Bill would make you get recall fix to renew license

WASHINGTON – Two U.S. senators proposed legislation today which would force states to let drivers know about safety recalls and require owners in most cases to have repairs done before being allowed to renew their auto registration.

U.S. Sens. Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., introduced the legislation saying it was in response to a record wave of recalls last year and concerns that studies indicate only 65% of vehicles are repaired within 18 months of being recalled.

The bill would require states to let owners know of outstanding recalls on their vehicles when it sends out registration renewal reminders or, in the case of new vehicle registrations, when it requests proof of documentation.

Owners would be required to satisfy any safety recalls before renewing their registrations except in cases where the state failed to notify them, the manufacturer doesn't have the parts or labor to finish the recall or the owner demonstrates he or she hasn't had a chance to get the vehicle fixed. In those cases, the state can grant a temporary registration of up to 60 days.

Although the legislation's prospects are uncertain, it received support from several groups, including the Center for Auto Safety, the Consumer Federation of America, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety and Honda North America.

"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," said Rick Schostek, Honda North America's executive vice president.