kept by Class 1 dealers. Instead of maintaining a physical or traditionally approved book, dealers could record and store required information electronically, provided the electronic system and format are approved by the Registrar. The bill also ensures that the approval process does not force dealers to duplicate information entry for each vehicle.

Purpose and intent

  • To align recordkeeping practices with digital data management by allowing electronic records in place of a physical record book.
  • To reduce unnecessary duplication of data entry while maintaining compliance with statutory recordkeeping requirements.
  • To give the Registrar authority to approve acceptable electronic formats and data management systems for use by Class 1 dealers.

Key provisions

  • Amends Section 62 of Chapter 140 of the General Laws (as of the 2014 Official Edition) by adding a new paragraph.
  • New provision: A Class 1 dealer (licensed under §§ 58 and 59) may be deemed compliant with the record-keeping requirement by recording and maintaining the necessary information in the dealer’s electronic data management system, in a form and format approved by the Registrar.
  • The approved form/format cannot compel the dealer to duplicate the information entry for each vehicle (i.e., no mandatory duplicate recording).

Who is affected

  • Primary: Class 1 dealers licensed under sections 58 and 59 of Chapter 140.
  • Regulator: Massachusetts Registrar (of Motor Vehicles) responsible for approving the electronic data management form/format.
  • Implications for dealership staff and compliance personnel who manage used-vehicle records.

Compliance and timeline

  • The bill directs regulatory approval of an electronic format/system but does not specify an external timeline or effective date within the provided text.
  • Dealers would need to implement an RMV-approved electronic data management system to achieve compliance.
  • No explicit transition period is defined in the text provided.

Practical implications

  • Potential benefits: Reduced paperwork, cost savings on physical recordkeeping, improved accessibility and searchability of records, and streamlined compliance.
  • Potential considerations: Data security and privacy, system interoperability, data integrity, backup/disaster recovery, and ongoing compliance with RMV-approved standards.

Notes

  • The introduced bill appears to be House Docket No. 3817, with the legislative text filed January 17, 2025, attributed to Representative John H. Rogers (Norwood). The status is not specified in the provided excerpt.
  • Core change: shift from physical record books to an RMV-approved electronic data management system for used-vehicle records by Class 1 dealers, eliminating duplicate recording requirements.

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

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