§ 4181 — Notice of return, title branding required; sale of defective motor vehicles prohibited; defense

(a) Any manufacturer or its agent or any dealer registered in this State who attempts to resell a motor vehicle after a final determination, adjudication, or settlement resulting in the vehicle being returned pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, or under similar laws of any other state, shall apprise prospective buyers in Vermont of such return by means of a clearly visible window sticker. Manufacturers, agents, and dealers are prohibited from reselling in Vermont any vehicle determined or adjudicated as having a serious safety defect. Notice that a vehicle has been returned pursuant to such law shall also be conspicuously printed on the motor vehicle certificate of title.
(b) A person who demonstrates both of the following shall not be subject to liability or a penalty for a violation of this section:
(1) the person acquired a motor vehicle without actual knowledge that it was returned pursuant to the provisions of this chapter or under similar laws of another state; and
(2) at the time of acquisition, the title of the motor vehicle did not bear notice of such return. (Added 1983, No. 211 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2011, No. 164 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; 2021, No. 20, § 41.)