New legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate that would require cars subject to safety recalls to be repaired before they can be registered.
The Repairing Every Car to Avoid Lost Lives (RECALL) Act, sponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts, has been proposed in response to record high safety recalls from 2014, including defects from GM ignition switches and Takata’s airbags.
If implemented, state Departments of Motor Vehicles and state motor vehicle registration agencies must notify vehicle owners of any outstanding safety recalls when they register their vehicles or receive any renewal or proof of registration documents.
Studies show that of the 34 million cars and trucks on the road in the U.S., one in every seven has an unfixed recall. Only 65 per cent of recalled vehicles get fixed within the first 18 months of being recalled.
Rick Schostek, Executive vice-president, Honda North America Inc., said in a press release: “We believe the process of vehicle registration is a logical point to require an additional check for any open safety recalls in order to ensure that repairs are completed.”
He continued: “When it comes to ensuring that safety-related recalls are completed, automakers, government and concerned citizens need to work together to protect drivers, passengers and others on the road.”
Under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act in Canada, manufacturers are responsible for notifying vehicle owners when safety defects have been identified, through a Notice of Safety Defect.
Transport Canada says on its website that it does not regulate the actions of vehicle owners — although it encourages vehicle owners to carry out repairs as soon as possible after receiving notification from manufacturers.
