Regulatory Update: Major changes Expected – Legislation Anticipated after NJ State Commission of Investigation Blasts NJ MVC for Alleged Fraud and Misconduct

February 11, 2016

Click here to download a PDF copy

In December, the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation (“SCI”) issued a scathing report with serious accusations against New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (“MVC”) officials: “Gaming the System | Abuse and Influence Peddling in New Jersey’s Used‐Car Industry.” The SCI alleged some officials have enabled used-car auto malls or “multi-dealer locations” to circumvent regulations and enforcement, allegedly resulting in fraud, unpaid taxes and “suspicious” financial transactions. Importantly, the report contains many recommendations that would significantly change oversight of the entire industry not just for dealers at multi-dealer locations. We now anticipate that the Legislature will take up many of these reforms, with legislation expected to be introduced within weeks; however, we do not yet have any information on the specifics of the bill or bills.

As reported previously, the SCI recommended reforms included: (1) removing licensing and oversight authority from the MVC’s jurisdiction and giving it to the NJ Department of Law and Public Safety, Office of the Attorney General, Division of Consumer Affairs; (2) creating a wholesale-only license and exempting wholesale dealers from many of the requirements that strictly pertain to retail transactions (the MVC has discussed creation of such a license category for years); (3) requiring more financial disclosures as a condition of licensure; (4) expanding the basis for denying licenses for certain crimes;  (5) adoption of a used car dealer bill of rights; (6) an end to “AS IS” sales; (7) a cooling off period with financial penalties  for the purchase of used cars for less than $40,000.00; (8) strengthening of NJ’s lobbying disclosure requirements; (9) requiring licensees be in state residents.  The scope of the expected legislation is not limited or bound by the SCI’s proposals.  

As we have previously noted, dealers should expect that for now the MVC will vigilantly enforce existing regulations  and statutes.  This is a good time to ensure your business practices are compliant with all regulatory requirements. 

PAYMENT ASSURANCE DEVICE LEGISLATION RELEASED FROM ASSEMBLY CONSUMER AFFAIRS COMMITTEE 

Proposed Law Limits Use of Payment Assurance Devices and Conditions Use on 10 Point Interest Rate Deduction; Creates Violation of Consumer Fraud Act

On February 4, 2016,  the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee released A756, which limits the use of payment assurance devices by auto dealers and lenders in connection with auto financing.    The legislation is sponsored by Assemblyman Paul Moriarty (D-4, Turnersville) who also chairs the committee.

The bill allows a dealer or lender to install a payment assurance device only if certain conditions, such as written disclosure, warning period before activation, and the customer’s ability to start the car in an emergency, are met. NJIADA testified before the Committee and voiced its concerns over a provision of the legislation that mandates a 10 point reduction in the interest rate charged for auto loans when a payment assurance device is used, essentially limiting the maximum interest rate to 19.99%.

During the hearing, several members of the committee voiced other concerns that we anticipate will be addressed through amendments. The legislation has not yet been considered in the Senate and NJIADA continues to work with Chairman Moriarty on the bill.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GRANTS STATES THE AUTHORITY TO ALLOW E-SIGNATURES ON ODOMETER DISCLOSURES: PAVES WAY FOR PAPERLESS DOCUMENT PROCESSING

In December, President Obama signed the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (“FAST”) Act. Under the new law, each state can decide whether to allow electronic signature on odometer forms, which could speed up the finance and insurance process and reduce errors and fraud.   The Odometer form was the last document for which the federal government still required an actual or wet signature from the consumer in the car buying process l.

This new law only gives states the authority to create their own electronic odometer disclosure programs, but each state must pass its own law.   To date,  no legislation to allow for such changes has been introduced in New Jersey.   The law mandates that states can use digital methods for odometer readings and notices; however, the processes must set forth security measures to ensure accurate authentication.

If implemented properly and with foresight,  enacting a new law has the potential to not only allow for completely paperless odometer readings, but a completely paperless process when it comes to vehicle documentation including sales, registration, and  titling. Again, New Jersey has yet to act on its new found authority. 

For more information about the NJIADA, contact Paula Frendel at njiada.pfrendel@gmail.com.  For more information about any of the issues above, or any other legal issues impacting your dealership, contact Tony Bush at (609) 989‐5056 or abush@eckertseamans.com.

Share This Post

Author