Attorney General Henry announces new protections for Pennsylvania car buyers
HARRISBURG – Attorney General Michelle Henry announced an amendment to the Pennsylvania Automotive Industry Trade Practices regulations that provides new protections to Pennsylvanians when shopping for and purchasing motor vehicles. This amendment was published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin in August.
“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.”
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 an additional inspection.
If a dealer finds any of the unsafe conditions – such as a flood-damaged vehicle or a vehicle with a bent frame – listed in the regulation, they will be required to disclose them in writing prior to sale. This written disclosure is required even if the motor vehicle is being sold “As Is.”
The amendment began to take effect on August 19, 2024.
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