PITTSBURGH — New Mexico auto recyclers will have to be licensed as sellers of salvage vehicles if a proposed bill aimed at preventing salvage cars from returning to the highways successfully makes its way through the legislature.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Rick Miera (D., Albuquerque), seeks to ensure that all auto recyclers are licensed by the Motor Vehicle Division of the Taxation and Revenue Department. Salvage car buyers would be required to hold all records of sale for a three-year period.

If approved, it would prohibit the sale of three or more vehicles in one year to a wholesaler or any purchaser who isn’t licensed as a dealer or auto recycler. Sellers of vehicles would be required to report the sale electronically to the agency within 48 hours of the transaction.

The cost for a registration system for sales could be offset by charging to use the system or charging an undetermined amount for each vehicle registered.

The bill could prevent unsafe vehicles from being fixed and sold to unsuspecting buyers, according to a fiscal impact report on the proposed legislation. If passed, the provisions will take effect July 1.