Federal law dictates car dealers must fix any manufacturer safety recalls before selling new cars. A ballot initiative filed today would require dealers in California to do the same when selling or leasing used cars. Democratic State Senator Hannah- Beth Jackson is supporting the measure.
“A lot of people buy used cars. A lot of people can’t afford new ones. A lot of people buy used cars for their children,” she said. “There is absolutely no reason that those children and those people buying a used car shouldn’t be as safe as humanely possible.”
Jackson previously sponsored legislation that would accomplish what the ballot initiative is proposing, but her bill is stalled in committee.
The California New Car Dealers Associate opposes Jackson’s bill. It says the focus should be on rental agencies, not car dealers. Jackson says a federal bill is pending that would require rental agencies to fix manufacturer recalls as well.