Bill Advances to Tackle Junk Vehicle Fraud in the Virgin Islands

Members of the Committee on Homeland Security, Justice, and Public Safety voted in favor of Bill 35-0409, which would create new regulations for purchasers of junk and salvage vehicles. Sponsored by Senator Samuel Carrion, the draft legislation is expected to address “critical gaps in our vehicle titling system.” The bill, he told his colleagues, “protects consumers and law enforcement, but also upholds the integrity of our vehicle title system.” If enacted into law, Bill 35-0409 would amend the definition of “salvage vehicle purchaser” or “junk vehicle purchaser” to include junk and salvage vehicle businesses. It would also require “salvage vehicle purchasers to file a report with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles that documents the salvage vehicles obtained and sold during a given period.” Failure to file these reports will result in a fine of between $500 and $1000. The Virgin Islands is currently grappling with an issue referred to as “title washing”, where junk and salvaged vehicles ...