File #: Int 0571-2003    Version: * Name: Prohibiting auto dealers from charging consumers for free services offered by the NYPD.
Type: Introduction Status: Filed
Committee: Committee on Consumer Affairs
On agenda: 9/30/2003
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to prohibiting automobile dealerships from charging consumers for free services offered by the New York City Police Department.
Sponsors: John C. Liu, Gale A. Brewer, Yvette D. Clarke, Leroy G. Comrie, Jr., Vincent J. Gentile, Alan J. Gerson, Robert Jackson, Allan W. Jennings, Jr., Michael E. McMahon, Michael C. Nelson, Christine C. Quinn, James Sanders, Jr., Albert Vann, David I. Weprin
Council Member Sponsors: 14

Int. No. 571

 

By Council Members Liu, Brewer, Clarke, Comrie, Gentile, Gerson, Jackson, Jennings, McMahon, Nelson, Quinn, Sanders, Vann and Weprin

 

A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to prohibiting automobile dealerships from charging consumers for free services offered by the New York City Police Department.

 

Be it enacted by the Council as follows:

 

                     Section One.  Legislative Findings and Intent

                     The New York City Police Department offers many valuable services to assist in the prevention of automobile theft, including the VIN-Etch Program, which allows registered car owners to have their car window etched with the vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).  Having the VIN etched in the window makes the car less desirable to a car thief and helps identify stolen parts in salvage yards.  The NYPD offers this program free-of-charge in all precincts.

                     Some automobile dealerships, when offering auto theft protection programs, will alert consumers to the benefits of VIN-Etching, and offer to perform this service for a fee.  Other dealerships will offer this service, and charge consumers for it, as part of a larger auto theft protection package.  Automobile dealers, however, should not be permitted to charge for a VIN-etching program that is offered free-of-charge by the NYPD, and the Council finds that a local law prohibiting this conduct is appropriate.

                     §2. Chapter five of title 20 of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended by adding a new subchapter 14, to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER 14

AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIPS

§20-770 VIN Etching Program

§20-770 VIN Etching Program

               a.  Definition. “VIN etching” is the process by which an automobile’s windows are etched with the vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number.

  b.  It shall be unlawful for any person or entity that sells automobiles to charge a consumer for the VIN etching of an automobile’s windows.

              c.  Penalties.  Any person or entity that violates the provisions of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars. 

                     §3. This local law shall take effect immediately.

 

 

 

 

 

 

TB

LS#2302

5/6/03