The "Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing Program Act" establishes a new legal framework within Title 27 of the General Laws specifically for peer-to-peer car sharing programs. The act is officially titled the "Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing Program Act" and includes provisions that apply notwithstanding any conflicting laws, rules, or regulations.

Key definitions are provided, including terms such as "car sharing period," "shared vehicle," "shared vehicle owner," and "shared vehicle driver." The act outlines the liability responsibilities of the peer-to-peer car sharing program, which must assume liability for bodily injury or property damage to third parties during the car sharing period, with specific exceptions for intentional misrepresentation or failure to return the vehicle.

Minimum insurance coverage requirements are established, mandating that both the shared vehicle owner and the shared vehicle driver are insured under a motor vehicle liability insurance policy that meets or exceeds the minimum amounts set forth in existing law. The act clarifies that the insurance coverage may be provided by the shared vehicle owner, the shared vehicle driver, the peer-to-peer car sharing program, or a combination thereof.

The act also mandates recordkeeping for the peer-to-peer car sharing program, requiring the collection and verification of records related to the use of shared vehicles, including times used, pick-up and drop-off locations, and fees paid. Additionally, the program is responsible for any equipment used during the car sharing transaction and must indemnify the vehicle owner for any damage or theft of such equipment not caused by the owner.

Provisions regarding automobile safety recalls are included, stipulating that vehicles must be free of outstanding recalls before being made available for sharing. If a recall notice is received, the shared vehicle owner must remove the vehicle from the program until the necessary repairs are completed.

The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.