H 400 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

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
Photo of Tom Walsh
Tom Walsh
DDemocratic
MA
12th Essex