Bill Text: CA AB759 | 2015-2016 | Regular Session | Chaptered
Bill Title: Recreational vehicles.
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 1)
Status: (Passed) 2015-10-01 - Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 407, Statutes of 2015. [AB759 Detail]
Download: California-2015-AB759-Chaptered.html
BILL NUMBER: AB 759 CHAPTERED
BILL TEXT
CHAPTER 407
FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE OCTOBER 1, 2015
APPROVED BY GOVERNOR OCTOBER 1, 2015
PASSED THE SENATE SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
PASSED THE ASSEMBLY SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
AMENDED IN SENATE SEPTEMBER 4, 2015
AMENDED IN SENATE AUGUST 31, 2015
AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY MARCH 26, 2015
INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Linder
FEBRUARY 25, 2015
An act to amend Sections 3010, 3050.7, 3066, 3067, 3068, 3070,
3072, 3072.5, 3073, 3074, 3078, 3079, 11705, 11713.1, 11713.3, and
11713.23 of, and to add Sections 3080, 3081, and 3082 to, the Vehicle
Code, relating to recreational vehicles.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 759, Linder. Recreational vehicles.
(1) Existing law establishes a New Motor Vehicle Board that
regulates the activities or practices of a new motor vehicle dealer,
manufacturer, manufacturer branch, distributor, distributor branch,
or representative, as specified. Existing law regulates the terms and
enforcement of recreational vehicle franchise agreements. Existing
law requires a franchisor seeking to enter into a franchise
establishing an additional motor vehicle dealership within a relevant
market area where the same recreational vehicle line-make is
represented, or seeking to relocate an existing motor vehicle
dealership, to notify the board of that intention. Existing law
allows franchisees in that recreational vehicle line-make in the
relevant market area to file with the board a protest to establishing
or relocating the dealership.
This bill would revise these provisions and would clarify that the
above provisions apply to a franchisor seeking to enter into a
franchise establishing an additional recreational vehicle dealership,
or seeking to relocate an existing recreational vehicle dealership,
that has a relevant market area within which the same recreation
vehicle line-make is represented.
(2) Existing law generally requires a manufacturer, manufacturer
branch, remanufacturer, remanufacturer branch, distributor,
distributor branch, transporter, or dealer of vehicles to be licensed
by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Existing law allows the
department to suspend or revoke a license issued to a dealer upon
determining that the person to whom the license was issued has
willfully violated specified requirements imposed on new motor
vehicle franchisors relating to providing specified information and
compensation to franchisees.
This bill would make the above provisions applicable to a
recreational vehicle franchisor.
(3) Existing law makes it a violation, punishable as an
infraction, for the holder of a dealer's license to, among other
things, advertise or sell a new vehicle of a line-make for which the
dealer does not hold a franchise. Under existing law, this
prohibition does not apply to a recreational vehicle, as defined.
This bill would make the above prohibitions applicable to
recreational vehicles. By increasing the scope of a crime, this bill
would impose a state-mandated local program.
(4) Existing law makes it a violation, punishable as an
infraction, for a licensed manufacturer or distributor to modify,
replace, enter into, relocate, terminate, or refuse to renew a
franchise in violation of specified provisions of law.
This bill would make this prohibition subject to additional
provisions of law relating to recreational vehicle manufacturers and
distributors. By expanding the scope of a crime, this bill would
impose a state-mandated local program.
(5) Existing law prohibits a recreational vehicle manufacturer or
distributor from selling a new recreational vehicle through a
recreational vehicle dealer without having first entered into a
written recreational vehicle franchise.
This bill would, following the termination, cancellation, or
non-renewal of a recreational vehicle franchise, allow the sale of
any new recreational vehicle inventory that was purchased by the
recreational vehicle dealer, or shipped by a manufacturer or
distributor, during the period that the written recreational vehicle
franchise was in effect.
(6) This bill would incorporate additional changes to Sections
3050.7 and 11713.3 of the Vehicle Code made by this bill and AB 1178
to take effect if both bills are chaptered and this bill is chaptered
last.
(7) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse
local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the
state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that
reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this
act for a specified reason.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Section 3010 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:
3010. Five members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business, for the performance of any duty or the
exercise of any power or authority of the board, except that three
members of the board, who are not new motor vehicle dealers, shall
constitute a quorum for the purposes of Article 4 (commencing with
Section 3060) and the consideration of a petition pursuant to
subdivision (c) of Section 3050 that involves a dispute between a
franchisee and franchisor.
SEC. 2. Section 3050.7 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:
3050.7. (a) The board may adopt stipulated decisions and orders,
without a hearing pursuant to Section 3066 or 3080, to resolve one or
more issues raised by a protest or petition filed with the board.
Whenever the parties to a protest or petition submit a proposed
stipulated decision and order of the board, a copy of the proposed
stipulated decision and order shall be transmitted by the executive
director of the board to each member of the board. The proposed
stipulated decision and order shall be deemed to be adopted by the
board unless a member of the board notifies the executive director of
the board of an objection thereto within 10 days after that board
member has received a copy of the proposed stipulated decision and
order.
(b) If the board adopts a stipulated decision and order to resolve
a protest filed pursuant to Section 3060 or 3070 in which the
parties stipulate that good cause exists for the termination of the
franchise of the protestant, and the order provides for a conditional
or unconditional termination of the franchise of the protestant,
paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 3060 and paragraph (2) of
subdivision (a) of Section 3070, which require a hearing to
determine whether good cause exists for termination of the franchise,
is inapplicable to the proceedings. If the stipulated decision and
order provides for an unconditional termination of the franchise, the
franchise may be terminated without further proceedings by the
board. If the stipulated decision and order provides for the
termination of the franchise, conditioned upon the failure of a party
to comply with specified conditions, the franchise may be terminated
upon a determination, according to the terms of the stipulated
decision and order, that the conditions have not been met. If the
stipulated decision and order provides for the termination of the
franchise conditioned upon the occurrence of specified conditions,
the franchise may be terminated upon a determination, according to
the terms of the stipulated decision and order, that the stipulated
conditions have occurred.
SEC. 2.1. Section 3050.7 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:
3050.7. (a) The board may adopt stipulated decisions and orders,
without a hearing pursuant to Section 3066, 3080, or 3085.2 to
resolve one or more issues raised by a protest or petition filed with
the board. Whenever the parties to a protest or petition submit a
proposed stipulated decision and order of the board, a copy of the
proposed stipulated decision and order shall be transmitted by the
executive director of the board to each member of the board. The
proposed stipulated decision and order shall be deemed to be adopted
by the board unless a member of the board notifies the executive
director of the board of an objection thereto within 10 days after
that board member has received a copy of the proposed stipulated
decision and order.
(b) If the board adopts a stipulated decision and order to resolve
a protest filed pursuant to Section 3060 or 3070 in which the
parties stipulate that good cause exists for the termination of the
franchise of the protestant, and the order provides for a conditional
or unconditional termination of the franchise of the protestant,
paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 3060 and paragraph (2) of
subdivision (a) of Section 3070, which require a hearing to
determine whether good cause exists for termination of the franchise,
is inapplicable to the proceedings. If the stipulated decision and
order provides for an unconditional termination of the franchise, the
franchise may be terminated without further proceedings by the
board. If the stipulated decision and order provides for the
termination of the franchise, conditioned upon the failure of a party
to comply with specified conditions, the franchise may be terminated
upon a determination, according to the terms of the stipulated
decision and order, that the conditions have not been met. If the
stipulated decision and order provides for the termination of the
franchise conditioned upon the occurrence of specified conditions,
the franchise may be terminated upon a determination, according to
the terms of the stipulated decision and order, that the stipulated
conditions have occurred.
(c) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1,
2019, and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted
statute, that is enacted before January 1, 2019, deletes or extends
that date.
SEC. 2.5. Section 3050.7 is added to the Vehicle Code, to read:
3050.7. (a) The board may adopt stipulated decisions and orders,
without a hearing pursuant to Section 3066 or 3080, to resolve one or
more issues raised by a protest or petition filed with the board.
Whenever the parties to a protest or petition submit a proposed
stipulated decision and order of the board, a copy of the proposed
stipulated decision and order shall be transmitted by the executive
director of the board to each member of the board. The proposed
stipulated decision and order shall be deemed to be adopted by the
board unless a member of the board notifies the executive director of
the board of an objection thereto within 10 days after that board
member has received a copy of the proposed stipulated decision and
order.
(b) If the board adopts a stipulated decision and order to resolve
a protest filed pursuant to Section 3060 or 3070 in which the
parties stipulate that good cause exists for the termination of the
franchise of the protestant, and the order provides for a conditional
or unconditional termination of the franchise of the protestant,
paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 3060 and paragraph (2) of
subdivision (a) of Section 3070, which require a hearing to
determine whether good cause exists for termination of the franchise,
is inapplicable to the proceedings. If the stipulated decision and
order provides for an unconditional termination of the franchise, the
franchise may be terminated without further proceedings by the
board. If the stipulated decision and order provides for the
termination of the franchise, conditioned upon the failure of a party
to comply with specified conditions, the franchise may be terminated
upon a determination, according to the terms of the stipulated
decision and order, that the conditions have not been met. If the
stipulated decision and order provides for the termination of the
franchise conditioned upon the occurrence of specified conditions,
the franchise may be terminated upon a determination, according to
the terms of the stipulated decision and order, that the stipulated
conditions have occurred.
(c) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2019.
SEC. 3. Section 3066 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:
3066. (a) Upon receiving a protest pursuant to Section 3060,
3062, 3064, 3065, or 3065.1, the board shall fix a time within 60
days of the order, and place of hearing, and shall send by certified
mail a copy of the order to the franchisor, the protesting
franchisee, and all individuals and groups that have requested
notification by the board of protests and decisions of the board.
Except in a case involving a franchisee who deals exclusively in
motorcycles, the board or its executive director may, upon a showing
of good cause, accelerate or postpone the date initially established
for a hearing, but the hearing shall not be rescheduled more than 90
days after the board's initial order. For the purpose of accelerating
or postponing a hearing date, "good cause" includes, but is not
limited to, the effects upon, and any irreparable harm to, the
parties or interested persons or groups if the request for a change
in hearing date is not granted. The board or an administrative law
judge designated by the board shall hear and consider the oral and
documented evidence introduced by the parties and other interested
individuals and groups, and the board shall make its decision solely
on the record so made. Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 11400) of
Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code and Sections
11507.3, 11507.6, 11507.7, 11511, 11511.5, 11513, 11514, 11515, and
11517 of the Government Code apply to these proceedings.
(b) In a hearing on a protest filed pursuant to Section 3060 or
3062 the franchisor shall have the burden of proof to establish that
there is good cause to modify, replace, terminate, or refuse to
continue a franchise. The franchisee shall have the burden of proof
to establish that there is good cause not to enter into a franchise
establishing an additional motor vehicle dealership or relocating an
existing motor vehicle dealership.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, in a hearing on
a protest alleging a violation of, or filed pursuant to, Section
3064, 3065, or 3065.1, the franchisee shall have the burden of proof,
but the franchisor has the burden of proof to establish that a
franchisee acted with intent to defraud the franchisor when that
issue is material to a protest filed pursuant to Section 3065 or
3065.1.
(d) A member of the board who is a new motor vehicle dealer may
not participate in, hear, comment, or advise other members upon, or
decide, a matter involving a protest filed pursuant to this article
unless all parties to the protest stipulate otherwise.
SEC. 4. Section 3067 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:
3067. (a) The decision of the board shall be in writing and shall
contain findings of fact and a determination of the issues
presented. The decision shall sustain, conditionally sustain,
overrule, or conditionally overrule the protest. Conditions imposed
by the board shall be for the purpose of assuring performance of
binding contractual agreements between franchisees and franchisors or
otherwise serving the purposes of this article. If the board fails
to act within 30 days after the hearing, within 30 days after the
board receives a proposed decision when the case is heard before an
administrative law judge alone, or within a period necessitated by
Section 11517 of the Government Code, or as may be mutually agreed
upon by the parties, then the proposed action shall be deemed to be
approved. Copies of the board's decision shall be delivered to the
parties personally or sent to them by certified mail, as well as to
all individuals and groups that have requested notification by the
board of protests and decisions by the board. The board's decision
shall be final upon its delivery or mailing and a reconsideration or
rehearing is not permitted.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (c) of Section 11517 of the
Government Code, if a protest is heard by an administrative law judge
alone, 10 days after receipt by the board of the administrative law
judge's proposed decision, a copy of the proposed decision shall be
filed by the board as a public record and a copy shall be served by
the board on each party and his or her attorney.
SEC. 5. Section 3068 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:
3068. Either party may seek judicial review of final decisions of
the board. Time for filing for the review shall not be more than 45
days from the date on which the final order of the board is made
public and is delivered to the parties personally or is sent to them
by certified mail.
SEC. 6. Section 3070 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:
3070. (a) Notwithstanding Section 20999.1 of the Business and
Professions Code or the terms of any franchise, a franchisor of a
dealer of new recreational vehicles, as defined in subdivision (a) of
Section 18010 of the Health and Safety Code, except a dealer who
deals exclusively in truck campers, may not terminate or refuse to
continue a franchise unless all of the following conditions are met:
(1) The franchisee and the board have received written notice from
the franchisor as follows:
(A) Sixty days before the effective date thereof setting forth the
specific grounds for termination or refusal to continue.
(B) Fifteen days before the effective date thereof setting forth
the specific grounds with respect to any of the following:
(i) Transfer of any ownership or interest in the franchise without
the consent of the franchisor, which consent may not be unreasonably
withheld.
(ii) Misrepresentation by the franchisee in applying for the
franchise.
(iii) Insolvency of the franchisee, or filing of any petition by
or against the franchisee under any bankruptcy or receivership law.
(iv) Any unfair business practice after written warning thereof.
(v) Failure of the dealer to conduct its customary sales and
service operations during its customary hours of business for seven
consecutive business days, giving rise to a good faith belief on the
part of the franchisor that the recreational vehicle dealer is in
fact going out of business, except for circumstances beyond the
direct control of the recreational vehicle dealer or by order of the
department.
(C) The written notice shall contain, on the first page thereof in
at least 12-point bold type and circumscribed by a line to segregate
it from the rest of the text, one of the following statements,
whichever is applicable:
(i) To be inserted when a 60-day notice of termination is given:
"NOTICE TO DEALER: You have the right to file a protest with the
NEW MOTOR VEHICLE BOARD in Sacramento and have a hearing in which you
may protest the termination of your franchise under provisions of
the California Vehicle Code. You must file your protest with the
board within 30 calendar days after receiving this notice or within
30 days after the end of any appeal procedure provided by the
franchisor or your protest right will be waived."
(ii) To be inserted when a 15-day notice of termination is given:
"NOTICE TO DEALER: You have the right to file a protest with the
NEW MOTOR VEHICLE BOARD in Sacramento and have a hearing in which you
may protest the termination of your franchise under provisions of
the California Vehicle Code. You must file your protest with the
board within 10 calendar days after receiving this notice or within
10 days after the end of any appeal procedure provided by the
franchisor or your protest right will be waived."
(2) Except as provided in Section 3050.7, the board finds that
there is good cause for termination or refusal to continue, following
a hearing called pursuant to Section 3080. The franchisee may file a
protest with the board within 30 days after receiving a 60-day
notice, satisfying the requirements of this section, or within 30
days after the end of any appeal procedure provided by the
franchisor, or within 10 days after receiving a 15-day notice,
satisfying the requirements of this section, or within 10 days after
the end of any appeal procedure provided by the franchisor. When a
protest is filed, the board shall advise the franchisor that a timely
protest has been filed, that a hearing is required pursuant to
Section 3080, and that the franchisor may not terminate or refuse to
continue until the board makes its findings.
(3) The franchisor has received the written consent of the
franchisee, or the appropriate period for filing a protest has
elapsed.
(b) (1) Notwithstanding Section 20999.1 of the Business and
Professions Code or the terms of any franchise, a franchisor of a
dealer of recreational vehicles may not modify or replace a franchise
with a succeeding franchise if the modification or replacement would
substantially affect the franchisee's sales or service obligations
or investment, unless the franchisor has first given the board and
each affected franchisee written notice thereof at least 60 days in
advance of the modification or replacement. Within 30 days of receipt
of a notice satisfying the requirements of this section, or within
30 days after the end of any appeal procedure provided by the
franchisor, a franchisee may file a protest with the board and the
modification or replacement does not become effective until there is
a finding by the board that there is good cause for the modification
or replacement. If, however, a replacement franchise is the successor
franchise to an expiring or expired term franchise, the prior
franchise shall continue in effect until resolution of the protest by
the board. In the event of multiple protests, hearings shall be
consolidated to expedite the disposition of the issue.
(2) The written notice shall contain, on the first page thereof in
at least 12-point bold type and circumscribed by a line to segregate
it from the rest of the text, the following statement:
"NOTICE TO DEALER: Your franchise agreement is being modified or
replaced. If the modification or replacement will substantially
affect your sales or service obligations or investment, you have the
right to file a protest with the NEW MOTOR VEHICLE BOARD in
Sacramento and have a hearing in which you may protest the proposed
modification or replacement of your franchise under provisions of the
California Vehicle Code. You must file your protest with the board
within 30 calendar days of your receipt of this notice or within 30
days after the end of any appeal procedure provided by the franchisor
or your protest rights will be waived."
SEC. 7. Section 3072 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:
3072. (a) (1) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (b), if
a franchisor seeks to enter into a franchise establishing an
additional recreational vehicle dealership, or seeks to relocate an
existing recreational vehicle dealership, that has a relevant market
area in which the same recreational vehicle line-make is represented,
the franchisor shall, in writing, first notify the board and each
franchisee in that recreational vehicle line-make in the relevant
market area of the franchisor's intention to establish an additional
dealership or to relocate an existing dealership. Within 20 days of
receiving the notice, satisfying the requirements of this section, or
within 20 days after the end of any appeal procedure provided by the
franchisor, any franchisee required to be given the notice may file
with the board a protest to the proposed dealership establishment or
relocation described in the franchisor's notice. If, within this
time, a franchisee files with the board a request for additional time
to file a protest, the board or its executive director, upon a
showing of good cause, may grant an additional 10 days to file the
protest. When a protest is filed, the board shall inform the
franchisor that a timely protest has been filed, that a hearing is
required pursuant to Section 3080, and that the franchisor shall not
establish the proposed dealership or relocate the existing dealership
until the board has held a hearing as provided in Section 3080, nor
thereafter, if the board has determined that there is good cause for
not permitting the establishment of the proposed recreational vehicle
dealership or relocation of the existing recreational vehicle
dealership. In the event of multiple protests, hearings may be
consolidated to expedite the disposition of the issue.
(2) The written notice shall contain, on the first page thereof in
at least 12-point bold type and circumscribed by a line to segregate
it from the rest of the text, the following statement:
"NOTICE TO DEALER: You have the right to file a protest with the
NEW MOTOR VEHICLE BOARD in Sacramento and have a hearing on your
protest under the terms of the California Vehicle Code if you oppose
this action. You must file your protest with the board within 20 days
of your receipt of this notice, or within 20 days after the end of
any appeal procedure that is provided by us to you. If, within this
time, you file with the board a request for additional time to file a
protest, the board or its executive director, upon a showing of good
cause, may grant you an additional 10 days to file the protest."
(b) Subdivision (a) does not apply to any of the following:
(1) The relocation of an existing dealership to any location that
is both within the same city as, and within one mile of, the existing
dealership location.
(2) The establishment at any location that is both within the same
city as, and within one-quarter mile of, the location of a
dealership of the same recreational vehicle line-make that has been
out of operation for less than 90 days.
(3) A display of vehicles at a fair, exposition, or similar
exhibit if no actual sales are made at the event and the display does
not exceed 30 days. This paragraph may not be construed to prohibit
a new vehicle dealer from establishing a branch office for the
purpose of selling vehicles at the fair, exposition, or similar
exhibit, even though that event is sponsored by a financial
institution, as defined in Section 31041 of the Financial Code, or by
a financial institution and a licensed dealer. The establishment of
these branch offices, however, shall be in accordance with
subdivision (a) where applicable.
(4) An annual show sponsored by a national trade association of
recreational vehicle manufacturers that complies with all of the
requirements of subdivision (d) of Section 11713.15.
(c) For the purposes of this section, the reopening of a
dealership that has not been in operation for one year or more shall
be deemed the establishment of an additional recreational vehicle
dealership.
(d) For the purposes of this section and Section 3073, a
"recreational vehicle dealership" or "dealership" is any authorized
facility at which a franchisee offers for sale or lease, displays for
sale or lease, or sells or leases new recreational vehicles, as
defined in subdivision (a) of Section 18010 of the Health and Safety
Code. A "recreational vehicle dealership" or "dealership" does not
include a dealer who deals exclusively in truck campers.
SEC. 8. Section 3072.5 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:
3072.5. For the purposes of this article, a "recreational vehicle
line-make" is a group or groups of recreational vehicles defined by
the terms of a written agreement that complies with Section 331.3.
SEC. 9. Section 3073 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:
3073. In determining whether good cause has been established for
not entering into a recreational vehicle franchise or relocating an
existing dealership of the same recreational vehicle line-make, the
board shall take into consideration the existing circumstances,
including, but not limited to, all of the following:
(a) The permanency of the investment.
(b) The effect on the retail recreational vehicle business and the
consuming public in the relevant market area.
(c) Whether it is injurious to the public welfare for an
additional recreational vehicle franchise to be established or an
existing dealership be relocated.
(d) Whether the franchisees of the same recreational vehicle
line-make in the relevant market area are providing adequate
competition and convenient consumer care for the motor vehicles of
the recreational vehicle line-make in the market area. In making this
determination, the board shall consider the adequacy of recreational
vehicle sales and, if required by the franchise, service facilities,
equipment, supply of vehicle parts, and qualified service personnel.
(e) Whether the establishment of an additional franchise would
increase competition and therefore be in the public interest.
SEC. 10. Section 3074 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:
3074. (a) A franchisor shall specify to its franchisees the
delivery and preparation obligations of the franchisees prior to
delivery of new recreational vehicles to retail buyers. A copy of the
delivery and preparation obligations, which shall constitute the
franchisee's only responsibility for product liability between the
franchisee and the franchisor but which shall not in any way affect
the franchisee's responsibility for product liability between the
purchaser and either the franchisee or the franchisor, and a schedule
of compensation to be paid franchisees for the work and services
they shall be required to perform in connection with the delivery and
preparation obligations shall be filed with the board by
franchisors, and shall constitute the compensation as set forth on
the schedule. The schedule of compensation shall be reasonable, with
the reasonableness thereof being subject to the approval of the
board, if a franchisee files a notice of protest with the board. In
determining the reasonableness of the schedules, the board shall
consider all relevant circumstances, including, but not limited to,
the time required to perform each function that the dealer is
obligated to perform and the appropriate labor rate.
(b) Upon delivery of the vehicle, the franchisee shall give a copy
of the delivery and preparation obligations to the purchaser and a
written certification that the franchisee has fulfilled these
obligations.
SEC. 11. Section 3078 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:
3078. (a) If the board receives a complaint from a member of the
public seeking a refund involving the sale or lease of, or a
replacement of, a recreational vehicle, as defined in subdivision (a)
of Section 18010 of the Health and Safety Code, from a recreational
vehicle dealership, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 3072,
the board shall recommend that the complainant consult with the
Department of Consumer Affairs.
(b) This chapter does not affect a person's rights regarding a
transaction involving a recreational vehicle as defined in
subdivision (a), to maintain an action under any other statute,
including, but not limited to, applicable provisions of Title 1.7
(commencing with Section 1790) of Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil
Code.
SEC. 12. Section 3079 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:
3079. This article applies only to a recreational vehicle
franchise entered into or renewed on or after January 1, 2004.
SEC. 13. Section 3080 is added to the Vehicle Code, to read:
3080. (a) Upon receiving a protest pursuant to Section 3070,
3072, 3074, 3075, or 3076, the board shall fix a time and place of
hearing within 60 days of the order, and shall send by certified mail
a copy of the order to the franchisor, the protesting franchisee,
and all individuals and
groups that have requested notification by the board of protests and
decisions of the board. The board or its executive director may, upon
a showing of good cause, accelerate or postpone the date initially
established for a hearing, but the hearing shall not be rescheduled
more than 90 days after the board's initial order. For the purpose of
accelerating or postponing a hearing date, "good cause" includes,
but is not limited to, the effects upon, and any irreparable harm to,
the parties or interested persons or groups if the request for a
change in hearing date is not granted. The board or an administrative
law judge designated by the board shall hear and consider the oral
and documented evidence introduced by the parties and other
interested individuals and groups, and the board shall make its
decision solely on the record so made. Chapter 4.5 (commencing with
Section 11400) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government
Code and Sections 11507.3, 11507.6, 11507.7, 11511, 11511.5, 11513,
11514, 11515, and 11517 of the Government Code apply to these
proceedings.
(b) In a hearing on a protest filed pursuant to Section 3070 or
3072, the franchisor shall have the burden of proof to establish that
there is good cause to modify, replace, terminate, or refuse to
continue a franchise. The franchisee shall have the burden of proof
to establish that there is good cause not to enter into a franchise
establishing an additional recreational vehicle dealership or
relocating an existing recreational vehicle dealership.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, in a hearing on
a protest alleging a violation of, or filed pursuant to, Section
3074, 3075, or 3076, the franchisee shall have the burden of proof,
but the franchisor has the burden of proof to establish that a
franchisee acted with intent to defraud the franchisor when that
issue is material to a protest filed pursuant to Section 3075 or
3076.
SEC. 14. Section 3081 is added to the Vehicle Code, to read:
3081. (a) The decision of the board shall be in writing and shall
contain findings of fact and a determination of the issues
presented. The decision shall sustain, conditionally sustain,
overrule, or conditionally overrule the protest. Conditions imposed
by the board shall be for the purpose of assuring performance of
binding contractual agreements between franchisees and franchisors or
otherwise serving the purposes of this article. If the board fails
to act within 30 days after the hearing, within 30 days after the
board receives a proposed decision when the case is heard before an
administrative law judge alone, or within a period necessitated by
Section 11517 of the Government Code, or as may be mutually agreed
upon by the parties, then the proposed action shall be deemed to be
approved. Copies of the board's decision shall be delivered to the
parties personally or sent to them by certified mail, as well as to
all individuals and groups that have requested notification by the
board of protests and decisions by the board. The board's decision
shall be final upon its delivery or mailing and a reconsideration or
rehearing is not permitted.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (c) of Section 11517 of the
Government Code, if a protest is heard by an administrative law judge
alone, 10 days after receipt by the board of the administrative law
judge's proposed decision, a copy of the proposed decision shall be
filed by the board as a public record and a copy shall be served by
the board on each party and his or her attorney.
SEC. 15. Section 3082 is added to the Vehicle Code, to read:
3082. Either party may seek judicial review of final decisions of
the board. Time for filing for the review shall not be more than 45
days from the date on which the final order of the board is made
public and is delivered to the parties personally or is sent to them
by certified mail.
SEC. 16. Section 11705 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:
11705. (a) The department, after notice and hearing, may suspend
or revoke the license issued to a dealer, transporter, manufacturer,
manufacturer branch, remanufacturer, remanufacturer branch,
distributor, or distributor branch upon determining that the person
to whom the license was issued is not lawfully entitled thereto, or
has done any of the following:
(1) Filed an application for the license using a false or
fictitious name not registered with the proper authorities, or
knowingly made a false statement or knowingly concealed a material
fact, in the application for the license.
(2) Made, or knowingly or negligently permitted, an illegal use of
the special plates issued to the licensee.
(3) Used a false or fictitious name, knowingly made a false
statement, or knowingly concealed a material fact, in an application
for the registration of a vehicle, or otherwise committed a fraud in
the application.
(4) Failed to deliver to a transferee lawfully entitled thereto a
properly endorsed certificate of ownership.
(5) Knowingly purchased, sold, or otherwise acquired or disposed
of a stolen motor vehicle.
(6) Failed to provide and maintain a clear physical division
between the type of business licensed pursuant to this chapter and
any other type of business conducted at the established place of
business.
(7) Willfully violated Section 3064, 3065, 3074, or 3075 or any
rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto.
(8) Violated any provision of Division 3 (commencing with Section
4000) or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, or
subdivision (a) of Section 38200.
(9) Violated any provision of Division 4 (commencing with Section
10500) or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto.
(10) Violated any provision of Article 1 (commencing with Section
11700) of Chapter 4 of Division 5 or any rule or regulation adopted
pursuant thereto.
(11) Violated any provision of Part 5 (commencing with Section
10701) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code or any rule or
regulation adopted pursuant thereto.
(12) Violated any provision of Chapter 2b (commencing with Section
2981) of Title 14 of Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code or any
rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto.
(13) Submitted a check, draft, or money order to the department
for any obligation or fee due the state which was dishonored or
refused payment upon presentation.
(14) Has caused any person to suffer any loss or damage by reason
of any fraud or deceit practiced on that person or fraudulent
representations made to that person in the course of the licensed
activity.
For purposes of this paragraph, "fraud" includes any act or
omission which is included within the definition of either "actual
fraud" or "constructive fraud" as defined in Sections 1572 and 1573
of the Civil Code, and "deceit" has the same meaning as defined in
Section 1710 of the Civil Code. In addition, "fraud" and "deceit"
include, but are not limited to, a misrepresentation in any manner,
whether intentionally false or due to gross negligence, of a material
fact; a promise or representation not made honestly and in good
faith; an intentional failure to disclose a material fact; and any
act within Section 484 of the Penal Code.
For purposes of this paragraph, "person" also includes a
governmental entity.
(15) Failed to meet the terms and conditions of an agreement
entered into pursuant to Section 11707.
(16) Violated Section 43151, 43152, or 43153 of, or subdivision
(b) of Section 44072.10 of, the Health and Safety Code.
(17) Failed to repay a claim paid by the Consumer Motor Vehicle
Recovery Corporation as provided in subdivision (i) of Section 11703.
(18) As a buy-here-pay-here dealer, violated any provision of
Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 7500) of Division 3 of the
Business and Professions Code or any rule or regulation adopted
pursuant to those provisions.
(b) Any of the causes specified in this chapter as a cause for
refusal to issue a license to a transporter, manufacturer,
manufacturer branch, remanufacturer, remanufacturer branch,
distributor, distributor branch, or dealer applicant is cause to
suspend or revoke a license issued to a transporter, manufacturer,
manufacturer branch, remanufacturer, remanufacturer branch,
distributor, distributor branch, or dealer.
(c) Except as provided in Section 11707, every hearing provided
for in this section shall be conducted pursuant to Chapter 5
(commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of
the Government Code.
SEC. 17. Section 11713.1 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:
11713.1. It is a violation of this code for the holder of a
dealer's license issued under this article to do any of the
following:
(a) Advertise a specific vehicle for sale without identifying the
vehicle by its model, model-year, and either its license number or
that portion of the vehicle identification number that distinguishes
the vehicle from all other vehicles of the same make, model, and
model-year. Model-year is not required to be advertised for current
model-year vehicles. Year models are no longer current when ensuing
year models are available for purchase at retail in California. An
advertisement that offers for sale a class of new vehicles in a
dealer's inventory, consisting of five or more vehicles, that are all
of the same make, model, and model-year is not required to include
in the advertisement the vehicle identification numbers or license
numbers of those vehicles.
(b) Advertise the total price of a vehicle without including all
costs to the purchaser at time of sale, except taxes, vehicle
registration fees, the California tire fee, as defined in Section
42885 of the Public Resources Code, emission testing charges not
exceeding fifty dollars ($50), actual fees charged for certificates
pursuant to Section 44060 of the Health and Safety Code, finance
charges, and any dealer document processing charge or charge to
electronically register or transfer the vehicle.
(c) (1) Exclude from an advertisement of a vehicle for sale that
there will be added to the advertised total price at the time of
sale, charges for sales tax, vehicle registration fees, the
California tire fee, the fee charged by the state for the issuance of
a certificate of compliance or noncompliance pursuant to a statute,
finance charges, a charge to electronically register or transfer the
vehicle, and a dealer document processing charge.
(2) The obligations imposed by paragraph (1) are satisfied by
adding to the advertisement a statement containing no abbreviations
and that is worded in substantially the following form: "Plus
government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document
processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission
testing charge."
(3) For purposes of paragraph (1), "advertisement" means an
advertisement in a newspaper, magazine, or direct mail publication
that is two or more columns in width or one column in width and more
than seven inches in length, or on a Web page of a dealer's Internet
Web site that displays the price of a vehicle offered for sale on the
Internet, as that term is defined in paragraph (6) of subdivision
(f) of Section 17538 of the Business and Professions Code.
(d) Represent the dealer document processing charge, electronic
registration or transfer charge, or emission testing charge, as a
governmental fee.
(e) Fail to sell a vehicle to a person at the advertised total
price, exclusive of taxes, vehicle registration fees, the California
tire fee, the fee charged by the state for the issuance of a
certificate of compliance or noncompliance pursuant to a statute,
finance charges, mobilehome escrow fees, the amount of a city,
county, or city and county imposed fee or tax for a mobilehome, a
dealer document processing charge, an electronic registration or
transfer charge, and a charge for emission testing not to exceed
fifty dollars ($50) plus the actual fees charged for certificates
pursuant to Section 44060 of the Health and Safety Code, while the
vehicle remains unsold, unless the advertisement states the
advertised total price is good only for a specified time and the time
has elapsed. Advertised vehicles shall be sold at or below the
advertised total price, with statutorily permitted exclusions,
regardless of whether the purchaser has knowledge of the advertised
total price.
(f) (1) Advertise for sale, sell, or purchase for resale a new
vehicle of a line-make for which the dealer does not hold a
franchise.
(2) This subdivision does not apply to a transaction involving the
following:
(A) A mobilehome.
(B) A commercial coach, as defined in Section 18001.8 of the
Health and Safety Code.
(C) An off-highway motor vehicle subject to identification as
defined in Section 38012.
(D) A manufactured home.
(E) A new vehicle that will be substantially altered or modified
by a converter prior to resale.
(F) A commercial vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of
more than 10,000 pounds.
(G) A vehicle purchased for export and exported outside the
territorial limits of the United States without being registered with
the department.
(H) A vehicle acquired in the ordinary course of business as a new
vehicle by a dealer franchised to sell that vehicle, if all of the
following apply:
(i) The manufacturer or distributor of the vehicle files a
bankruptcy petition.
(ii) The franchise agreement of the dealer is terminated,
canceled, or rejected by the manufacturer or distributor as part of
the bankruptcy proceedings and the termination, cancellation, or
rejection is not a result of the revocation by the department of the
dealer's license or the dealer's conviction of a crime.
(iii) The vehicle is held in the inventory of the dealer on the
date the bankruptcy petition is filed.
(iv) The vehicle is sold by the dealer within six months of the
date the bankruptcy petition is filed.
(3) Subparagraph (H) of paragraph (2) does not entitle a dealer
whose franchise agreement has been terminated, canceled, or rejected
to continue to perform warranty service repairs or continue to be
eligible to offer or receive consumer or dealer incentives offered by
the manufacturer or distributor.
(g) Sell a park trailer, as specified in Section 18009.3 of the
Health and Safety Code, without disclosing in writing to the
purchaser that a park trailer is required to be moved by a
transporter or a licensed manufacturer or dealer under a permit
issued by the Department of Transportation or a local authority with
respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions.
(h) Advertise free merchandise, gifts, or services provided by a
dealer contingent on the purchase of a vehicle. "Free" includes
merchandise or services offered for sale at a price less than the
seller's cost of the merchandise or services.
(i) (1) Advertise vehicles, and related goods or services, at a
specified dealer price, with the intent not to supply reasonably
expectable demand, unless the advertisement discloses the number of
vehicles in stock at the advertised price. In addition, whether or
not there are sufficient vehicles in stock to supply a reasonably
expectable demand, when phrases such as "starting at," "from,"
"beginning as low as," or words of similar import are used in
reference to an advertised price, the advertisement shall disclose
the number of vehicles available at that advertised price.
(2) For purposes of this subdivision, in a newspaper advertisement
for a vehicle that is two model-years old or newer, the actual
phrase that states the number of vehicles in stock at the advertised
price shall be printed in a type size that is at least equal to
one-quarter of the type size, and in the same style and color of
type, used for the advertised price. However, in no case shall the
phrase be printed in less than 8-point type size, and the phrase
shall be disclosed immediately above, below, or beside the advertised
price without intervening words, pictures, marks, or symbols.
(3) The disclosure required by this subdivision is in addition to
any other disclosure required by this code or any regulation
regarding identifying vehicles advertised for sale.
(j) Use "rebate" or similar words, including, but not limited to,
"cash back," in advertising the sale of a vehicle unless the rebate
is expressed in a specific dollar amount and is in fact a rebate
offered by the vehicle manufacturer or distributor, a finance company
affiliated with a vehicle manufacturer or distributor, a regulated
utility, or a governmental entity directly to the retail purchaser of
the vehicle or to the assignee of the retail purchaser.
(k) Require a person to pay a higher price for a vehicle and
related goods or services for receiving advertised credit terms than
the cash price the same person would have to pay to purchase the same
vehicle and related goods or services. For the purpose of this
subdivision, "cash price" has the same meaning as defined in
subdivision (e) of Section 2981 of the Civil Code.
(l) Advertise a guaranteed trade-in allowance.
(m) Misrepresent the authority of a salesperson, representative,
or agent to negotiate the final terms of a transaction.
(n) (1) Use "invoice," "dealer's invoice," "wholesale price," or
similar terms that refer to a dealer's cost for a vehicle in an
advertisement for the sale of a vehicle or advertise that the selling
price of a vehicle is above, below, or at either of the following:
(A) The manufacturer's or distributor's invoice price to a dealer.
(B) A dealer's cost.
(2) This subdivision does not apply to either of the following:
(A) A communication occurring during face-to-face negotiations for
the purchase of a specific vehicle if the prospective purchaser
initiates a discussion of the vehicle's invoice price or the dealer's
cost for that vehicle.
(B) A communication between a dealer and a prospective commercial
purchaser that is not disseminated to the general public. For
purposes of this subparagraph, a "commercial purchaser" means a
dealer, lessor, lessor-retailer, manufacturer, remanufacturer,
distributor, financial institution, governmental entity, or person
who purchases 10 or more vehicles during a year.
(o) Violate a law prohibiting bait and switch advertising,
including, but not limited to, the guides against bait advertising
set forth in Part 238 (commencing with Section 238) of Title 16 of
the Code of Federal Regulations, as those regulations read on January
1, 1988.
(p) Make an untrue or misleading statement indicating that a
vehicle is equipped with all the factory-installed optional equipment
the manufacturer offers, including, but not limited to, a false
statement that a vehicle is "fully factory equipped."
(q) Affix on a new vehicle a supplemental price sticker containing
a price that represents the dealer's asking price that exceeds the
manufacturer's suggested retail price unless all of the following
occur:
(1) The supplemental sticker clearly and conspicuously discloses
in the largest print appearing on the sticker, other than the print
size used for the dealer's name, that the supplemental sticker price
is the dealer's asking price, or words of similar import, and that it
is not the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
(2) The supplemental sticker clearly and conspicuously discloses
the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
(3) The supplemental sticker lists each item that is not included
in the manufacturer's suggested retail price, and discloses the
additional price of each item. If the supplemental sticker price is
greater than the sum of the manufacturer's suggested retail price and
the price of the items added by the dealer, the supplemental sticker
price shall set forth that difference and describe it as "added
mark-up."
(r) Advertise an underselling claim, including, but not limited
to, "we have the lowest prices" or "we will beat any dealer's price,"
unless the dealer has conducted a recent survey showing that the
dealer sells its vehicles at lower prices than another licensee in
its trade area and maintains records to adequately substantiate the
claims. The substantiating records shall be made available to the
department upon request.
(s) (1) Advertise an incentive offered by the manufacturer or
distributor if the dealer is required to contribute to the cost of
the incentive as a condition of participating in the incentive
program, unless the dealer discloses in a clear and conspicuous
manner that dealer participation may affect consumer cost.
(2) For purposes of this subdivision, "incentive" means anything
of value offered to induce people to purchase a vehicle, including,
but not limited to, discounts, savings claims, rebates, below-market
finance rates, and free merchandise or services.
(t) Display or offer for sale a used vehicle unless there is
affixed to the vehicle the Federal Trade Commission's Buyer's Guide
as required by Part 455 of Title 16 of the Code of Federal
Regulations.
(u) Fail to disclose in writing to the franchisor of a new motor
vehicle dealer the name of the purchaser, date of sale, and the
vehicle identification number of each new motor vehicle sold of the
line-make of that franchisor, or intentionally submit to that
franchisor a false name for the purchaser or false date for the date
of sale.
(v) Enter into a contract for the retail sale of a motor vehicle
unless the contract clearly and conspicuously discloses whether the
vehicle is being sold as a new vehicle or a used vehicle, as defined
in this code.
(w) Use a simulated check, as defined in subdivision (a) of
Section 22433 of the Business and Professions Code, in an
advertisement for the sale or lease of a vehicle.
(x) Fail to disclose, in a clear and conspicuous manner in at
least 10-point boldface type on the face of a contract for the retail
sale of a new motor vehicle that this transaction is, or is not,
subject to a fee received by an autobroker from the selling new motor
vehicle dealer, and the name of the autobroker, if applicable.
(y) Sell or lease a new motor vehicle after October 1, 2012,
unless the dealer has a contractual agreement with the department to
be a private industry partner pursuant to Section 1685. This
subdivision does not apply to the sale or lease of a motorcycle or
off-highway motor vehicle subject to identification under Section
38010 or a recreational vehicle as defined in Section 18010 of the
Health and Safety Code.
(z) As used in this section, "make" and "model" have the same
meaning as is provided in Section 565.12 of Title 49 of the Code of
Federal Regulations.
SEC. 18. Section 11713.3 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:
11713.3. It is unlawful and a violation of this code for a
manufacturer, manufacturer branch, distributor, or distributor branch
licensed pursuant to this code to do, directly or indirectly through
an affiliate, any of the following:
(a) To refuse or fail to deliver in reasonable quantities and
within a reasonable time after receipt of an order from a dealer
having a franchise for the retail sale of a new vehicle sold or
distributed by the manufacturer or distributor, a new vehicle or
parts or accessories to new vehicles as are covered by the franchise,
if the vehicle, parts, or accessories are publicly advertised as
being available for delivery or actually being delivered. This
subdivision is not violated, however, if the failure is caused by
acts or causes beyond the control of the manufacturer, manufacturer
branch, distributor, or distributor branch.
(b) To prevent or require, or attempt to prevent or require, by
contract or otherwise, a change in the capital structure of a
dealership or the means by or through which the dealer finances the
operation of the dealership, if the dealer at all times meets
reasonable capital standards agreed to by the dealer and the
manufacturer or distributor, and if a change in capital structure
does not cause a change in the principal management or have the
effect of a sale of the franchise without the consent of the
manufacturer or distributor.
(c) To prevent or require, or attempt to prevent or require, a
dealer to change the executive management of a dealership, other than
the principal dealership operator or operators, if the franchise was
granted to the dealer in reliance upon the personal qualifications
of that person.
(d) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (t), to prevent or
require, or attempt to prevent or require, by contract or otherwise,
a dealer, or an officer, partner, or stockholder of a dealership, the
sale or transfer of a part of the interest of any of them to another
person. A dealer, officer, partner, or stockholder shall not,
however, have the right to sell, transfer, or assign the franchise,
or a right thereunder, without the consent of the manufacturer or
distributor except that the consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld.
(2) (A) For the transferring franchisee to fail, prior to the
sale, transfer, or assignment of a franchisee or the sale,
assignment, or transfer of all, or substantially all, of the assets
of the franchised business or a controlling interest in the
franchised business to another person, to notify the manufacturer or
distributor of the franchisee's decision to sell, transfer, or assign
the franchise. The notice shall be in writing and shall include all
of the following:
(i) The proposed transferee's name and address.
(ii) A copy of all of the agreements relating to the sale,
assignment, or transfer of the franchised business or its assets.
(iii) The proposed transferee's application for approval to become
the successor franchisee. The application shall include forms and
related information generally utilized by the manufacturer or
distributor in reviewing prospective franchisees, if those forms are
readily made available to existing franchisees. As soon as
practicable after receipt of the proposed transferee's application,
the manufacturer or distributor shall notify the franchisee and the
proposed transferee of information needed to make the application
complete.
(B) For the manufacturer or distributor, to fail, on or before 60
days after the receipt of all of the information required pursuant to
subparagraph (A), or as extended by a written agreement between the
manufacturer or distributor and the franchisee, to notify the
franchisee of the approval or the disapproval of the sale, transfer,
or assignment of the franchise. The notice shall be in writing and
shall be personally served or sent by certified mail, return receipt
requested, or by guaranteed overnight delivery service that provides
verification of delivery and shall be directed to the franchisee. A
proposed sale, assignment, or transfer
shall be deemed approved, unless disapproved by the
franchisor in the manner provided by this subdivision. If the
proposed sale, assignment, or transfer is disapproved, the franchisor
shall include in the notice of disapproval a statement setting forth
the reasons for the disapproval.
(3) In an action in which the manufacturer's or distributor's
withholding of consent under this subdivision or subdivision (e) is
an issue, whether the withholding of consent was unreasonable is a
question of fact requiring consideration of all the existing
circumstances.
(e) To prevent, or attempt to prevent, a dealer from receiving
fair and reasonable compensation for the value of the franchised
business. There shall not be a transfer or assignment of the dealer's
franchise without the consent of the manufacturer or distributor,
which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or conditioned upon
the release, assignment, novation, waiver, estoppel, or modification
of a claim or defense by the dealer.
(f) To obtain money, goods, services, or another benefit from a
person with whom the dealer does business, on account of, or in
relation to, the transaction between the dealer and that other
person, other than for compensation for services rendered, unless the
benefit is promptly accounted for, and transmitted to, the dealer.
(g) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (3), to obtain from a
dealer or enforce against a dealer an agreement, provision, release,
assignment, novation, waiver, or estoppel that does any of the
following:
(A) Modifies or disclaims a duty or obligation of a manufacturer,
manufacturer branch, distributor, distributor branch, or
representative, or a right or privilege of a dealer, pursuant to
Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 11700) of Division 5 or Chapter 6
(commencing with Section 3000) of Division 2.
(B) Limits or constrains the right of a dealer to file, pursue, or
submit evidence in connection with a protest before the board.
(C) Requires a dealer to terminate a franchise.
(D) Requires a controversy between a manufacturer, manufacturer
branch, distributor, distributor branch, or representative and a
dealer to be referred to a person for a binding determination.
However, this subparagraph does not prohibit arbitration before an
independent arbitrator, provided that whenever a motor vehicle
franchise contract provides for the use of arbitration to resolve a
controversy arising out of, or relating to, that contract,
arbitration may be used to settle the controversy only if, after the
controversy arises, all parties to the controversy consent in writing
to use arbitration to settle the controversy. For the purpose of
this subparagraph, the terms "motor vehicle" and "motor vehicle
franchise contract" shall have the same meaning as defined in Section
1226 of Title 15 of the United States Code. If arbitration is
elected to settle a dispute under a motor vehicle franchise contract,
the arbitrator shall provide the parties to the arbitration with a
written explanation of the factual and legal basis for the award.
(2) An agreement, provision, release, assignment, novation,
waiver, or estoppel prohibited by this subdivision shall be
unenforceable and void.
(3) This subdivision does not do any of the following:
(A) Limit or restrict the terms upon which parties to a protest
before the board, civil action, or other proceeding can settle or
resolve, or stipulate to evidentiary or procedural matters during the
course of, a protest, civil action, or other proceeding.
(B) Affect the enforceability of any stipulated order or other
order entered by the board.
(C) Affect the enforceability of any provision in a contract if
the provision is not prohibited under this subdivision or any other
law.
(D) Affect the enforceability of a provision in any contract
entered into on or before December 31, 2011.
(E) Prohibit a dealer from waiving its right to file a protest
pursuant to Section 3065.1 if the waiver agreement is entered into
after a franchisor incentive program claim has been disapproved by
the franchisor and the waiver is voluntarily given as part of an
agreement to settle that claim.
(F) Prohibit a voluntary agreement supported by valuable
consideration, other than granting or renewing a franchise, that does
both of the following:
(i) Provides that a dealer establish or maintain exclusive
facilities, personnel, or display space or provides that a dealer
make a material alteration, expansion, or addition to a dealership
facility.
(ii) Contains no waiver or other provision prohibited by
subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (D) of paragraph (1).
(G) Prohibit an agreement separate from the franchise agreement
that implements a dealer's election to terminate the franchise if the
agreement is conditioned only on a specified time for termination or
payment of consideration to the dealer.
(H) (i) Prohibit a voluntary waiver agreement, supported by
valuable consideration, other than the consideration of renewing a
franchise, to waive the right of a dealer to file a protest under
Section 3062 for the proposed establishment or relocation of a
specific proposed dealership, if the waiver agreement provides all of
the following:
(I) The approximate address at which the proposed dealership will
be located.
(II) The planning potential used to establish the proposed
dealership's facility, personnel, and capital requirements.
(III) An approximation of projected vehicle and parts sales, and
number of vehicles to be serviced at the proposed dealership.
(IV) Whether the franchisor or affiliate will hold an ownership
interest in the proposed dealership or real property of the proposed
dealership, and the approximate percentage of any franchisor or
affiliate ownership interest in the proposed dealership.
(V) The line-makes to be operated at the proposed dealership.
(VI) If known at the time the waiver agreement is executed, the
identity of the dealer who will operate the proposed dealership.
(VII) The date the waiver agreement is to expire, which may not be
more than 30 months after the date of execution of the waiver
agreement.
(ii) Notwithstanding the provisions of a waiver agreement entered
into pursuant to the provisions of this subparagraph, a dealer may
file a protest under Section 3062 if any of the information provided
pursuant to clause (i) has become materially inaccurate since the
waiver agreement was executed. Any determination of the
enforceability of a waiver agreement shall be determined by the board
and the franchisor shall have the burden of proof.
(h) To increase prices of motor vehicles that the dealer had
ordered for private retail consumers prior to the dealer's receipt of
the written official price increase notification. A sales contract
signed by a private retail consumer is evidence of the order. In the
event of manufacturer price reductions, the amount of the reduction
received by a dealer shall be passed on to the private retail
consumer by the dealer if the retail price was negotiated on the
basis of the previous higher price to the dealer. Price reductions
apply to all vehicles in the dealer's inventory that were subject to
the price reduction. Price differences applicable to new model or
series motor vehicles at the time of the introduction of new models
or series shall not be considered a price increase or price decrease.
This subdivision does not apply to price changes caused by either of
the following:
(1) The addition to a motor vehicle of required or optional
equipment pursuant to state or federal law.
(2) Revaluation of the United States dollar in the case of a
foreign-make vehicle.
(i) To fail to pay to a dealer, within a reasonable time following
receipt of a valid claim by a dealer thereof, a payment agreed to be
made by the manufacturer or distributor to the dealer by reason of
the fact that a new vehicle of a prior year model is in the dealer's
inventory at the time of introduction of new model vehicles.
(j) To deny the widow, widower, or heirs designated by a deceased
owner of a dealership the opportunity to participate in the ownership
of the dealership or successor dealership under a valid franchise
for a reasonable time after the death of the owner.
(k) To offer refunds or other types of inducements to a person for
the purchase of new motor vehicles of a certain line-make to be sold
to the state or a political subdivision of the state without making
the same offer to all other dealers in the same line-make within the
relevant market area.
(l) To modify, replace, enter into, relocate, terminate, or refuse
to renew a franchise in violation of Article 4 (commencing with
Section 3060) or Article 5 (commencing with Section 3070) of Chapter
6 of Division 2.
(m) To employ a person as a representative who has not been
licensed pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 11900) of
Chapter 4 of Division 5.
(n) To deny a dealer the right of free association with another
dealer for a lawful purpose.
(o) (1) To compete with a dealer in the same line-make operating
under an agreement or franchise from a manufacturer or distributor in
the relevant market area.
(2) A manufacturer, branch, or distributor or an entity that
controls or is controlled by a manufacturer, branch, or distributor,
shall not, however, be deemed to be competing in the following
limited circumstances:
(A) Owning or operating a dealership for a temporary period, not
to exceed one year at the location of a former dealership of the same
line-make that has been out of operation for less than six months.
However, after a showing of good cause by a manufacturer, branch, or
distributor that it needs additional time to operate a dealership in
preparation for sale to a successor independent franchisee, the board
may extend the time period.
(B) Owning an interest in a dealer as part of a bona fide dealer
development program that satisfies all of the following requirements:
(i) The sole purpose of the program is to make franchises
available to persons lacking capital, training, business experience,
or other qualities ordinarily required of prospective franchisees and
the dealer development candidate is an individual who is unable to
acquire the franchise without assistance of the program.
(ii) The dealer development candidate has made a significant
investment subject to loss in the franchised business of the dealer.
(iii) The program requires the dealer development candidate to
manage the day-to-day operations and business affairs of the dealer
and to acquire, within a reasonable time and on reasonable terms and
conditions, beneficial ownership and control of a majority interest
in the dealer and disassociation of any direct or indirect ownership
or control by the manufacturer, branch, or distributor.
(C) Owning a wholly owned subsidiary corporation of a distributor
that sells motor vehicles at retail, if, for at least three years
prior to January 1, 1973, the subsidiary corporation has been a
wholly owned subsidiary of the distributor and engaged in the sale of
vehicles at retail.
(3) (A) A manufacturer, branch, and distributor that owns or
operates a dealership in the manner described in subparagraph (A) of
paragraph (2) shall give written notice to the board, within 10 days,
each time it commences or terminates operation of a dealership and
each time it acquires, changes, or divests itself of an ownership
interest.
(B) A manufacturer, branch, and distributor that owns an interest
in a dealer in the manner described in subparagraph (B) of paragraph
(2) shall give written notice to the board, annually, of the name and
location of each dealer in which it has an ownership interest, the
name of the bona fide dealer development owner or owners, and the
ownership interests of each owner expressed as a percentage.
(p) To unfairly discriminate among its franchisees with respect to
warranty reimbursement or authority granted to its franchisees to
make warranty adjustments with retail customers.
(q) To sell vehicles to a person not licensed pursuant to this
chapter for resale.
(r) To fail to affix an identification number to a park trailer,
as described in Section 18009.3 of the Health and Safety Code, that
is manufactured on or after January 1, 1987, and that does not
clearly identify the unit as a park trailer to the department. The
configuration of the identification number shall be approved by the
department.
(s) To dishonor a warranty, rebate, or other incentive offered to
the public or a dealer in connection with the retail sale of a new
motor vehicle, based solely upon the fact that an autobroker arranged
or negotiated the sale. This subdivision shall not prohibit the
disallowance of that rebate or incentive if the purchaser or dealer
is ineligible to receive the rebate or incentive pursuant to any
other term or condition of a rebate or incentive program.
(t) To exercise a right of first refusal or other right requiring
a franchisee or an owner of the franchise to sell, transfer, or
assign to the franchisor, or to a nominee of the franchisor, all or a
material part of the franchised business or of the assets of the
franchised business unless all of the following requirements are met:
(1) The franchise authorizes the franchisor to exercise a right of
first refusal to acquire the franchised business or assets of the
franchised business in the event of a proposed sale, transfer, or
assignment.
(2) The franchisor gives written notice of its exercise of the
right of first refusal no later than 45 days after the franchisor
receives all of the information required pursuant to subparagraph (A)
of paragraph (2) of subdivision (d).
(3) The sale, transfer, or assignment being proposed relates to
not less than all or substantially all of the assets of the
franchised business or to a controlling interest in the franchised
business.
(4) The proposed transferee is neither a family member of an owner
of the franchised business, nor a managerial employee of the
franchisee owning 15 percent or more of the franchised business, nor
a corporation, partnership, or other legal entity owned by the
existing owners of the franchised business. For purposes of this
paragraph, a "family member" means the spouse of an owner of the
franchised business, the child, grandchild, brother, sister, or
parent of an owner, or a spouse of one of those family members. This
paragraph does not limit the rights of the franchisor to disapprove a
proposed transferee as provided in subdivision (d).
(5) Upon the franchisor's exercise of the right of first refusal,
the consideration paid by the franchisor to the franchisee and owners
of the franchised business shall equal or exceed all consideration
that each of them were to have received under the terms of, or in
connection with, the proposed sale, assignment, or transfer, and the
franchisor shall comply with all the terms and conditions of the
agreement or agreements to sell, transfer, or assign the franchised
business.
(6) The franchisor shall reimburse the proposed transferee for
expenses paid or incurred by the proposed transferee in evaluating,
investigating, and negotiating the proposed transfer to the extent
those expenses do not exceed the usual, customary, and reasonable
fees charged for similar work done in the area in which the
franchised business is located. These expenses include, but are not
limited to, legal and accounting expenses, and expenses incurred for
title reports and environmental or other investigations of real
property on which the franchisee's operations are conducted. The
proposed transferee shall provide the franchisor a written
itemization of those expenses, and a copy of all nonprivileged
reports and studies for which expenses were incurred, if any, within
30 days of the proposed transferee's receipt of a written request
from the franchisor for that accounting. The franchisor shall make
payment within 30 days of exercising the right of first refusal.
(u) (1) To unfairly discriminate in favor of a dealership owned or
controlled, in whole or in part, by a manufacturer or distributor or
an entity that controls or is controlled by the manufacturer or
distributor. Unfair discrimination includes, but is not limited to,
the following:
(A) The furnishing to a franchisee or dealer that is owned or
controlled, in whole or in part, by a manufacturer, branch, or
distributor of any of the following:
(i) A vehicle that is not made available to each franchisee
pursuant to a reasonable allocation formula that is applied
uniformly, and a part or accessory that is not made available to all
franchisees on an equal basis when there is no reasonable allocation
formula that is applied uniformly.
(ii) A vehicle, part, or accessory that is not made available to
each franchisee on comparable delivery terms, including the time of
delivery after the placement of an order. Differences in delivery
terms due to geographic distances or other factors beyond the control
of the manufacturer, branch, or distributor shall not constitute
unfair competition.
(iii) Information obtained from a franchisee by the manufacturer,
branch, or distributor concerning the business affairs or operations
of a franchisee in which the manufacturer, branch, or distributor
does not have an ownership interest. The information includes, but is
not limited to, information contained in financial statements and
operating reports, the name, address, or other personal information
or buying, leasing, or service behavior of a dealer customer, and
other information that, if provided to a franchisee or dealer owned
or controlled by a manufacturer or distributor, would give that
franchisee or dealer a competitive advantage. This clause does not
apply if the information is provided pursuant to a subpoena or court
order, or to aggregated information made available to all
franchisees.
(iv) Sales or service incentives, discounts, or promotional
programs that are not made available to all California franchises of
the same line-make on an equal basis.
(B) Referring a prospective purchaser or lessee to a dealer in
which a manufacturer, branch, or distributor has an ownership
interest, unless the prospective purchaser or lessee resides in the
area of responsibility assigned to that dealer or the prospective
purchaser or lessee requests to be referred to that dealer.
(2) This subdivision does not prohibit a franchisor from granting
a franchise to prospective franchisees or assisting those franchisees
during the course of the franchise relationship as part of a program
or programs to make franchises available to persons lacking capital,
training, business experience, or other qualifications ordinarily
required of prospective franchisees.
(v) (1) To access, modify, or extract information from a
confidential dealer computer record, as defined in Section 11713.25,
without obtaining the prior written consent of the dealer and without
maintaining administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to
protect the security, confidentiality, and integrity of the
information.
(2) Paragraph (1) does not limit a duty that a dealer may have to
safeguard the security and privacy of records maintained by the
dealer.
(w) (1) To use electronic, contractual, or other means to prevent
or interfere with any of the following:
(A) The lawful efforts of a dealer to comply with federal and
state data security and privacy laws.
(B) The ability of a dealer to do either of the following:
(i) Ensure that specific data accessed from the dealer's computer
system is within the scope of consent specified in subdivision (v).
(ii) Monitor specific data accessed from or written to the dealer'
s computer system.
(2) Paragraph (1) does not limit a duty that a dealer may have to
safeguard the security and privacy of records maintained by the
dealer.
(x) (1) To unfairly discriminate against a franchisee selling a
service contract, debt cancellation agreement, maintenance agreement,
or similar product not approved, endorsed, sponsored, or offered by
the manufacturer, manufacturer branch, distributor, or distributor
branch or affiliate. For purposes of this subdivision, unfair
discrimination includes, but is not limited to, any of the following:
(A) Express or implied statements that the dealer is under an
obligation to exclusively sell or offer to sell service contracts,
debt cancellation agreements, or similar products approved, endorsed,
sponsored, or offered by the manufacturer, manufacturer branch,
distributor, or distributor branch or affiliate.
(B) Express or implied statements that selling or offering to sell
service contracts, debt cancellation agreements, maintenance
agreements, or similar products not approved, endorsed, sponsored, or
offered by the manufacturer, manufacturer branch, distributor, or
distributor branch or affiliate, or the failure to sell or offer to
sell service contracts, debt cancellation agreements, maintenance
agreements, or similar products approved, endorsed, sponsored, or
offered by the manufacturer, manufacturer branch, distributor, or
distributor branch or affiliate will have any negative consequences
for the dealer.
(C) Measuring a dealer's performance under a franchise agreement
based upon the sale of service contracts, debt cancellation
agreements, or similar products approved, endorsed, sponsored, or
offered by the manufacturer, manufacturer branch, distributor, or
distributor branch or affiliate.
(D) Requiring a dealer to actively promote the sale of service
contracts, debt cancellation agreements, or similar products
approved, endorsed, sponsored, or offered by the manufacturer,
manufacturer branch, distributor, or distributor branch or affiliate.
(E) Conditioning access to vehicles or parts, or vehicle sales or
service incentives upon the sale of service contracts, debt
cancellation agreements, or similar products approved, endorsed,
sponsored, or offered by the manufacturer, manufacturer branch,
distributor, or distributor branch or affiliate.
(2) Unfair discrimination does not include, and nothing shall
prohibit a manufacturer from, offering an incentive program to
vehicle dealers who voluntarily sell or offer to sell service
contracts, debt cancellation agreements, or similar products
approved, endorsed, sponsored, or offered by the manufacturer,
manufacturer branch, distributor, or distributor branch or affiliate,
if the program does not provide vehicle sales or service incentives.
(3) This subdivision does not prohibit a manufacturer,
manufacturer branch, distributor, or distributor branch from
requiring a franchisee that sells a used vehicle as "certified" under
a certified used vehicle program established by the manufacturer,
manufacturer branch, distributor, or distributor branch to provide a
service contract approved, endorsed, sponsored, or offered by the
manufacturer, manufacturer branch, distributor, or distributor
branch.
(4) Unfair discrimination does not include, and nothing shall
prohibit a franchisor from requiring a franchisee to provide, the
following notice prior to the sale of the service contract if the
service contract is not provided or backed by the franchisor and the
vehicle is of the franchised line-make:
"Service Contract Disclosure
The service contract you are purchasing is not provided or backed by
the manufacturer of the vehicle you are purchasing. The manufacturer
of the vehicle is not responsible for claims or repairs under this
service contract.
_____________________
Signature of Purchaser"
(y) To take or threaten to take any adverse action against a
dealer pursuant to an export or sale-for-resale prohibition because
the dealer sold or leased a vehicle to a customer who either exported
the vehicle to a foreign country or resold the vehicle in violation
of the prohibition, unless the export or sale-for-resale prohibition
policy was provided to the dealer in writing prior to the sale or
lease, and the dealer knew or reasonably should have known of the
customer's intent to export or resell the vehicle in violation of the
prohibition at the time of sale or lease. If the dealer causes the
vehicle to be registered in this or any other state, and collects or
causes to be collected any applicable sales or use tax due to this
state, a rebuttable presumption is established that the dealer did
not have reason to know of the customer's intent to export or resell
the vehicle.
(z) As used in this section, "area of responsibility" is a
geographic area specified in a franchise that is used by the
franchisor for the purpose of evaluating the franchisee's performance
of its sales and service obligations.
SEC. 18.1. Section 11713.3 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:
11713.3. It is unlawful and a violation of this code for a
manufacturer, manufacturer branch, distributor, or distributor branch
licensed pursuant to this code to do, directly or indirectly through
an affiliate, any of the following:
(a) To refuse or fail to deliver in reasonable quantities and
within a reasonable time after receipt of an order from a dealer
having a franchise for the retail sale of a new vehicle sold or
distributed by the manufacturer or distributor, a new vehicle or
parts or accessories to new vehicles as are covered by the franchise,
if the vehicle, parts, or accessories are publicly advertised as
being available for delivery or actually being delivered. This
subdivision is not violated, however, if the failure is caused by
acts or causes beyond the control of the manufacturer, manufacturer
branch, distributor, or distributor branch.
(b) To prevent or require, or attempt to prevent or require, by
contract or otherwise, a change in the capital structure of a
dealership or the means by or through which the dealer finances the
operation of the dealership, if the dealer at all times meets
reasonable capital standards agreed to by the dealer and the
manufacturer or distributor, and if a change in capital structure
does not cause a change in the principal management or have the
effect of a sale of the franchise without the consent of the
manufacturer or distributor.
(c) To prevent or require, or attempt to prevent or require, a
dealer to change the executive management of a dealership, other than
the principal dealership operator or operators, if the franchise was
granted to the dealer in reliance upon the personal qualifications
of that person.
(d) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (t), to prevent or
require, or attempt to prevent or require, by contract or otherwise,
a dealer, or an officer, partner, or stockholder of a dealership, the
sale or transfer of a part of the interest of any of them
to another person. A dealer,
officer, partner, or stockholder shall not, however, have the right
to sell, transfer, or assign the franchise, or a right thereunder,
without the consent of the manufacturer or distributor except that
the consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
(2) (A) For the transferring franchisee to fail, prior to the
sale, transfer, or assignment of a franchisee or the sale,
assignment, or transfer of all, or substantially all, of the assets
of the franchised business or a controlling interest in the
franchised business to another person, to notify the manufacturer or
distributor of the franchisee's decision to sell, transfer, or assign
the franchise. The notice shall be in writing and shall include all
of the following:
(i) The proposed transferee's name and address.
(ii) A copy of all of the agreements relating to the sale,
assignment, or transfer of the franchised business or its assets.
(iii) The proposed transferee's application for approval to become
the successor franchisee. The application shall include forms and
related information generally utilized by the manufacturer or
distributor in reviewing prospective franchisees, if those forms are
readily made available to existing franchisees. As soon as
practicable after receipt of the proposed transferee's application,
the manufacturer or distributor shall notify the franchisee and the
proposed transferee of information needed to make the application
complete.
(B) For the manufacturer or distributor, to fail, on or before 60
days after the receipt of all of the information required pursuant to
subparagraph (A), or as extended by a written agreement between the
manufacturer or distributor and the franchisee, to notify the
franchisee of the approval or the disapproval of the sale, transfer,
or assignment of the franchise. The notice shall be in writing and
shall be personally served or sent by certified mail, return receipt
requested, or by guaranteed overnight delivery service that provides
verification of delivery and shall be directed to the franchisee. A
proposed sale, assignment, or transfer shall be deemed approved,
unless disapproved by the franchisor in the manner provided by this
subdivision. If the proposed sale, assignment, or transfer is
disapproved, the franchisor shall include in the notice of
disapproval a statement setting forth the reasons for the
disapproval.
(3) In an action in which the manufacturer's or distributor's
withholding of consent under this subdivision or subdivision (e) is
an issue, whether the withholding of consent was unreasonable is a
question of fact requiring consideration of all the existing
circumstances.
(e) To prevent, or attempt to prevent, a dealer from receiving
fair and reasonable compensation for the value of the franchised
business. There shall not be a transfer or assignment of the dealer's
franchise without the consent of the manufacturer or distributor.
The manufacturer or distributor shall not unreasonably withhold
consent or condition consent upon the release, assignment, novation,
waiver, estoppel, or modification of a claim or defense by the
dealer.
(f) To obtain money, goods, services, or another benefit from a
person with whom the dealer does business, on account of, or in
relation to, the transaction between the dealer and that other
person, other than for compensation for services rendered, unless the
benefit is promptly accounted for, and transmitted to, the dealer.
(g) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (3), to obtain from a
dealer or enforce against a dealer an agreement, provision, release,
assignment, novation, waiver, or estoppel that does any of the
following:
(A) Modifies or disclaims a duty or obligation of a manufacturer,
manufacturer branch, distributor, distributor branch, or
representative, or a right or privilege of a dealer, pursuant to
Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 11700) of Division 5 or Chapter 6
(commencing with Section 3000) of Division 2.
(B) Limits or constrains the right of a dealer to file, pursue, or
submit evidence in connection with a protest before the board.
(C) Requires a dealer to terminate a franchise.
(D) Requires a controversy between a manufacturer, manufacturer
branch, distributor, distributor branch, or representative and a
dealer to be referred to a person for a binding determination.
However, this subparagraph does not prohibit arbitration before an
independent arbitrator, provided that whenever a motor vehicle
franchise contract provides for the use of arbitration to resolve a
controversy arising out of, or relating to, that contract,
arbitration may be used to settle the controversy only if, after the
controversy arises, all parties to the controversy consent in writing
to use arbitration to settle the controversy. For the purpose of
this subparagraph, the terms "motor vehicle" and "motor vehicle
franchise contract" shall have the same meaning as defined in Section
1226 of Title 15 of the United States Code. If arbitration is
elected to settle a dispute under a motor vehicle franchise contract,
the arbitrator shall provide the parties to the arbitration with a
written explanation of the factual and legal basis for the award.
(2) An agreement, provision, release, assignment, novation,
waiver, or estoppel prohibited by this subdivision shall be
unenforceable and void.
(3) This subdivision does not do any of the following:
(A) Limit or restrict the terms upon which parties to a protest
before the board, civil action, or other proceeding can settle or
resolve, or stipulate to evidentiary or procedural matters during the
course of, a protest, civil action, or other proceeding.
(B) Affect the enforceability of any stipulated order or other
order entered by the board.
(C) Affect the enforceability of any provision in a contract if
the provision is not prohibited under this subdivision or any other
law.
(D) Affect the enforceability of a provision in any contract
entered into on or before December 31, 2011.
(E) Prohibit a dealer from waiving its right to file a protest
pursuant to Section 3065.1 if the waiver agreement is entered into
after a franchisor incentive program claim has been disapproved by
the franchisor and the waiver is voluntarily given as part of an
agreement to settle that claim.
(F) Prohibit a voluntary agreement supported by valuable
consideration, other than granting or renewing a franchise, that does
both of the following:
(i) Provides that a dealer establish or maintain exclusive
facilities, personnel, or display space or provides that a dealer
make a material alteration, expansion, or addition to a dealership
facility.
(ii) Contains no waiver or other provision prohibited by
subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (D) of paragraph (1).
(G) Prohibit an agreement separate from the franchise agreement
that implements a dealer's election to terminate the franchise if the
agreement is conditioned only on a specified time for termination or
payment of consideration to the dealer.
(H) (i) Prohibit a voluntary waiver agreement, supported by
valuable consideration, other than the consideration of renewing a
franchise, to waive the right of a dealer to file a protest under
Section 3062 for the proposed establishment or relocation of a
specific proposed dealership, if the waiver agreement provides all of
the following:
(I) The approximate address at which the proposed dealership will
be located.
(II) The planning potential used to establish the proposed
dealership's facility, personnel, and capital requirements.
(III) An approximation of projected vehicle and parts sales, and
number of vehicles to be serviced at the proposed dealership.
(IV) Whether the franchisor or affiliate will hold an ownership
interest in the proposed dealership or real property of the proposed
dealership, and the approximate percentage of any franchisor or
affiliate ownership interest in the proposed dealership.
(V) The line-makes to be operated at the proposed dealership.
(VI) If known at the time the waiver agreement is executed, the
identity of the dealer who will operate the proposed dealership.
(VII) The date the waiver agreement is to expire, which may not be
more than 30 months after the date of execution of the waiver
agreement.
(ii) Notwithstanding the provisions of a waiver agreement entered
into pursuant to the provisions of this subparagraph, a dealer may
file a protest under Section 3062 if any of the information provided
pursuant to clause (i) has become materially inaccurate since the
waiver agreement was executed. Any determination of the
enforceability of a waiver agreement shall be determined by the board
and the franchisor shall have the burden of proof.
(h) To increase prices of motor vehicles that the dealer had
ordered for private retail consumers prior to the dealer's receipt of
the written official price increase notification. A sales contract
signed by a private retail consumer is evidence of the order. In the
event of manufacturer price reductions, the amount of the reduction
received by a dealer shall be passed on to the private retail
consumer by the dealer if the retail price was negotiated on the
basis of the previous higher price to the dealer. Price reductions
apply to all vehicles in the dealer's inventory that were subject to
the price reduction. Price differences applicable to new model or
series motor vehicles at the time of the introduction of new models
or series shall not be considered a price increase or price decrease.
This subdivision does not apply to price changes caused by either of
the following:
(1) The addition to a motor vehicle of required or optional
equipment pursuant to state or federal law.
(2) Revaluation of the United States dollar in the case of a
foreign-make vehicle.
(i) To fail to pay to a dealer, within a reasonable time following
receipt of a valid claim by a dealer thereof, a payment agreed to be
made by the manufacturer or distributor to the dealer by reason of
the fact that a new vehicle of a prior year model is in the dealer's
inventory at the time of introduction of new model vehicles.
(j) To deny the widow, widower, or heirs designated by a deceased
owner of a dealership the opportunity to participate in the ownership
of the dealership or successor dealership under a valid franchise
for a reasonable time after the death of the owner.
(k) To offer refunds or other types of inducements to a person for
the purchase of new motor vehicles of a certain line-make to be sold
to the state or a political subdivision of the state without making
the same offer to all other dealers in the same line-make within the
relevant market area.
(l) To modify, replace, enter into, relocate, terminate, or refuse
to renew a franchise in violation of Article 4 (commencing with
Section 3060) or Article 5 (commencing with Section 3070) of Chapter
6 of Division 2.
(m) To employ a person as a representative who has not been
licensed pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 11900) of
Chapter 4 of Division 5.
(n) To deny a dealer the right of free association with another
dealer for a lawful purpose.
(o) (1) To compete with a dealer in the same line-make operating
under an agreement or franchise from a manufacturer or distributor in
the relevant market area.
(2) A manufacturer, branch, or distributor, or an entity that
controls or is controlled by a manufacturer, branch, or distributor,
shall not, however, be deemed to be competing in the following
limited circumstances:
(A) Owning or operating a dealership for a temporary period, not
to exceed one year at the location of a former dealership of the same
line-make that has been out of operation for less than six months.
However, after a showing of good cause by a manufacturer, branch, or
distributor that it needs additional time to operate a dealership in
preparation for sale to a successor independent franchisee, the board
may extend the time period.
(B) Owning an interest in a dealer as part of a bona fide dealer
development program that satisfies all of the following requirements:
(i) The sole purpose of the program is to make franchises
available to persons lacking capital, training, business experience,
or other qualities ordinarily required of prospective franchisees and
the dealer development candidate is an individual who is unable to
acquire the franchise without assistance of the program.
(ii) The dealer development candidate has made a significant
investment subject to loss in the franchised business of the dealer.
(iii) The program requires the dealer development candidate to
manage the day-to-day operations and business affairs of the dealer
and to acquire, within a reasonable time and on reasonable terms and
conditions, beneficial ownership and control of a majority interest
in the dealer and disassociation of any direct or indirect ownership
or control by the manufacturer, branch, or distributor.
(C) Owning a wholly owned subsidiary corporation of a distributor
that sells motor vehicles at retail, if, for at least three years
prior to January 1, 1973, the subsidiary corporation has been a
wholly owned subsidiary of the distributor and engaged in the sale of
vehicles at retail.
(3) (A) A manufacturer, branch, and distributor that owns or
operates a dealership in the manner described in subparagraph (A) of
paragraph (2) shall give written notice to the board, within 10 days,
each time it commences or terminates operation of a dealership and
each time it acquires, changes, or divests itself of an ownership
interest.
(B) A manufacturer, branch, and distributor that owns an interest
in a dealer in the manner described in subparagraph (B) of paragraph
(2) shall give written notice to the board, annually, of the name and
location of each dealer in which it has an ownership interest, the
name of the bona fide dealer development owner or owners, and the
ownership interests of each owner expressed as a percentage.
(p) To unfairly discriminate among its franchisees with respect to
warranty reimbursement or authority granted to its franchisees to
make warranty adjustments with retail customers.
(q) To sell vehicles to a person not licensed pursuant to this
chapter for resale.
(r) To fail to affix an identification number to a park trailer,
as described in Section 18009.3 of the Health and Safety Code, that
is manufactured on or after January 1, 1987, and that does not
clearly identify the unit as a park trailer to the department. The
configuration of the identification number shall be approved by the
department.
(s) To dishonor a warranty, rebate, or other incentive offered to
the public or a dealer in connection with the retail sale of a new
motor vehicle, based solely upon the fact that an autobroker arranged
or negotiated the sale. This subdivision shall not prohibit the
disallowance of that rebate or incentive if the purchaser or dealer
is ineligible to receive the rebate or incentive pursuant to any
other term or condition of a rebate or incentive program.
(t) To exercise a right of first refusal or other right requiring
a franchisee or an owner of the franchise to sell, transfer, or
assign to the franchisor, or to a nominee of the franchisor, all or a
material part of the franchised business or of the assets of the
franchised business unless all of the following requirements are met:
(1) The franchise authorizes the franchisor to exercise a right of
first refusal to acquire the franchised business or assets of the
franchised business in the event of a proposed sale, transfer, or
assignment.
(2) The franchisor gives written notice of its exercise of the
right of first refusal no later than 45 days after the franchisor
receives all of the information required pursuant to subparagraph (A)
of paragraph (2) of subdivision (d).
(3) The sale, transfer, or assignment being proposed relates to
not less than all or substantially all of the assets of the
franchised business or to a controlling interest in the franchised
business.
(4) The proposed transferee is neither a family member of an owner
of the franchised business, nor a managerial employee of the
franchisee owning 15 percent or more of the franchised business, nor
a corporation, partnership, or other legal entity owned by the
existing owners of the franchised business. For purposes of this
paragraph, a "family member" means the spouse of an owner of the
franchised business, the child, grandchild, brother, sister, or
parent of an owner, or a spouse of one of those family members. This
paragraph does not limit the rights of the franchisor to disapprove a
proposed transferee as provided in subdivision (d).
(5) Upon the franchisor's exercise of the right of first refusal,
the consideration paid by the franchisor to the franchisee and owners
of the franchised business shall equal or exceed all consideration
that each of them were to have received under the terms of, or in
connection with, the proposed sale, assignment, or transfer, and the
franchisor shall comply with all the terms and conditions of the
agreement or agreements to sell, transfer, or assign the franchised
business.
(6) The franchisor shall reimburse the proposed transferee for
expenses paid or incurred by the proposed transferee in evaluating,
investigating, and negotiating the proposed transfer to the extent
those expenses do not exceed the usual, customary, and reasonable
fees charged for similar work done in the area in which the
franchised business is located. These expenses include, but are not
limited to, legal and accounting expenses, and expenses incurred for
title reports and environmental or other investigations of real
property on which the franchisee's operations are conducted. The
proposed transferee shall provide the franchisor a written
itemization of those expenses, and a copy of all nonprivileged
reports and studies for which expenses were incurred, if any, within
30 days of the proposed transferee's receipt of a written request
from the franchisor for that accounting. The franchisor shall make
payment within 30 days of exercising the right of first refusal.
(u) (1) To unfairly discriminate in favor of a dealership owned or
controlled, in whole or in part, by a manufacturer or distributor or
an entity that controls or is controlled by the manufacturer or
distributor. Unfair discrimination includes, but is not limited to,
the following:
(A) The furnishing to a franchisee or dealer that is owned or
controlled, in whole or in part, by a manufacturer, branch, or
distributor of any of the following:
(i) A vehicle that is not made available to each franchisee
pursuant to a reasonable allocation formula that is applied
uniformly, and a part or accessory that is not made available to all
franchisees on an equal basis when there is no reasonable allocation
formula that is applied uniformly.
(ii) A vehicle, part, or accessory that is not made available to
each franchisee on comparable delivery terms, including the time of
delivery after the placement of an order. Differences in delivery
terms due to geographic distances or other factors beyond the control
of the manufacturer, branch, or distributor shall not constitute
unfair competition.
(iii) Information obtained from a franchisee by the manufacturer,
branch, or distributor concerning the business affairs or operations
of a franchisee in which the manufacturer, branch, or distributor
does not have an ownership interest. The information includes, but is
not limited to, information contained in financial statements and
operating reports, the name, address, or other personal information
or buying, leasing, or service behavior of a dealer customer, and
other information that, if provided to a franchisee or dealer owned
or controlled by a manufacturer or distributor, would give that
franchisee or dealer a competitive advantage. This clause does not
apply if the information is provided pursuant to a subpoena or court
order, or to aggregated information made available to all
franchisees.
(iv) Sales or service incentives, discounts, or promotional
programs that are not made available to all California franchises of
the same line-make on an equal basis.
(B) Referring a prospective purchaser or lessee to a dealer in
which a manufacturer, branch, or distributor has an ownership
interest, unless the prospective purchaser or lessee resides in the
area of responsibility assigned to that dealer or the prospective
purchaser or lessee requests to be referred to that dealer.
(2) This subdivision does not prohibit a franchisor from granting
a franchise to prospective franchisees or assisting those franchisees
during the course of the franchise relationship as part of a program
or programs to make franchises available to persons lacking capital,
training, business experience, or other qualifications ordinarily
required of prospective franchisees.
(v) (1) To access, modify, or extract information from a
confidential dealer computer record, as defined in Section 11713.25,
without obtaining the prior written consent of the dealer and without
maintaining administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to
protect the security, confidentiality, and integrity of the
information.
(2) Paragraph (1) does not limit a duty that a dealer may have to
safeguard the security and privacy of records maintained by the
dealer.
(w) (1) To use electronic, contractual, or other means to prevent
or interfere with any of the following:
(A) The lawful efforts of a dealer to comply with federal and
state data security and privacy laws.
(B) The ability of a dealer to do either of the following:
(i) Ensure that specific data accessed from the dealer's computer
system is within the scope of consent specified in subdivision (v).
(ii) Monitor specific data accessed from or written to the dealer'
s computer system.
(2) Paragraph (1) does not limit a duty that a dealer may have to
safeguard the security and privacy of records maintained by the
dealer.
(x) (1) To unfairly discriminate against a franchisee selling a
service contract, debt cancellation agreement, maintenance agreement,
or similar product not approved, endorsed, sponsored, or offered by
the manufacturer, manufacturer branch, distributor, or distributor
branch or affiliate. For purposes of this subdivision, unfair
discrimination includes, but is not limited to, any of the following:
(A) Express or implied statements that the dealer is under an
obligation to exclusively sell or offer to sell service contracts,
debt cancellation agreements, or similar products approved, endorsed,
sponsored, or offered by the manufacturer, manufacturer branch,
distributor, or distributor branch or affiliate.
(B) Express or implied statements that selling or offering to sell
service contracts, debt cancellation agreements, maintenance
agreements, or similar products not approved, endorsed, sponsored, or
offered by the manufacturer, manufacturer branch, distributor, or
distributor branch or affiliate, or the failure to sell or offer to
sell service contracts, debt cancellation agreements, maintenance
agreements, or similar products approved, endorsed, sponsored, or
offered by the manufacturer, manufacturer branch, distributor, or
distributor branch or affiliate will have any negative consequences
for the dealer.
(C) Measuring a dealer's performance under a franchise agreement
based upon the sale of service contracts, debt cancellation
agreements, or similar products approved, endorsed, sponsored, or
offered by the manufacturer, manufacturer branch, distributor, or
distributor branch or affiliate.
(D) Requiring a dealer to actively promote the sale of service
contracts, debt cancellation agreements, or similar products
approved, endorsed, sponsored, or offered by the manufacturer,
manufacturer branch, distributor, or distributor branch or affiliate.
(E) Conditioning access to vehicles or parts, or vehicle sales or
service incentives upon the sale of service contracts, debt
cancellation agreements, or similar products approved, endorsed,
sponsored, or offered by the manufacturer, manufacturer branch,
distributor, or distributor branch or affiliate.
(2) Unfair discrimination does not include, and nothing shall
prohibit a manufacturer from, offering an incentive program to
vehicle dealers who voluntarily sell or offer to sell service
contracts, debt cancellation agreements, or similar products
approved, endorsed, sponsored, or offered by the manufacturer,
manufacturer branch, distributor, or distributor branch or affiliate,
if the program does not provide vehicle sales or service incentives.
(3) This subdivision does not prohibit a manufacturer,
manufacturer branch, distributor, or distributor branch from
requiring a franchisee that sells a used vehicle as "certified" under
a certified used vehicle program established by the manufacturer,
manufacturer branch, distributor, or distributor branch to provide a
service contract approved, endorsed, sponsored, or offered by the
manufacturer, manufacturer branch, distributor, or distributor
branch.
(4) Unfair discrimination does not include, and nothing shall
prohibit a franchisor from requiring a franchisee to provide, the
following notice prior to the sale of the service contract if the
service contract is not provided or backed by the franchisor and the
vehicle is of the franchised line-make:
"Service Contract Disclosure
The service contract you are purchasing is not provided or backed by
the manufacturer of the vehicle you are purchasing. The manufacturer
of the vehicle is not responsible for claims or repairs under this
service contract.
_____________________
Signature of Purchaser"
(y) (1) To take or threaten to take any adverse action against a
dealer pursuant to an export or sale-for-resale prohibition because
the dealer sold or leased a vehicle to a customer who either exported
the vehicle to a foreign country or resold the vehicle in violation
of the prohibition, unless the export or sale-for-resale prohibition
policy was provided to the dealer in writing at least 48 hours before
the sale or lease of the vehicle, and the dealer knew or reasonably
should have known of the customer's intent to export or resell the
vehicle in violation of the prohibition. If the dealer causes the
vehicle to be registered in this or any other state, and collects or
causes to be collected any applicable sales or use tax due to this
state, a rebuttable presumption is established that the dealer did
not have reason to know of the customer's intent to export or resell
the vehicle. In a proceeding in which a challenge to an adverse
action is at issue, the manufacturer, manufacturer branch,
distributor, or distributor
branch shall have the burden of proof by a preponderance of the
evidence to show that the vehicle was exported or resold in violation
of an export or sale-for-resale prohibition policy, that the
prohibition policy was provided to the dealer in writing at least 48
hours prior to the sale or lease, and that the dealer knew or
reasonably should have known of the customer's intent to export the
vehicle to a foreign country at the time of the sale or lease.
(2) An export or sale-for-resale prohibition policy shall not
include a provision that expressly or implicitly requires a dealer to
make further inquiries into a customer's intent, identity, or
financial ability to purchase or lease a vehicle based on any of the
customer's characteristics listed or defined in Section 51 of the
Civil Code. A policy that is in violation of this paragraph is void
and unenforceable.
(3) An export or sale-for-resale prohibition policy shall
expressly include a provision stating the dealer's rebuttable
presumption if the dealer causes the vehicle to be registered in this
or any other state and collects or causes to be collected any
applicable sales or use tax. A policy that is in violation of this
paragraph is void and unenforceable.
(z) As used in this section, "area of responsibility" means a
geographic area specified in a franchise that is used by the
franchisor for the purpose of evaluating the franchisee's performance
of its sales and service obligations.
SEC. 19. Section 11713.23 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:
11713.23. (a) A recreational vehicle manufacturer, manufacturer
branch, distributor, or distributor branch licensed under this code
shall not sell a new recreational vehicle in this state to or through
a recreational vehicle dealer without having first entered into a
written recreational vehicle franchise with that recreational vehicle
dealer, that complies with the requirements of Section 331.3 and
that has been signed by both parties.
(b) A recreational vehicle dealer shall not sell a new
recreational vehicle in this state without having first entered into
a written recreational vehicle franchise, that complies with the
requirements of Section 331.3, with a recreational vehicle
manufacturer, manufacturer branch, distributor, or distributor branch
licensed under this code, that has been signed by both parties.
(c) (1) A recreational vehicle manufacturer, manufacturer branch,
distributor, or distributor branch shall not ship a new recreational
vehicle to a recreational dealer on or after January 1, 2009, without
a recreational vehicle franchise that has been signed by both
parties.
(2) A recreational vehicle dealer shall not receive a new
recreational vehicle from a recreational vehicle manufacturer,
manufacturer branch, distributor, or distributor branch on or after
January 1, 2009, without a recreational vehicle franchise that has
been signed by both parties.
(d) Any new recreational vehicle inventory that has been purchased
by a recreational vehicle dealer, or shipped by a manufacturer,
manufacturer branch, distributor, or distributor branch, before
January 1, 2009, may be sold at any time without a recreational
vehicle franchise.
(e) Following the termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal of a
recreational vehicle franchise, any new recreational vehicle
inventory that was purchased by the recreational vehicle dealer, or
shipped by a manufacturer, manufacturer branch, distributor, or
distributor branch, during the period that the written recreational
vehicle franchise was in effect, may be sold by that recreational
vehicle dealer at any time.
(f) This section applies only to a dealer and manufacturer
agreement involving recreational vehicles, as defined in subdivision
(a) of Section 18010 of the Health and Safety Code, but does not
include an agreement with a dealer who deals exclusively in truck
campers.
SEC. 20. Sections 2.1 and 2.5 of this bill incorporate amendments
to Section 3050.7 of the Vehicle Code proposed by both this bill and
Assembly Bill 1178. They shall only become operative if (1) both
bills are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2016,
(2) each bill amends Section 3050.7 of the Vehicle Code, and (3) this
bill is enacted after Assembly Bill 1178, in which case Section 2 of
this bill shall not become operative.
SEC. 21. Section 18.1 of this bill incorporates amendments to
Section 11713.3 of the Vehicle Code proposed by both this bill and
Assembly Bill 1178. It shall only become operative if (1) both bills
are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2016, (2)
each bill amends Section 11713.3 of the Vehicle Code, and (3) this
bill is enacted after Assembly Bill 1178, in which case Section 18 of
this bill shall not become operative.
SEC. 22. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to
Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because
the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school
district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or
infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty
for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the
Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the
meaning of Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California
Constitution.
