Bill
H 4284
Mass. H.4284 links car registrations to open safety recalls: RMV checks NHTSA, notifies owners of recalls, and may deny renewal until recalls are repaired (with exemptions).
Status and origins
- Introduced: July 23, 2025
- Legislative action: Reported favorably by the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure; referred to the Committee on House Ways and Means
- Filed: July 7, 2025
- Bill type: Chapter 90 (vehicle statutes) amendment, inserting a new section 7A1/2
Purpose
- To enhance consumer protection regarding open vehicle safety recalls by tying recall status to motor vehicle registration and renewal.
- Requires the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) to inform owners of open recalls and to require remedy of recalls prior to or as a condition of vehicle registration renewal, with specific exemptions.
Key definitions
- Open safety recall: A safety-related recall for which the manufacturer has notified the public under federal law (Title 49 U.S.C. § 30119) and which requires repairs or modifications by an authorized dealer. Excludes recalls related to labeling/owner’s manual requirements and recalls where the remedy is financial compensation or repurchase only.
- Registration: The registration, renewal, or transfer of registration of a motor vehicle.
Main provisions (new Section 7A1/2 of Chapter 90)
1) RMV screening and notices
- Before issuing a registration or renewal notice, RMV must check National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data to identify open safety recalls on the vehicle.
- If open recalls exist, RMV must provide the owner written notice listing all open recalls.
- Notice content: description of each open recall; statement that recalls may be repaired at no cost to the owner by a manufacturer-approved dealer (subject to federal law); and a statement that, except as provided in subsection (e), the vehicle registration cannot be issued until repairs are completed.
2) Owner repair obligation
- After receiving notice of open recalls, the owner must obtain the necessary repairs before the next registration renewal.
- RMV shall deny renewal if the required repairs have not been completed within the time period established by the section.
3) Advance recall reminder
- RMV must send a notice to consumers 50 to 80 days before the expiration of their registration listing open recalls that need remedy to re-register.
4) Exemptions from renewal denial
- The registration can still be renewed if any of the following apply:
(i) the manufacturer has not made a remedy available;
(ii) replacement parts are not readily available to the manufacturer’s state dealer network to complete the remedy;
(iii) the vehicle requires repairs not covered by the recall to enable the remedy;
(iv) aftermarket modifications prevent the remedy from being applied;
(v) the vehicle owner certifies circumstances beyond their control or undue hardship prevented remedy.
5) Liability
- The new section does not alter the liability of manufacturers or motor vehicle franchise dealers under common law.
Impact and who is affected
- Affects MA vehicle owners and registrants, the RMV, and motor vehicle manufacturers/dealers.
- Creates a bridge between federal recall administration and state vehicle registration processes, incentivizing timely recall remediation to maintain active registrations.
Procedural/timeline notes
- The section would take effect through adoption of the new statute in Chapter 90 upon passage.
- Notices to owners occur at registration, with an additional reminder 50–80 days before renewal.
- Renewal denial only applies if required repairs are not completed, subject to enumerated exemptions.
Overall, H.4284 would make open safety recalls a factor in vehicle registration renewal in Massachusetts, mandating disclosure of recalls to owners and tying renewal eligibility to timely recall remedies, while preserving specific federal and liability protections.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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