House Passes Legislation Establishing Standard for AMV Dealers

COLUMBUS – House Bill 195, introduced by State Representatives Steve Demetriou (R-Bainbridge Township) and Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma), passed during a House vote Wednesday. This legislation creates a standard for the sale of adaptive mobility vehicles.

An adaptive mobility vehicle dealer retrofits vehicles with handicap adaptive equipment so a person with a disability can access and operate a motor vehicle. Currently in Ohio, AMV dealers operate in a legal gray area with no license established for the purpose of adapting a vehicle. 

“These dealers are critical to people with disabilities,” said Demetriou. “These adapted vehicles allow a person with a disability to travel and provide for themselves, but we must also assure this specialty equipment is installed properly for the safety of the vehicle occupants. This dealer license will help create credibility and establish an industry standard for these dealers that have been operating in legal limbo.” 

Supported by the Ohio Automobile Dealers Association and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, there are nearly 15 adaptive vehicle dealers operating in Ohio.

The legislation will now head to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.