Bill > H3810

This bill proposes to add a new chapter to Massachusetts law, Chapter 93L, concerning new motor vehicle repair notifications and warranties. Specifically, it mandates that at the time of selling a new car, licensed dealers must provide the buyer with a written statement, printed in at least ten-point boldface type, explaining their rights under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. This federal law, cited as 15 USC 2301 et seq., prohibits car manufacturers and dealers from voiding a vehicle's warranty or denying coverage solely because an "aftermarket part" (a part made by a company other than the vehicle manufacturer) or a "recycled part" (a used part made for the original vehicle) was installed, or because service was performed by someone other than the dealer. The statement must clarify that warranty denial is only permissible if the aftermarket or recycled part itself was defective or improperly installed and caused damage to a warrantied component, and that the manufacturer or dealer must prove this causal link before denying coverage, as required by the Federal Trade Commission. Violating this new chapter will be considered an unfair trade practice under Chapter 93A of Massachusetts General Laws, providing consumers with additional legal recourse.