TRENTON, N.J. — Legislation establishing the “Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act” has been signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy, shifting the financial burden of vehicle recalls from dealers and consumers to automakers.
“New Jersey consumers and dealers shouldn’t be stuck paying the price for a manufacturer’s mistake,” said Sen. Anthony M. Bucco, R-25, the bill’s sponsor and Senate Republican leader. “This law will now ensure that the financial burden and responsibility of vehicle recalls falls on the automakers who are responsible for the defects. It’s a fair, commonsense solution that will now protect New Jersey automobile customers and provide support for local dealerships.”
Under the new law, the Motor Vehicle Commission must verify whether a vehicle has an open recall before issuing a registration or renewal notice. If a recall is identified, the MVC must notify the owner and inform them that the manufacturer will provide repairs at no cost through an approved dealer.
The measure, signed as S-3309, is intended to ensure responsibility for recalls falls on manufacturers rather than New Jersey drivers or local dealers.
