Jun. 29, 2018
HARRISBURG – Last night, a bill drafted by Rep. James R. Santora (R-Delaware) to amend the Board of Vehicles Act became law after receiving unanimous support from the General Assembly. It addresses issues with unrepaired recalls, prohibits manufacturers from requiring dealers to significantly modify facilities within a decade of a prior modification and establishes a temporary permit for new vehicle dealers.
Now, new and used vehicle dealers must make vehicle purchasers aware of any open, unrepaired recalls. The information can be obtained by entering a vehicle’s VIN number on
safercar.gov.
The law also prohibits manufacturers from requiring franchisee dealers to significantly modify their dealership facilities until 10 years after the facility’s construction or last major renovation. The prohibition will not apply if the modification is necessary to comply with a health or safety law, or technology requirement that is necessary to sell or service a vehicle.
“This length of time is important to small business owners. With less time, it would be challenging for the men and women who own a dealership or two to pay what could easily amount to a $1 million bill – especially since loans lasting at least a decade are typically issued,” Santora explained.
Because of the law, new vehicle dealers can use a temporary permit that allows them to conduct business for up to 45 days while the request to do business is considered.
“The change will help dealers, sales people and mechanics get to work much sooner. It will also allow the sale of vehicles sooner, therefore resulting in the collection of accompanying taxes for the benefit of the state budget,” Santora said. “It’s a win for everyone.”
Representative James R. Santora
163rd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Alison Evans
717.260.6206
aevans@pahousegop.com
RepSantora.com /
Facebook.com/RepSantora