THE HISTORY OF THE MONRONEY STICKER

You’ve seen them everywhere. It’s the Monroney Sticker. What, you may ask? It’s called by many names ranging from “window sticker” to “vehicle price notification” to the “price tag.” But formally, it is the Monroney sticker. Napleton News is happy to tell you all about it. You can thank us later.

THE MONRONEY STICKER: WHAT IS IT?

The Monroney (or window) sticker is a piece of paper that is affixed to the side window or windshield of all new cars sold in the United States. It is named after Almer Stillwell “Mike” Monroney, a politician from Oklahoma, who served as a congressman in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1939 to 1951, and then as a U.S. Senator from 1951 to 1969. Monroney sponsored the “Automobile Information Disclosure Act of 1958, which required the disclosure of equipment and pricing information on new automobiles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) less than 8,500 pounds.

In addition to the Automobile Information Disclosure Act, Monroney was also responsible for the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 that helped create the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to improve aviation safety. As an aside, Monroney, a former journalist, was also named by U.S. Senate pages as “The Nicest Senator.”

EVERY CAR HAS ONE.

The Monroney sticker must appear on every car sold in the U.S. If they don’t, under Chapter 28, Sections 1231-1233, Title 15 of the United States Code, there is a fine of up to $1,000 per vehicle, per offense for selling a vehicle without one.

By law, the following information must be on each vehicle’s Monroney sticker:

• The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The price as recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer. It is basically shown for guidance, as dealerships may charge more if the vehicle is extremely popular and in short supply. Conversely, they may charge less than the Monroney sticker if the car is plentiful, or there are manufacturer’s incentives associated with that particular model.
• Make and Model: The type of vehicle and its specific model name as well as its actual Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Part origins and other details including powertrain information, exterior and interior color and materials, trim level and model year.
• Crash Test Scores and Safety Ratings: The ratings given to the vehicle by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• Fuel Economy and Environmental impact ratings.
• Standard equipment
• A listing of vehicle options and their prices.
• The Type of Warranty.

WHAT ABOUT PRE-OWNED VEHICLES?

Pre-owned or used vehicles do not require a Monroney sticker but are required under the Used Car Rule of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to have a Buyer’s Guide sticker in the windshield or on the side glass. This sticker lets the buyer know if there are any warranties in place and, if so, for how long. It also lets the buyer know if there are any potential issues they should know about in advance.

TRANSPARENCY IS KEY.

Your new car’s Monroney sticker or its pre-owned Buyer’s Guide sticker are your assurances that the vehicle’s manufacturers and the Napleton Auto Group are standing behind it. And remember, we service all makes and models!

You’re Welcome!