Bill > S2402

This bill establishes a legal framework for peer-to-peer car sharing in Massachusetts, creating a new chapter in state law to regulate personal vehicle sharing programs (PVSPs). The bill defines a PVSP as a legal entity that facilitates the sharing of private passenger motor vehicles for non-commercial use within the state. Key provisions require PVSPs to provide vehicle registration information to state departments, offer clear cost estimates to consumers, and affix an approved symbol to vehicles being shared. The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) will oversee these programs, ensuring vehicle safety through consultation with state police, local law enforcement, and the registry of motor vehicles. The bill grants the DPU authority to issue monetary penalties for violations, considering factors such as the program's size, the severity of the violation, and the program's good faith efforts to comply. Aggrieved parties can seek judicial review in the superior court within 30 days of a DPU decision. The DPU, in consultation with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, will develop detailed regulations to implement these requirements, creating a comprehensive regulatory approach to peer-to-peer car sharing that prioritizes consumer protection and vehicle safety.