New protections for Pennsylvania car buyers announced

PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — An amendment to the Pennsylvania Automotive Industry Trade Practices will help to protect car buyers, according to Attorney General Michelle Henry.

The amendment modernizes the regulatory definition of “advertisement” to clearly include online statements and representations. Motor vehicle dealers will now be required to inspect each motor vehicle within 30 days of when it enters their inventory for certain unsafe conditions.

Motor vehicles that accumulate 500 or more miles on a dealer lot before sale will require another inspection.

If a dealer were to find any condition, such as a flood-damaged vehicle or a vehicle with a bent frame, they would be required to disclose them in writing prior to the sale. This written disclosure is required even if a vehicle is being sold “As Is.”

“These sensible updates to Pennsylvania’s Automotive Regulations will make the process of purchasing a new vehicle more transparent,” Attorney General Henry said. “My Office has worked closely with the public and regulatory agencies in finalizing these much-needed changes to deal with one of the largest sources of consumer complaints that our Bureau of Consumer Protection receives each year.”

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This amendment took effect on Monday, Aug. 19.

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