A new bill addressing vehicle safety recalls, including airbag issues, is being discussed today in the Parliamentary Transport Committee, with initial support from Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades.
The proposed legislation, submitted by three MPs last Thursday, aims to tackle gaps in the notification system for imported vehicles and introduces two key provisions:
During periodic technical inspections (MOT), vehicles will be checked against a priority list of defective parts maintained by the Road Transport Department (RTD).
Owners of affected vehicles will be required to replace faulty components as directed.
The second provision requires both new and imported vehicles to be certified free of pending recalls before registration or transfer of ownership.
Minister Vafeades revealed that the RTD will post manufacturer distributor links on its website for public information.
One car dealership has already committed to providing recall notifications for all vehicles, whether new or imported.
The RTD will also begin calling vehicles with outstanding recalls for MOT testing, addressing concerns about the estimated 4,000 drivers who have not responded to distributor notifications about recalls.
The legislation aims to resolve long-standing issues with imported vehicles from third countries, ensuring proper notification channels and mandatory safety checks before registration or transfer.
The move comes amid political tensions, with the transport minister defending his handling of the issue after calls for his resignation from the parliamentary commerce committee chairman.
