News

The Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles has created an Electronic Lien and Title (ELT) Guide. The guide includes general information pertaining to the ELT program and process, lienholders’ responsibilities and frequently asked questions. Read the ELT Guide: http://www.flhsmv.gov/dmv/ELTLienholdersGuide.pdf For questions on the Florida ELT program or ADD’ s ELT Services, email ADD or call one of our friendly and knowledgeable customer service representatives at 855-300-3455 .

In 2013 legislative sessions across the US, 17 NMVTIS-related bills were introduced in 10 states, seven of which became law. Many of these bills had language that created state licensing or reporting requirements for companies that handle salvage vehicles, some added NMVTIS reporting timelines to existing statutes, while others created state fines for non-reporting.

As a result of the 2013 Florida legislative session, Florida towing companies, among other industries, face new NMVTIS reporting requirements when handling derelict, total loss, and salvage vehicles. As of July 1, in Florida, when a towing company is applying for a Certificate of Destruction in lieu of a Certificate of Title, they must submit proof of reporting the vehicle to NMVTIS, along with the previously required affidavit.

Originally Published in theFlorida Independent Dealer magazine. The issue of salvage vehicles entering Florida with “clean,” unbranded titles has been one faced by used car dealers, retail consumers, law enforcement and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) for some years. Recently, this problem has escalated as it has become much easier for dealers to purchase salvage vehicles by bidding in auctions over the internet.

ADD appreciates all of its ELT customers and is constantly working to make its products more efficient and easier to use. With the ELT system in its infancy, and based on feedback we have received from customers over the past few months, there will be several modifications and feature improvements coming throughout the summer.

The 2013 Florida legislative session resulted in important procedural changes for Florida towing companies, specifically to good faith searches, derelict vehicles, and certificate of destruction procedures. HB 7125 was approved by Governor Rick Scott on June 12, 2013. With the enactment of the bill, beginning on July 1, 2013 , all towing and recovery businesses can anticipate the following changes to the good faith letter process:

Throughout the country, state legislators are considering new laws that strengthen reporting requirements for the National Motor Title Information System (NMVTIS) in an effort to bolster the effectiveness of the national database. While some states have already adopted and implemented specific rules, others have recently passed laws that will become effective over the next few months.

ADD answers common questions about the DMV123 and NMVTIS Search tools! What is the difference between a National Title Pointer (NMVTIS) search and a DMV123 search? A National Title Pointer (NMVTIS) Search with Theft Check is a multi-state search intended to help pinpoint the current state of title and check for theft information.

According to the Atlanta press, two Decatur men are accused of scamming recyclers into paying them for dozens of cars the two had stolen by using VIN numbers from cars already scrapped. These men would go to scrap yards after stealing vehicles and find others of the same make and model.

With NMVTIS enforcement occurring both statewide and at the federal level, the last thing salvage businesses should need to worry about is inadvertently purchasing a stolen vehicle. All over the country law enforcement agencies are reporting increases in the sale of stolen cars to unsuspecting parts and metal recyclers. In Georgia, it’s even been reported that criminals are stealing VIN plates from vehicles already in salvage yards and placing them on stolen vehicles, in order to sell the stolen car for scrap.