Connecticut Senate Bill SB00296

Connecticut 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/8/25

Caption

An Act Prohibiting Dealers From Preprinting The Order And Invoice For The Purchase Of A Motor Vehicle With Negotiable Fees.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would amend Section 14-62 of the general statutes, focusing specifically on the operations of motor vehicle dealerships. This change would require dealers to openly discuss any fees with a buyer prior to including them in official documents. Such a requirement has the potential to reshape dealership practices and may lead to clearer communication between dealers and customers regarding pricing, reducing instances of unexpected charges that could arise during the buying process.

Summary

SB00296 aims to enhance consumer protection in the automotive purchasing process by prohibiting dealers from preprinting orders and invoices for motor vehicle purchases with negotiable fees. This legislation seeks to ensure that any fees associated with optional services, such as vehicle identification etching, are not included in documents provided to potential buyers before discussions have occurred. The intent is to promote transparency during vehicle transactions and discourage practices that could mislead consumers regarding the actual costs they might incur.

Contention

While the bill seeks to uphold consumer rights, it could face pushback from dealership owners and industry advocates who may see this as an additional bureaucratic requirement that complicates their sales processes. Dealers might argue that preprinting fees can streamline transactions and simplify documentation for customers. This potential contention highlights the ongoing balance between consumer protection measures and the operational freedom of businesses within the automotive industry.