New Rules for Selling Recalled Vehicles Take Effect Today

New regulations governing the sale and transfer of ownership of vehicles under active recall came into force today.

The changes are part of the updated “Vehicle Type Approval” law and apply to the registration or transfer of cars, vans, and trailers in categories M, N, and O that are subject to an active recall notice.

Under the new rules, when registering or transferring ownership of a recalled vehicle, the new owner must submit a declaration signed by the previous owner. This is required even if the necessary safety repairs are still pending.

The declaration confirms that both the buyer and the seller are fully aware the vehicle has not yet been repaired. The form — identified as TOM372 — must be submitted together with the usual registration or transfer documents.

This new measure follows increasing pressure from the European Commission on EU member states to strengthen oversight of recalled vehicles, especially those with serious defects such as faulty airbags.