An Act relative to vehicle recalls
This bill requires the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles to check for open safety recalls before issuing vehicle registrations or renewal notices. If a vehicle has an open recall, the owner must receive written notice and complete the necessary repairs before their registration can be renewed, with the exception of specific circumstances like parts shortages or manufacturer delays. The law mandates that recall notices clearly explain the defect, confirm that repairs are free at authorized dealers, and state that registration will be denied if repairs are not made by the next renewal date. This measure directly affects vehicle owners and dealers by linking registration renewal to the completion of safety repairs, while maintaining existing legal liabilities for manufacturers.
Bill status
passed
3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023
Last action Jan 25, 2024
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Tom Walsh
DDemocratic
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about H 400
Scope: MA
Hi! I can help you understand H 400. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline