Missouri House Bill HB2128

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/22
• Refer: 5/13/22

Caption

Requires motor vehicle dealers to verify that the person who will be driving a newly purchased motor vehicle from the sales location holds a valid driver's license issued in this state or another state

Impact

The introduction of HB2128 could have significant implications for both dealers and consumers in the automotive market. By instituting a verification process, the bill is intended to prevent the sale of vehicles to unlicensed individuals, thereby contributing to road safety and reducing potential liabilities for dealers. This requirement aligns with broader consumer protection efforts by ensuring that transactions are not only financially sound but also secure in terms of legal driving ability.

Summary

House Bill 2128 aims to amend Chapter 301 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri by introducing a new section that requires motor vehicle dealers to verify the validity of a driver's license prior to delivering a vehicle to a purchaser. Specifically, the bill mandates that dealers licensed under section 301.553 must confirm that the person who will be operating the vehicle holds a valid driver’s license, either issued from Missouri or another state. The purpose of this legislation is to enhance accountability within the vehicle sales process and ensure that motor vehicles are not sold to individuals without the appropriate license to drive them.

Contention

While the bill seems to streamline the vehicle sales process and enhance road safety, it could face scrutiny regarding its potential impact on dealership operations. Some dealers might express concerns about the additional administrative burden of verifying licenses, which could delay sales and affect customer satisfaction. However, proponents of the bill argue that the benefits of such verification substantially outweigh these concerns. The discussion surrounding this bill may revolve around finding a balance between protective measures and operational efficiency for car dealers.