Bill > S825

This bill requires licensed auto insurance damage appraisers to provide safety notices to vehicle owners when a damaged vehicle may no longer meet Massachusetts safety or emissions standards. Specifically, when an appraiser (whether working for a repair shop, insurance company, or independently) determines that a motor vehicle's damage could cause it to fail state safety or emissions inspections, they must provide a notice to the vehicle owner. This notice must be in a format prescribed by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles and must direct the owner to have the vehicle repaired to ensure it can pass safety and emissions tests and obtain a new inspection certificate. The Registry of Motor Vehicles is tasked with developing specific guidelines at least annually detailing which safety or emissions issues would trigger such a notice, and must establish rules for implementing and enforcing this requirement. The bill aims to ensure that vehicle owners are promptly informed about potential safety and environmental compliance issues resulting from vehicle damage, and are encouraged to make necessary repairs to keep their vehicles roadworthy and compliant with state standards.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S825