The bill amends Chapter 90 of the General Laws to establish new regulations regarding vehicle recalls. It introduces a new section, Section 7A 1/2, which defines "open safety recall" and outlines the responsibilities of the registry of motor vehicles. Before issuing or renewing a motor vehicle registration, the registry must check for any open safety recalls using information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If a vehicle is subject to an open safety recall, the owner will receive written notice detailing the recall and the requirement to have it repaired at no cost. The bill mandates that vehicle owners must complete necessary repairs before their next registration renewal, and the registrar will deny renewal applications for vehicles that have not been repaired.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the registrar must notify consumers about open safety recalls 50 to 80 days before their registration expires. However, it also provides exemptions under which registration will not be denied, such as when the manufacturer has not made a remedy available or if necessary parts are not readily accessible. Importantly, the bill clarifies that it does not change the liability of manufacturers or dealers under common law.