Para crear la “Ley Temporera de Protección al Consumidor de la Industria Automotriz” con el propósito de proteger al consumidor que adquiera un auto contra prácticas de venta confusas y alzas en precio en vehículos a los cuales no les aplica la implementación de aranceles efectiva desde el 2 de abril de 2025, para fijarle responsabilidades al Departamento de Hacienda y el Departamento de Asuntos al Consumidor para que establezcan un inventario de los vehículos que han sido importados a Puerto Rico y se encuentran los concesionarios de autos o en la zona libre de impuestos, previo a la implementación de aranceles de la administración presidencial de Estados Unidos, imponerle multas y acciones correctivas a los concesionarios que se encuentren incursos en prácticas contrarias a las disposiciones de esta ley; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Creates temporary automotive consumer protections in Puerto Rico requiring vehicle inventory before tariffs, banning deceptive pricing on pre-tariff imports, with penalties for non-compliant dealerships.

Referido a Comisión(es)

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 490 creates a temporary consumer protection law for Puerto Rico's automotive industry aimed at preventing deceptive sales practices and price gouging on vehicles imported before April 2, 2025 (before new U.S. tariffs take effect). The law assigns the Department of Finance and Department of Consumer Affairs to inventory vehicles already in dealerships and free trade zones, and establishes penalties for dealerships engaging in prohibited practices.

Why is this important

This bill addresses a real market vulnerability: dealerships could exploit the tariff implementation gap by falsely claiming vehicles are subject to new tariffs to justify inflated prices on pre-tariff inventory. The law attempts to protect consumers from being overcharged while also preventing potential government revenue losses if dealerships artificially separate pre- and post-tariff stock pricing. It reflects concern about market manipulation during regulatory transitions.

Potential points of contention

Inventory feasibility: Creating a comprehensive inventory of all vehicles in dealerships and free trade zones before tariff implementation is logistically complex and may be incomplete, undermining enforcement

Defining "confusing practices": The law doesn't clearly specify what constitutes prohibited deceptive sales tactics, leaving enforcement open to interpretation and potential legal challenges

Retroactive application questions: Unclear whether penalties apply only to post-law sales or also to sales made between April 2 and the law's enactment, creating potential disputes about effective dates