News in 2010

In mid-July 2010, all Florida auto dealers will be required by law1 to electronically report the transfer of a metal license plate as it is being moved from one vehicle to another. The electronic report will create a temporary registration in the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) database, and should be completed prior to a customer driving off the lot. This is a change for dealers who have been issuing a temporary tag to notify the DHSMV of the transfer while the permanent metal plate reassignment is processed. Now, dealers can move a customer’s metal plate to the purchased vehicle on the spot and electronically report that transfer to the DHSMV without issuing a paper tag.

Florida’s new temporary metal plate transfer system adds some new features that will benefit dealers, including the ability to void a transfer and restore a previous registration, under certain circumstances. When determining if a temporary metal plate transfer is necessary, the first thing to consider is the number of days left on the registration. If the registration being temporarily transferred has 30 or more days remaining , dealers can process a temporary transfer of a metal plate. If the registration being temporarily transferred has less than 30 days remaining , a temporary tag must be issued.

NEW LAW AFFECTS FEES CHARGED BY THE FLORIDA DHSMV ON MOTOR VEHICLE INQUIRIES For many years, Florida tax collectors have had the ability to provide a motor vehicle record to qualified entities without collecting a statutorily mandated $0.50 fee (FS 320.05). Businesses, including Auto Data Direct and its customers, have benefited from this because several tax collectors have opted not to collect the $0.50 fee. In its need for additional revenue, the Florida Legislature has closed this loophole.

New Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF) Release Form Now Required The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has revised and combined what were previously five separate forms into a single VSF release form, the VSF011-1. The new form replaces the Affidavit of Right of Possession (VSF009), the Notice of Right of Possession for Salvage or Repair (VSF 006), Specific Power of Attorney (VSF007), the Proof of Loss Claim Form (VSF008) and Appointment of Authorized Representative for Inspection of Motor Vehicle (VSF 005).

On average, 42 million used cars are sold in the United States every year, and today’s used car buyers are turning to the internet to research potential purchases. With the help of the recently launched National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), consumers have more information at their fingertips than ever before.

In 2008, more than 5.2 million citations were issued to Florida’s 14 million licensed drivers. That averages out to a citation apiece for around 37% of the population. For business owners, especially businesses that require employees to drive as a part of their job, a driver license history can give owners peace of mind before handing over the keys to a company vehicle. Auto Data Direct (ADD) offers Florida driving history reports direct from the DMV, without the hassle. ADD’s reports are printed in an easy-to-read format that explains the codes and citations to provide the information you want, when you want it.

For Immediate Release Auto Data Direct, Inc. (ADD) today announced that it will begin providing a free motor vehicle reporting option to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) for the auto recycling and insurance industries. The free service will allow users to satisfy federal reporting requirements by uploading junk, salvage and total loss vehicle data to the national database. The first of three approved data consolidators, ADD will also become the first to offer a free reporting option.

Effective July 1, 2010, all Florida auto dealers will be required* by law to electronically report a Temporary Transfer of a Metal License Plate on a metal plate that is being moved from one vehicle to another prior to a customer driving off the lot. Dealers who have been issuing a temporary tag rather than transferring the metal plate will now be able to electronically report the Temporary Transfer of a Metal Plate directly to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), and move the metal plate to the purchased vehicle. This is an additional requirement and does not take the place of the paperwork necessary to process the permanent metal plate transfer.

Last summer, Americans traded in over 675,000 vehicles as part of the CARS Program, or Cash for Clunkers, as it became popularly known. The federal stimulus program lured buyers into dealerships nationwide, but it was after the much-publicized program officially ended that the real work began for the automotive recycling industry.

This year the Professional Wreckers of Florida (PWOF) International Tow Show was held in Orlando, Florida, at the Hilton located in Downtown Disney from Thursday, April 15 to Sunday April 18, 2010. I have been with Auto Data Direct since September 2009, and this was my first chance to attend one of these events. It was to my benefit that I attended the conference with ADD’s President, Director of Operations and head of Customer Service, who have varied knowledge and experience with the towing industry. The experience with customers and co-workers was both educational and enjoyable, and allowed me to see all the services, products, and companies involved with the towing industry. I was overwhelmed by the number of vendors and guests who attended, and impressed with the sponsored activities, exhibits, and demonstrations.