As a result of Hurricane Irene and historic flooding in across the eastern seaboard, vehicles in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Virginia and Vermont have been submerged in water. Now more than ever, it is essential that NMVTIS be fully implemented and the underlying statute enforced to help prevent the unknowing sale of these flood-damaged vehicles.
NMVTIS, a national electronic system that provides consumers with valuable information about a vehicle's condition and history, can play a crucial role in helping ensure that these flood-damaged vehicles are not sold to unsuspecting consumers in the used-car market. "After Hurricane Katrina, the Department of Justice (DOJ) reported that truckloads of flooded vehicles were taken out of Louisiana to other states where they were dried out, cleaned, and sold to unsuspecting consumers in other states," said Michael E. Wilson CEO of the ARA. "NMVTIS must be fully implemented and utilized to prevent this from happening again," added Wilson.
Such fraudulent and unsafe practices can only be stopped if all states participate fully in NMVTIS and all "individuals" and "entities" that are required to report to the system are held accountable. "Regrettably, DOJ has limited resources to do this. Congress should intercede and permit individual state enforcement agencies to work more closely with DOJ to identify and implement efficient methods to increase participation. Only with sufficient resources can DOJ and the appropriate state law enforcement colleagues target all businesses/individuals whom are operating under the radar and fulfill their obligations under the statute," Wilson asserts.
Since 1943, the Automotive Recyclers Association (“ARA”) represents an industry dedicated to the efficient removal and reuse of “green” automotive parts, and the proper recycling of inoperable motor vehicles. ARA represents the interests of over 4,500 auto recycling facilities in the United States and fourteen other countries around the world. With programs such as the Certified Automotive Recycler Program (CAR) and other partnerships, ARA members continue to provide consumers with quality, low-cost alternatives for vehicle replacement parts, while preserving our environment for a “greener” tomorrow.To learn more about the Association, visit ARA’s Home Page at or call (571) 208- 0428.
