IL bill could require dealerships provide vehicle history reports for used cars

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — State lawmakers could pass a plan this spring to require car dealers to provide vehicle history reports to anyone buying used cars.

The bill states licensed Illinois vehicle dealers must provide customers with a same-day VIN-specific history report for all used or pre-owned vehicles. That report would need to include information about title issues, odometer accuracy, recalls and accident history.

"Because so many dealerships are doing this already, this isn't to impact them at all," said Sen. Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet). "If anything, this is to root out the bad actors."

This proposal could also mandate that customers receive and acknowledge the auto history report in a language they understand. The Illinois Attorney General's office would be responsible for investigating any unlawful business practices by dealerships.

The Illinois Automobile Dealers Association shares the goal of creating accountability and transparency for vehicle transactions. However, the organization opposes the current bill language.

"The bill mandates a document that every entity admits may be wrong or inaccurate," said Mike Stieren, legislative affairs director for the Illinois Automobile Dealers Association. "The FTC warns consumers that these reports may be inaccurate."

Opponents also noted that license revocation could cause significant interruption of business for car dealerships, potentially leading to closure.

Ventura stressed that Oregon and California already have similar laws in place.

Senate Bill 2787 is currently assigned to the Senate Transportation Committee.