DETROIT – Salvaged vehicles now must be inspected by a certified mechanic before they can be driven on the road again, Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson announced Tuesday.
Salvaged titles are given to distressed vehicles that weigh four tons or less and were manufactured in the last six model years, or that weigh more than four tons and were manufactured in the last 16 model years.
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Vehicles are distressed when their estimated damage is 75 percent to less than 91 percent of pre-damaged value as a result of one or more major components, such as its engine, frame, bumpers or body, being wrecked, stolen or missing.
Previously, salvaged vehicles only needed to be inspected by a law enforcement officer to make sure parts used to repair them were not stolen. Under a new state law, mechanics must verify the cars are safe to drive.
The salvage-vehicle inspection form that already needed to be filled out now includes a section for a certified mechanic to complete. The form is available online or at any Secretary of State office.
Once completed, the vehicle owner must submit the form at a Secretary of State office, along with the vehicle’s salvage title and a salvage certification form, before receiving a rebuilt salvage title.
“Michigan car-buyers now will have peace of mind that a newly rebuilt vehicle they buy has been inspected by a certified mechanic and wasn’t repaired poorly,” Johnson said.