This bill, effective October 1, 2023, requires repair businesses to check for open motor vehicle recalls and notify the vehicle owner. An "open recall" is defined as a safety-related recall that requires repairs or modifications to a motor vehicle. The repairer or business must provide written notice of each open recall to the owner of the vehicle at the time of repair or work. The notice must include a description of each open recall and inform the owner that an authorized motor vehicle dealer may repair or modify the vehicle at no cost, except as provided by law.

The bill also amends existing law to include the definition of "open recall" and requires independent contractors, licensed dealers, and repairers to check for open recalls during emissions inspections and provide written notice to the vehicle owner if any open recalls are found. Additionally, licensed repairers, limited repairers, and businesses engaged in changing a vehicle's oil or tires must check information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to determine if a motor vehicle is subject to an open recall. If the vehicle is subject to an open recall, the repairer must provide the vehicle owner with written notice, including a description of each recall and a statement that it may be repaired or modified by a manufacturer-approved dealer at no cost to the owner. The bill specifies that an open recall does not include certain types of recalls, such as those related to defects or noncompliance with labeling or notice requirements in an owner's manual.

Statutes affected:
TRA Joint Favorable Substitute: 14-164b
File No. 402: 14-164b