Vermont bill requires shops provide vehicle service and diagnostic history to databases and providers
A Vermont bill would require motor vehicle dealers and repair shops to provide accurate information regarding a motor vehicle’s service history and diagnostics to vehicle history information databases and providers.
Senate Bill 235 also would require dealers to disclose vehicle history information that the dealer has obtained to prospective purchasers.
The bill was introduced by Sen. Richard Westman (R-Lamoille) Jan. 9 and referred to the Committee on Transportation. If passed, it would add a new subchapter to the state’s consumer protection statute.
“Vehicle history database” is defined in the bill as a database from which a person may obtain vehicle history information specific to a vehicle identification number (VIN).
The bill defines vehicle history information as including accident or damage information, the number of previous owners, information regarding service or maintenance history, including diagnostic information generated while performing service or maintenance, odometer reading, and title information.
A “vehicle history report” is defined as any written or electronic communication of vehicle history information made by a vehicle history report provider that is made available to consumers.
A “provider” is defined as an entity that generates vehicle history reports from a database provided directly to consumers. A provider is not defined as a dealer that obtains a vehicle history report from a third-party that is not an affiliate of the dealer and that then communicates the vehicle history report without altering the vehicle history information in the report.
The bill states that in any instance in which a dealer or repair shop provides information regarding a motor vehicle to a vehicle history report provider or other entity that maintains a vehicle history database, the dealer or repair shop shall provide accurate information regarding the motor vehicle, including any repair, services, or maintenance performed on the vehicle and the results of any diagnostic performed on the vehicle.
Not performing the acts defined in the bill would be considered a violation. The violation is not defined. However, the bill states the attorney general has authority to make rules, conduct civil investigations, enter into assurance of discontinuance, and bring civil actions.
Private parties also have rights and remedies, the bill says.
If passed, the act would be effective July 1.
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