Source: https://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.70&full=true
Timestamp: 2020-04-04 00:30:38
Document Index: 603840718

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 31', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 2', '§ 1130', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 11', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 186', '§ 3', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 36', '§ 249', '§ 4', '§ 2', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 4', '§ 1', '§ 90', '§ 5', '§ 2', '§ 12', '§ 5', '§ 2', '§ 13', '§ 8', '§ 63', '§ 6', '§ 7', '§ 4', '§ 5', '§ 14', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 9', '§ 1131', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 2', '§ 7', '§ 3', '§ 6', '§ 2', '§ 7', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 4', '§ 1', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 23', '§ 65', '§ 10', '§ 9', '§ 1', '§ 7', '§ 13', '§ 28', '§ 13', '§ 6', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 15', '§ 11', '§ 1', '§ 8', '§ 4', '§ 27', '§ 1', '§ 46', '§ 19', '§ 8', '§ 9082', '§ 3', '§ 9', '§ 8', '§ 2', '§ 66', '§ 12', '§ 1', '§ 12', '§ 6', '§ 10', '§ 67', '§ 2', '§ 5', '§ 10', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 123', '§ 4', '§ 13', '§ 7', '§ 3', '§ 46', '§ 1', '§ 10', '§ 9083', '§ 14', '§ 12', '§ 9084', '§ 15', '§ 1', '§ 15', '§ 3', '§ 1', '§ 7', '§ 4', '§ 7', '§ 16', '§ 15', '§ 46', '§ 15', '§ 1133', '§ 8', '§ 5', '§ 11', '§ 3', '§ 2', '§ 46', '§ 10', '§ 4', '§ 6', '§ 6312', '§ 1134', '§ 11', '§ 29', '§ 46', '§ 12', '§ 4', '§ 6', '§ 6312', '§ 1', '§ 9', '§ 5', '§ 16', '§ 46', '§ 16', '§ 9', '§ 10', '§ 9', '§ 17', '§ 8', '§ 79', '§ 46', '§ 11', '§ 46', '§ 21', '§ 17', '§ 5', '§ 1', '§ 8', '§ 1136', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 10', '§ 9', '§ 10', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 26', '§ 13', '§ 3', '§ 14', '§ 20', '§ 18', '§ 13', '§ 6', '§ 4', '§ 18', '§ 1', '§ 16', '§ 2', '§ 7', '§ 9085', '§ 21', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 21', '§ 9086', '§ 19', '§ 9087', '§ 20', '§ 22', '§ 9088', '§ 23', '§ 22', '§ 24', '§ 25', '§ 10', '§ 23', '§ 11', '§ 2', '§ 23', '§ 4', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 11', '§ 20', '§ 2']

Chapter 46.70 RCW: DEALERS AND MANUFACTURERS
RCWs > Title 46 > Chapter 46.70
Chapter 46.70 RCW
46.70.005 Declaration of purpose.
46.70.011 Definitions.
46.70.021 License required for dealers or manufacturers—Penalties.
46.70.023 Place of business.
46.70.025 Established place of business—Waiver of requirements.
46.70.027 Accountability of dealer for employees—Actions for damages on violation of chapter.
46.70.028 Consignment.
46.70.029 Listing dealers, transaction of business.
46.70.031 Application for license—Form.
46.70.041 Application for license—Contents.
46.70.042 Application for license—Retention by department—Confidentiality.
46.70.045 Denial of license.
46.70.051 Issuance of license—Private party dissemination of vehicle database.
46.70.055 Wholesale vehicle dealer licenses.
46.70.061 Fees—Disposition.
46.70.070 Dealers—Bond required, exceptions—Actions—Cancellation of license.
46.70.075 Manufacturers—Bond required—Actions—Cancellation of license.
46.70.079 Education requirements.
46.70.083 Expiration of license—Renewal—Certification of established place of business.
46.70.085 Licenses—Staggered renewal.
46.70.090 License plates—Use.
46.70.101 Denial, suspension, or revocation of licenses—Grounds.
46.70.102 Denial, suspension, or revocation of licenses—Notice, hearing, procedure.
46.70.111 Investigations or proceedings—Powers of director or designees—Penalty.
46.70.115 Cease and desist orders—Penalty, "curbstoning" defined.
46.70.120 Record of transactions.
46.70.122 Duty when purchaser or transferee is a dealer.
46.70.124 Evidence of ownership for dealers' used vehicles—Consignments.
46.70.125 Used vehicles—Asking price, posting or disclosure.
46.70.130 Details of charges must be furnished buyer or mortgagor.
46.70.132 Manufactured home sale—Implied warranty.
46.70.134 Manufactured home installation—Warranty, state installation code.
46.70.135 Mobile homes—Warranties and inspections—Delivery—Occupancy—Advertising of dimensions.
46.70.140 Handling "hot" vehicles—Unreported motor "switches"—Unauthorized use of dealer plates—Penalty.
46.70.160 Rules and regulations.
46.70.170 Penalty for violations.
46.70.180 Unlawful acts and practices.
46.70.183 Notice of bankruptcy proceedings.
46.70.190 Civil actions for violations—Injunctions—Claims under Federal Automobile Dealer Franchise Act—Time limitation.
46.70.220 Duties of attorney general and prosecuting attorneys to act on violations—Limitation of civil actions.
46.70.230 Duties of attorney general and prosecuting attorneys to act on violations—Assurance of compliance—Filing.
46.70.240 Penalties—Jurisdiction.
46.70.250 Personal service of process outside state.
46.70.260 Application of chapter to existing and future franchises and contracts.
46.70.270 Provisions of chapter cumulative—Violation of RCW 46.70.180 deemed civil.
46.70.290 Mobile homes and persons engaged in distribution and sale.
46.70.300 Chapter exclusive—Local business and occupation tax not prevented.
46.70.310 Consumer Protection Act.
46.70.320 Buyer's agents.
46.70.330 Wholesale motor vehicle auction dealers.
46.70.340 Issuance of temporary subagency licenses for recreational vehicle shows.
46.70.900 Liberal construction.
Automotive repair: Chapter 46.71 RCW.
False or deceptive advertising: Chapter 9.04 RCW.
Lemon Law—Motor vehicle express warranties: Chapter 19.118 RCW.
Manufactured home safety and construction standards, inspections: RCW 43.22.431 through 43.22.434.
Retail installment sales of goods: Chapter 63.14 RCW.
Unfair business practices—Consumer protection: Chapter 19.86 RCW.
Violations relating to mobile/manufactured homes: RCW 18.27.117.
RCW 46.70.005
The legislature finds and declares that the distribution, sale, and lease of vehicles in the state of Washington vitally affects the general economy of the state and the public interest and the public welfare, and that in order to promote the public interest and the public welfare, and in the exercise of its police power, it is necessary to regulate and license vehicle manufacturers, distributors, or wholesalers and factory or distributor representatives, and to regulate and license dealers of vehicles doing business in Washington, in order to prevent frauds, impositions, and other abuses upon its citizens and to protect and preserve the investments and properties of the citizens of this state.
[ 2001 c 272 § 1; (2017 c 15 § 2 repealed by 2018 c 273 § 2); 1986 c 241 § 1; 1973 1st ex.s. c 132 § 1; 1967 ex.s. c 74 § 1.]
Reviser's note: Throughout chapter 46.70 RCW the phrases "this act" and "this amendatory act" have been changed to "this chapter." This 1967 act or amendatory act [1967 ex.s. c 74] consisted of RCW 46.70.005 through 46.70.042, 46.70.051, 46.70.061, 46.70.081 through 46.70.083, 46.70.101 through 46.70.111, and 46.70.180 through 46.70.910, the 1967 amendments to RCW 46.70.060 and 46.70.070, and the repeal of RCW 46.70.010 through 46.70.050, 46.70.080, 46.70.100, and 46.70.110.
Emergency—Effective date—1967 ex.s. c 74: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and sections 1 through 3 and sections 16 through 25 shall take effect immediately. Sections 4 through 15 and sections 26 through 30 inclusive shall take effect on July 1, 1967." [ 1967 ex.s. c 74 § 31.]
(1) "Auction" means a transaction conducted by means of exchanges between an auctioneer and the members of the audience, constituting a series of oral invitations for offers for the purchase of vehicles made by the auctioneer, offers to purchase by members of the audience, and the acceptance of the highest or most favorable offer to purchase.
(2) "Auction company" means a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or other legal or commercial entity licensed under chapter 18.11 RCW that only sells or offers to sell vehicles at auction or only arranges or sponsors auctions.
(3) "Buyer's agent" means any person, firm, partnership, association, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, or corporation retained or employed by a consumer to arrange for or to negotiate, or both, the purchase or lease of a new motor vehicle on behalf of the consumer, and who is paid a fee or receives other compensation from the consumer for its services.
(4) "Department" means the department of licensing, which shall administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter.
(6) "Established place of business" means a location meeting the requirements of RCW 46.70.023(1) at which a vehicle dealer conducts business in this state.
(7) "Listing dealer" means a used mobile home dealer who makes contracts with sellers who will compensate the dealer for obtaining a willing purchaser for the seller's mobile home.
(8) "Manufacturer" means any person, firm, association, corporation, or trust, resident or nonresident, who manufactures or assembles new and unused vehicles or remanufactures vehicles in whole or in part and further includes the terms:
(a) "Distributor," which means any person, firm, association, corporation, or trust, resident or nonresident, who in whole or in part offers for sale, sells, or distributes any new and unused vehicle to vehicle dealers or who maintains factory representatives.
(b) "Factory branch," which means a branch office maintained by a manufacturer for the purpose of selling or offering for sale, vehicles to a distributor, wholesaler, or vehicle dealer, or for directing or supervising in whole or in part factory or distributor representatives, and further includes any sales promotion organization, whether a person, firm, or corporation, which is engaged in promoting the sale of new and unused vehicles in this state of a particular brand or make to vehicle dealers.
(c) "Factory representative," which means a representative employed by a manufacturer, distributor, or factory branch for the purpose of making or promoting for the sale of their vehicles or for supervising or contracting with their dealers or prospective dealers.
(9) "Motor vehicle" means every vehicle which is self-propelled and every vehicle which is propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated upon rails, and which is required to be registered and titled under this title.
(10) "New motor vehicle" means any motor vehicle that is self-propelled and is required to be registered and titled under this title, has not been previously titled to a retail purchaser or lessee, and is not a "used vehicle" as defined under RCW 46.04.660.
(11) "Principal place of business" means that dealer firm's business location in the state, which place the dealer designates as their principal place of business.
(12) "Recreational vehicle" means a travel trailer, motor home, truck camper, or camping trailer that is primarily designed and used as temporary living quarters, is either self-propelled or mounted on or drawn by another vehicle, is transient, is not occupied as a primary residence, and is not immobilized or permanently affixed to a mobile home lot.
(13) "Retail vehicle dealer" means a vehicle dealer who may buy and sell at both wholesale and retail.
(14) "Subagency" means any place of business of a vehicle dealer within the state, which place is physically and geographically separated from the principal place of business of the firm or any place of business of a vehicle dealer within the state, at which place the firm does business using a name other than the principal name of the firm, or both.
(15) "Temporary subagency" means a location other than the principal place of business or subagency within the state where a licensed vehicle dealer may secure a license to conduct the business and is licensed for a period of time not to exceed ten days for a specific purpose such as auto shows, shopping center promotions, tent sales, exhibitions, or similar merchandising ventures. No more than six temporary subagency licenses may be issued to a licensee in any twelve-month period.
(16) "Vehicle" means and includes every device capable of being moved upon a public highway and in, upon, or by which any persons or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a public highway, excepting devices moved by human or animal power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.
(17) "Vehicle dealer" means any person, firm, association, corporation, or trust, not excluded by subsection (18) of this section, engaged in the business of buying, selling, listing, exchanging, offering, brokering, leasing with an option to purchase, auctioning, soliciting, or advertising the sale of new or used vehicles, or arranging or offering or attempting to solicit or negotiate on behalf of others, a sale, purchase, or exchange of an interest in new or used motor vehicles, irrespective of whether the motor vehicles are owned by that person. Vehicle dealers shall be classified as follows:
(a) A "motor vehicle dealer" is a vehicle dealer that deals in new or used motor vehicles, or both;
(b) A "mobile home and travel trailer dealer" is a vehicle dealer that deals in mobile homes, park trailers, or travel trailers, or more than one type of these vehicles;
(c) A "miscellaneous vehicle dealer" is a vehicle dealer that deals in motorcycles or vehicles other than motor vehicles or mobile homes and travel trailers or any combination of such vehicles;
(d) A "recreational vehicle dealer" is a vehicle dealer that deals in travel trailers, motor homes, truck campers, or camping trailers that are primarily designed and used as temporary living quarters, are either self-propelled or mounted on or drawn by another vehicle, are transient, are not occupied as a primary residence, and are not immobilized or permanently affixed to a mobile home lot.
(18) "Vehicle dealer" does not include, nor do the licensing requirements of RCW 46.70.021 apply to, the following persons, firms, associations, or corporations:
(a) Receivers, trustees, administrators, executors, guardians, or other persons appointed by, or acting under a judgment or order of, any court; or
(b) Public officers while performing their official duties; or
(c) Employees of vehicle dealers who are engaged in the specific performance of their duties as such employees; or
(d) Any person engaged in an isolated sale of a vehicle in which that person is the registered or legal owner, or both, thereof; or
(e) Any person, firm, association, corporation, or trust, engaged in the selling of equipment other than vehicles, subject to registration, used for agricultural or industrial purposes; or
(f) A real estate broker licensed under chapter 18.85 RCW, or an affiliated licensee, who, on behalf of another negotiates the purchase, sale, lease, or exchange of a manufactured or mobile home in conjunction with the purchase, sale, exchange, rental, or lease of the land upon which the manufactured or mobile home is, or will be, located; or
(g) Owners who are also operators of special highway construction equipment, as defined in RCW 46.04.551, or of the highway construction equipment for which a vehicle license and display vehicle license number plate is required; or
(h) Any bank, trust company, savings bank, mutual savings bank, savings and loan association, credit union, and any parent, subsidiary, or affiliate thereof, authorized to do business in this state under state or federal law with respect to the sale or other disposition of a motor vehicle owned and used in their business; or with respect to the acquisition and sale or other disposition of a motor vehicle in which the entity has acquired an interest as a lessor, lessee, or secured party; or
(i) Any person who is regularly engaged in the business of acquiring leases or installment contracts by assignment, with respect to the acquisition and sale or other disposition of a motor vehicle in which the person has acquired an interest as a result of the business.
(19) "Vehicle salesperson" means any person who for any form of compensation sells, auctions, leases with an option to purchase, or offers to sell or to so lease vehicles on behalf of a vehicle dealer.
(20) "Wholesale vehicle dealer" means a vehicle dealer who buys vehicles from or sells vehicles to other Washington licensed vehicle dealers.
[ 2016 sp.s. c 26 § 1; (2017 c 15 § 3 repealed by 2018 c 273 § 2). Prior: 2010 c 161 § 1130; 2006 c 364 § 1; 2001 c 272 § 2; 1998 c 46 § 1; 1996 c 194 § 1; 1993 c 175 § 1; prior: 1989 c 337 § 11; 1989 c 301 § 1; 1988 c 287 § 1; 1986 c 241 § 2; 1981 c 305 § 2; 1979 c 158 § 186; 1979 c 11 § 3; prior: 1977 ex.s. c 204 § 2; 1977 ex.s. c 125 § 1; 1973 1st ex.s. c 132 § 2; 1969 ex.s. c 63 § 1; 1967 ex.s. c 74 § 3.]
Effective date—2016 sp.s. c 26: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 29, 2016]." [ 2016 sp.s. c 26 § 3.]
RCW 46.70.021
License required for dealers or manufacturers—Penalties.
(1) It is unlawful for any person, firm, or association to act as a vehicle dealer or vehicle manufacturer, to engage in business as such, serve in the capacity of such, advertise himself, herself, or themselves as such, solicit sales as such, or distribute or transfer vehicles for resale in this state, without first obtaining and holding a current license as provided in this chapter, unless the title of the vehicle is in the name of the seller.
(2) It is unlawful for any person other than a licensed vehicle dealer to display a vehicle for sale unless the registered owner or legal owner is the displayer or holds a notarized power of attorney.
(3)(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, a person or firm engaged in buying and offering for sale, or buying and selling five or more vehicles in a twelve-month period, or in any other way engaged in dealer activity without holding a vehicle dealer license, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor, and upon conviction subject to a fine of up to five thousand dollars for each violation and up to three hundred sixty-four days in jail.
(b) A second offense is a class C felony punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW.
(4) A violation of this section is also a per se violation of chapter 19.86 RCW and is considered a deceptive practice.
(5) The department of licensing, the Washington state patrol, the attorney general's office, and the department of revenue shall cooperate in the enforcement of this section.
(6) A distributor, factory branch, or factory representative shall not be required to have a vehicle manufacturer license so long as the vehicle manufacturer so represented is properly licensed pursuant to this chapter.
(7) Nothing in this chapter prohibits financial institutions from cooperating with vehicle dealers licensed under this chapter in dealer sales or leases. However, financial institutions shall not broker vehicles and cooperation is limited to organizing, promoting, and financing of such dealer sales or leases.
[ 2011 c 96 § 36; 2003 c 53 § 249; 1993 c 307 § 4; 1988 c 287 § 2; 1986 c 241 § 3; 1973 1st ex.s. c 132 § 3; 1967 ex.s. c 74 § 4.]
RCW 46.70.025
Established place of business—Waiver of requirements.
The director may by rule waive any requirements pertaining to a vehicle dealer's established place of business if such waiver both serves the purposes of this chapter and is necessary due to unique circumstances such as a location divided by a public street or a highly specialized type of business.
[ 1986 c 199 § 1.]
RCW 46.70.027
Accountability of dealer for employees—Actions for damages on violation of chapter.
A vehicle dealer is accountable for the dealer's employees, sales personnel, and managerial personnel while in the performance of their official duties. Any violations of this chapter or applicable provisions of chapter 46.12 or 46.16A RCW committed by any of these employees subjects the dealer to license penalties prescribed under RCW 46.70.101. A retail purchaser, consignor who is not a motor vehicle dealer, or a motor vehicle dealer who has purchased from a wholesale dealer, who has suffered a loss or damage by reason of any act by a dealer, salesperson, managerial person, or other employee of a dealership, that constitutes a violation of this chapter or applicable provisions of chapter 46.12 or 46.16A RCW may institute an action for recovery against the dealer and the surety bond as set forth in RCW 46.70.070. However, under this section, motor vehicle dealers who have purchased from wholesale dealers may only institute actions against wholesale dealers and their surety bonds.
[ 2011 c 171 § 90; (2017 c 15 § 5 repealed by 2018 c 273 § 2); 1989 c 337 § 12; 1986 c 241 § 5.]
RCW 46.70.028
Dealers who transact dealer business by consignment shall obtain a consignment contract for sale and shall comply with applicable provisions of chapter 46.70 RCW. The dealer shall place all funds received from the sale of the consigned vehicle in a trust account until the sale is completed, except that the dealer shall pay any outstanding liens against the vehicle from these funds. Where title has been delivered to the purchaser, the dealer shall pay the amount due a consignor within ten days after the sale. However, in the case of a consignment from a licensed vehicle dealer from any state, the wholesale auto auction shall pay the consignor within twenty days.
[ 2000 c 131 § 2; 1989 c 337 § 13.]
Severability—2000 c 131: See note following RCW 46.70.115.
RCW 46.70.029
Listing dealers, transaction of business.
Listing dealers shall transact dealer business by obtaining a listing agreement for sale, and the buyer's purchase of the mobile home shall be handled as dealer inventory. All funds from the purchaser shall be placed in a trust account until the sale is completed, except that the dealer shall pay any outstanding liens against the mobile home from these funds. Where title has been delivered to the purchaser, the listing dealer shall pay the amount due a seller within ten days after the sale of a listed mobile home. A complete account of all funds received and disbursed shall be given to the seller or consignor after the sale is completed. The sale of listed mobile homes imposes the same duty under RCW 46.70.122 on the listing dealer as any other sale.
[ 2001 c 64 § 8; 1990 c 250 § 63; 1986 c 241 § 6.]
RCW 46.70.031
Application for license—Form.
A vehicle dealer or vehicle manufacturer may apply for a license by filing with the department an application in such form as the department may prescribe.
[ 1986 c 241 § 7; 1973 1st ex.s. c 132 § 4; 1967 ex.s. c 74 § 5.]
RCW 46.70.042
Application for license—Retention by department—Confidentiality.
Every application for license shall be retained by the department for a period of three years and shall be confidential information for the use of the department, the attorney general or the prosecuting attorney only: PROVIDED, That upon a showing of good cause therefor any court in which an action is pending by or against the applicant or licensee, may order the director to produce and permit the inspection and copying or photographing the application and any accompanying statements.
[ 1967 ex.s. c 74 § 14.]
RCW 46.70.045
The director may deny a license under this chapter when the application is a subterfuge that conceals the real person in interest whose license has been denied, suspended, or revoked for cause under this chapter and the terms have not been fulfilled or a civil penalty has not been paid, the director finds that the application was not filed in good faith, or the issuance of a new license or subagency would cause a manufacturer, distributor, factory branch, or factory representative, or an agent, officer, parent company, wholly or partially owned subsidiary, affiliated entity, or other person controlled by or under common control with a manufacturer, distributor, factory branch, or factory representative, to be in violation of chapter 46.96 RCW. This section does not preclude the department from taking an action against a current licensee.
[ 2014 c 214 § 1; 1997 c 432 § 2.]
Application—2014 c 214: "This act applies to all franchises and contracts between manufacturers and new motor vehicle dealers amended, renewed, or entered into after June 12, 2014. For purposes of chapter 46.96 RCW, an agreement between a manufacturer and new motor vehicle dealer entered into after June 12, 2014, addressing any issues governed by chapter 46.96 RCW, is considered an amendment to an existing franchise." [ 2014 c 214 § 9.]
RCW 46.70.051
Issuance of license—Private party dissemination of vehicle database.
(1) After the application has been filed, the fee paid, and bond posted, if required, the department shall, if no denial order is in effect and no proceeding is pending under RCW 46.70.101, issue the appropriate license, which license, in the case of a vehicle dealer, shall designate the classification of the dealer. Nothing prohibits a vehicle dealer from obtaining licenses for more than one classification, and nothing prevents any vehicle dealer from dealing in other classes of vehicles on an isolated basis.
(2) An auction company licensed under chapter 18.11 RCW may sell at auction all classifications of vehicles under a motor vehicle dealer's license issued under this chapter including motor vehicles, miscellaneous type vehicles, and mobile homes and travel trailers.
(3) At the time the department issues a vehicle dealer license, the department shall provide to the dealer a current, up-to-date vehicle dealer manual that may be provided electronically setting forth the various statutes and rules applicable to vehicle dealers. In addition, at the time any such license is renewed under RCW 46.70.083, the department shall provide the dealer with any updates or current revisions to the vehicle dealer manual. These updates or current revisions may be provided electronically.
(4) The department may contract with responsible private parties to provide them elements of the vehicle database on a regular basis. The private parties may only disseminate this information to licensed vehicle dealers.
(a) Subject to the disclosure agreement provisions of RCW 46.12.635 and the requirements of Executive Order 97-01, the department may provide to the contracted private parties the following information:
(i) All vehicle and title data necessary to accurately disclose known title defects, brands, or flags and odometer discrepancies;
(ii) All registered and legal owner information necessary to determine true ownership of the vehicle and the existence of any recorded liens, including but not limited to liens of the department of social and health services or its successor; and
(iii) Any data in the department's possession necessary to calculate the motor vehicle excise tax, license, and registration fees including information necessary to determine the applicability of regional transit authority excise and use tax surcharges.
(b) The department may provide this information in any form the contracted private party and the department agree upon, but if the data is to be transmitted over the Internet or similar public network from the department to the contracted private party, it must be encrypted.
(c) The department shall give these contracted private parties advance written notice of any change in the information referred to in (a)(i), (ii), or (iii) of this subsection, including information pertaining to the calculation of motor vehicle excise taxes.
(d) The department shall revoke a contract made under this subsection (4) with a private party who disseminates information from the vehicle database to anyone other than a licensed vehicle dealer. A private party who obtains information from the vehicle database under a contract with the department and disseminates any of that information to anyone other than a licensed vehicle dealer is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW.
(e) Nothing in this subsection (4) authorizes a vehicle dealer or any other organization or entity not otherwise appointed as a vehicle licensing subagent under RCW 46.01.140 to perform any of the functions of a vehicle licensing subagent so appointed.
[ 2010 c 161 § 1131; 2001 c 272 § 4; 1997 c 432 § 4; 1996 c 282 § 2; 1993 c 307 § 7; 1989 c 301 § 3; 1973 1st ex.s. c 132 § 6; 1971 ex.s. c 74 § 2; 1967 ex.s. c 74 § 7.]
RCW 46.70.055
Wholesale vehicle dealer licenses.
(1)(a) Effective July 1, 2017, the department of licensing may not issue any new wholesale vehicle dealer licenses.
(b) Effective July 1, 2018, the department of licensing may not renew any wholesale vehicle dealer licenses, except as provided in subsection (2) of this section.
(2) The department of licensing shall renew a wholesale vehicle dealer license of a wholesale vehicle dealer who has held the license continuously for at least the previous six years from July 1, 2018, and who otherwise meets the requirements of this chapter.
[ 2018 c 273 § 1; 2017 c 15 § 1.]
Effective date—2018 c 273: "This act takes effect July 1, 2018." [ 2018 c 273 § 4.]
Effective date—2017 c 15 § 1: "Section 1 of this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect June 30, 2017." [ 2017 c 15 § 7.]
RCW 46.70.061
(a) Vehicle dealers, principal place of business for each and every license classification: Nine hundred seventy-five dollars;
(b) Vehicle dealers, each subagency, and temporary subagency: One hundred dollars;
(a) Vehicle dealers, principal place of business for each and every license classification: Three hundred twenty-five dollars;
(b) Vehicle dealer, each and every subagency: Twenty-five dollars;
(4) The fee for vehicle dealer license plates and manufacturer license plates shall be the amount required by law for vehicle license plates exclusive of excise tax and gross weight and tonnage fees.
(6) The fees prescribed in this section are in addition to any excise taxes imposed by chapter 82.44 RCW.
[ 2012 c 74 § 7; 2002 c 352 § 23; 1990 c 250 § 65; 1986 c 241 § 10; 1986 c 241 § 9; 1979 ex.s. c 251 § 1; 1973 1st ex.s. c 132 § 7; 1967 ex.s. c 74 § 13.]
Effective dates—1986 c 241: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately, except section 9 of this act shall take effect July 1, 1986, and section 10 of this act shall take effect July 1, 1987." [ 1986 c 241 § 28.]
RCW 46.70.070
Dealers—Bond required, exceptions—Actions—Cancellation of license.
(1) Before issuing a vehicle dealer's license, the department shall require the applicant to file with the department a surety bond in the amount of:
(a) Thirty thousand dollars for motor vehicle dealers;
(b) Thirty thousand dollars for mobile home, park trailer, and travel trailer dealers;
(c) Five thousand dollars for miscellaneous dealers,
running to the state, and executed by a surety company authorized to do business in the state. Such bond shall be approved by the attorney general as to form and conditioned that the dealer shall conduct his or her business in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.
Any retail purchaser, consignor who is not a motor vehicle dealer, or a motor vehicle dealer who has purchased from, sold to, or otherwise transacted business with a wholesale dealer, who has suffered any loss or damage by reason of any act by a dealer which constitutes a violation of this chapter shall have the right to institute an action for recovery against such dealer and the surety upon such bond. However, under this section, motor vehicle dealers who have purchased from, sold to, or otherwise transacted business with wholesale dealers may only institute actions against wholesale dealers and their surety bonds. Successive recoveries against said bond shall be permitted, but the aggregate liability of the surety to all persons shall in no event exceed the amount of the bond. Upon exhaustion of the penalty of said bond or cancellation of the bond by the surety the vehicle dealer license shall automatically be deemed canceled.
(2) The bond for any vehicle dealer licensed or to be licensed under more than one classification shall be the highest bond required for any such classification.
(3) Vehicle dealers shall maintain a bond for each business location in this state and bond coverage for all temporary subagencies.
[ 2001 c 272 § 13; (2017 c 15 § 6 repealed by 2018 c 273 § 2); 1996 c 194 § 2; 1989 c 337 § 15; 1986 c 241 § 11; 1981 c 152 § 1; 1973 1st ex.s. c 132 § 8; 1971 ex.s. c 74 § 4; 1967 ex.s. c 74 § 27; 1961 c 239 § 1; 1961 c 12 § 46.70.070. Prior: 1959 c 166 § 19; 1951 c 150 § 8.]
RCW 46.70.075
Manufacturers—Bond required—Actions—Cancellation of license.
Before issuing a manufacturer license to a manufacturer of mobile homes or travel trailers, the department shall require the applicant to file with the department a surety bond in the amount of forty thousand dollars in the case of a mobile home manufacturer and twenty thousand dollars in the case of a travel trailer manufacturer, running to the state and executed by a surety company authorized to do business in the state. Such bond shall be approved by the attorney general as to form and conditioned that the manufacturer shall conduct his or her business in conformity with the provisions of this chapter and with all standards set by the state of Washington or the federal government pertaining to the construction or safety of such vehicles. Any retail purchaser or vehicle dealer who has suffered any loss or damage by reason of breach of warranty or by any act by a manufacturer which constitutes a violation of this chapter or a violation of any standards set by the state of Washington or the federal government pertaining to construction or safety of such vehicles has the right to institute an action for recovery against such manufacturer and the surety upon such bond. Successive recoveries against the bond shall be permitted, but the aggregate liability of the surety to all persons shall in no event exceed the amount of the bond. Upon exhaustion of the penalty of the bond or cancellation of the bond by the surety the manufacturer license is automatically deemed canceled.
[ 2010 c 8 § 9082; 1981 c 152 § 3; 1973 1st ex.s. c 132 § 9.]
RCW 46.70.083
Expiration of license—Renewal—Certification of established place of business.
The license of a vehicle dealer or a vehicle manufacturer expires on the date that is twelve consecutive months from the date of issuance. The license may be renewed by filing with the department prior to the expiration of the license, a renewal application containing such information as the department may require to indicate the number of vehicle sales transacted during the past year, and any material change in the information contained in the original application. Failure by the dealer to comply is grounds for denial of the renewal application or dealer license plate renewal.
The dealer's established place of business shall be certified by a representative of the department at least once every thirty-six months, or more frequently as determined necessary by the department. The certification will verify compliance with the requirements of this chapter for an established place of business. Failure by the dealer to comply at any time is grounds for license suspension or revocation, denial of the renewal application, or monetary assessment.
[ 1993 c 307 § 8; 1991 c 140 § 2; 1990 c 250 § 66; 1986 c 241 § 12; 1985 c 109 § 1; 1973 1st ex.s. c 132 § 12; 1971 ex.s. c 74 § 6; 1967 ex.s. c 74 § 10.]
RCW 46.70.085
Licenses—Staggered renewal.
Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the director may extend or diminish licensing periods of dealers and manufacturers for the purpose of staggering renewal periods. The extension or diminishment shall be by rule of the department adopted in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW.
[ 1990 c 250 § 67; 1985 c 109 § 2.]
RCW 46.70.090
License plates—Use.
(2) The department shall issue to a vehicle dealer up to three vehicle dealer license plates. After the third dealer plate is issued, the department shall limit the number of dealer plates to six percent of the vehicles sold during the preceding license period. For an original license the vehicle dealer license applicant shall estimate the first year's sales or leases. The director or director's designee may waive these dealer plate issuance restrictions for a vehicle dealer if the waiver both serves the purposes of this chapter and is essential to the continuation of the business. The director shall adopt rules to implement this waiver.
(a) To demonstrate motor vehicles held for sale or lease when operated by an individual holding a valid operator's license, if a dated demonstration permit, valid for no more than seventy-two hours, is carried in the vehicle at all times it is operated by any such individual.
(b) On motor vehicles owned, held for sale or lease, and which are in fact available for sale or lease by the firm when operated by an officer of the corporation, partnership, or proprietorship or by their spouses, or by an employee of the firm, if a card so identifying any such individual is carried in the vehicle at all times it is operated by such individual. Any such vehicle so operated may be used to transport the dealer's own tools, parts, and equipment of a total weight not to exceed five hundred pounds.
(e) On motor vehicles being moved to or from motor vehicle service and repair facilities before sale or lease.
(i) No such vehicle may be demonstrated on a public highway unless the customer has an appropriate endorsement on his or her driver's license, if such endorsement is required to operate such vehicle; and
(b) On vehicles owned, held for sale, and which are in fact available for sale, by the firm when operated by an officer of the corporation, partnership, or proprietorship or by a bona fide full-time employee of the firm, if a card so identifying such individual is carried in the vehicle at all times it is operated by him or her.
(8) In addition to or in lieu of any sanction imposed by the director pursuant to RCW 46.70.101 for unauthorized use of vehicle dealer license plates or manufacturer license plates, the director may order that any or all vehicle dealer license plates or manufacturer license plates issued pursuant to this chapter be confiscated for such period as the director deems appropriate.
[ 2001 c 272 § 5; 1994 c 262 § 10; 1992 c 222 § 2; 1991 c 140 § 1; 1983 c 3 § 123; 1981 c 152 § 4; 1973 1st ex.s. c 132 § 13; 1971 ex.s. c 74 § 7; 1969 ex.s. c 63 § 3; 1961 c 12 § 46.70.090. Prior: 1955 c 283 § 1; 1951 c 150 § 10.]
RCW 46.70.102
Denial, suspension, or revocation of licenses—Notice, hearing, procedure.
Upon the entry of the order under RCW 46.70.101 the director shall promptly notify the applicant or licensee that the order has been entered and of the reasons therefor and that if requested by the applicant or licensee within fifteen days after the receipt of the director's notification, the matter will be promptly set down for hearing pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW. If no hearing is requested and none is ordered by the director, the order will remain in effect until it is modified or vacated by the director. If a hearing is requested or ordered, the director, or his or her personal representative, after notice of and opportunity for hearing, may modify or vacate the order, or extend it until final determination. No final order may be entered under RCW 46.70.101 denying or revoking a license without appropriate prior notice to the applicant or licensee, opportunity for hearing, and written findings of fact and conclusions of law.
[ 2010 c 8 § 9083; 1986 c 241 § 14; 1967 ex.s. c 74 § 12.]
RCW 46.70.111
Investigations or proceedings—Powers of director or designees—Penalty.
For the purpose of any investigation or proceeding under this chapter, the director or any officer designated by him or her may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, take evidence, and require the production of any books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, agreements, or other documents or records which the director deems relevant or material to the inquiry.
(1) In case of contumacy by, or refusal to obey a subpoena issued to, any person, any court of competent jurisdiction, upon application by the director, may issue to that person an order requiring him or her to appear before the director, or the officer designated by him or her, to produce documentary or other evidence touching the matter under investigation or in question. The failure to obey an order of the court may be punishable by contempt.
[ 2010 c 8 § 9084; 1967 ex.s. c 74 § 15.]
RCW 46.70.115
Cease and desist orders—Penalty, "curbstoning" defined.
(1) If it appears to the director that a person has engaged or is about to engage in an act or practice constituting a violation of this chapter, or a rule adopted or an order issued under this chapter, the director may issue an order directing the person to cease and desist from continuing the act or practice. Reasonable notice of and opportunity for a hearing shall be given. The director may issue a temporary order pending a hearing. The temporary order shall remain in effect until ten days after the hearing is held and shall become final if the person to whom the notice is addressed does not request a hearing within fifteen days after receipt of the notice.
(2) The director may levy and collect a civil penalty, in an amount not to exceed one thousand dollars for each violation, against a person found by the director to be curbstoning, as that term is defined in subsection (3) of this section. A person against whom a civil penalty has been imposed must receive reasonable notice and an opportunity for a hearing on the issue. The civil penalty is due ten days after issuance of a final order.
(3) For the purposes of subsection (2) of this section,"curbstoning" means a person or firm engaged in buying and offering for sale, or buying and selling, five or more vehicles that are each less than thirty years old in a twelve-month period without holding a vehicle dealer license. For the purpose of subsections (1) and (2) of this section, "curbstoning" does not include the sale of equipment or vehicles used in farming as defined in RCW 46.04.183 and sold by a farmer as defined in RCW 46.04.182.
[ 2000 c 131 § 1; 1986 c 241 § 15.]
Severability—2000 c 131: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 2000 c 131 § 3.]
RCW 46.70.120
A dealer shall complete and maintain for a period of at least five years a record of the purchase and sale or lease of all vehicles purchased, sold, or leased by him or her. The records shall consist of:
(1) The license and title numbers of the state in which the last license was issued;
(2) A description of the vehicle;
(3) The name and address of the person from whom purchased;
(4) The name of the legal owner, if any;
(5) The name and address of the purchaser or lessee;
(6) If purchased from a dealer, the name, business address, dealer license number, and resale tax number of the dealer;
(7) The price paid for the vehicle and the method of payment;
(8) The vehicle odometer disclosure statement given by the seller to the dealer, and the vehicle odometer disclosure statement given by the dealer to the purchaser or lessee;
(9) The written agreement to allow a dealer to sell between the dealer and the consignor, or the listing dealer and the seller;
(10) Trust account records of receipts, deposits, and withdrawals;
(11) All sale documents, which shall show the full name of dealer employees involved in the sale or lease; and
(12) Any additional information the department may require. However, the department may not require a dealer to collect or retain the hardback copy of a temporary license permit after the permanent license plates for a vehicle have been provided to the purchaser or lessee, if the dealer maintains some other copy of the temporary license permit together with a log of the permits issued.
Such records shall be maintained separate from all other business records of the dealer. Paper records older than two years may be kept at a location other than the dealer's place of business if those records are made available in hard copy for inspection within three calendar days, exclusive of Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, after a request by the director or the director's authorized agent. Records kept at the vehicle dealer's place of business must be available for inspection by the director or the director's authorized agent during normal business hours. Records shall be kept in paper form for one year and, after such time, may be kept solely as electronic records and not as hard copies as long as such electronic records can be accessed by computer at the dealer's place of business during normal business hours for the remainder of the five-year retention period. Records that originate as electronic records may be retained as electronic records with no paper form and must be accessible by computer at the dealer's place of business for at least five years. The director may adopt rules necessary to implement electronic records retention.
Dealers may maintain their recordkeeping and filing systems in accordance with their own particular business needs and practices. Nothing in this chapter requires dealers to maintain their records in any particular order or manner, as long as the records identified in this section are maintained in the dealership's recordkeeping system.
[ 2016 sp.s. c 16 § 1; 2001 c 272 § 7; 1996 c 282 § 4; 1990 c 238 § 7; 1986 c 241 § 16; 1973 1st ex.s. c 132 § 15; 1961 c 12 § 46.70.120. Prior: 1951 c 150 § 15.]
Odometer disclosure statement: RCW 46.12.665.
RCW 46.70.122
Duty when purchaser or transferee is a dealer.
(1) If the purchaser or transferee is a dealer he or she shall, on selling, leasing, or otherwise disposing of the vehicle, promptly execute the assignment and warranty of title, in such form as the director shall prescribe.
(2) The assignment and warranty shall show any secured party holding a security interest created or reserved at the time of resale or lease, to which shall be attached the assigned certificate of title and registration certificate received by the dealer. The dealer shall mail or deliver them to the department with the transferee's application for the issuance of new certificate of title and registration certificate. The certificate of title issued for a vehicle possessed by a dealer and subject to a security interest shall be delivered to the secured party who upon request of the dealer's transferee shall, unless the transfer was a breach of the security agreement, either deliver the certificate to the transferee for transmission to the department, or upon receipt from the transferee of the owner's bill of sale or sale document, the transferee's application for a new certificate and the required fee, mail or deliver to the department. Failure of a dealer to deliver the certificate of title to the secured party does not affect perfection of the security interest.
[ 2010 c 161 § 1133; 2001 c 272 § 8; 1990 c 238 § 5; 1975 c 25 § 11; 1972 ex.s. c 99 § 3; 1967 c 140 § 2; 1961 c 12 § 46.12.120. Prior: 1959 c 166 § 10; prior: 1947 c 164 § 4(c); 1937 c 188 § 6(c); Rem. Supp. 1947 § 6312-6(c). Formerly RCW 46.12.120.]
RCW 46.70.124
Evidence of ownership for dealers' used vehicles—Consignments.
A vehicle dealer shall possess a separate certificate of title or other evidence of ownership approved by the department for each used vehicle kept in the dealer's possession. Evidence of ownership shall be either in the name of the dealer or in the name of the dealer's immediate vendor properly assigned. In the case of consigned vehicles, the vehicle dealer may possess a completed consignment contract that includes a guaranteed title from the seller in lieu of the required certificate of title.
[ 2010 c 161 § 1134; 1994 c 262 § 11; 1990 c 250 § 29; 1961 c 12 § 46.12.140. Prior: 1959 c 166 § 12; prior: 1947 c 164 § 4(e); 1937 c 188 § 6(e); Rem. Supp. 1947 § 6312-6(e). Formerly RCW 46.12.140.]
RCW 46.70.125
Used vehicles—Asking price, posting or disclosure.
A vehicle dealer who sells used vehicles shall either display on the vehicle, or disclose upon request, the written asking price of a specific vehicle offered for sale by the dealer as of that time.
A violation of this section is an unfair business practice under chapter 19.86 RCW, the Consumer Protection Act, and the provisions of chapter 46.70 RCW.
[ 1986 c 165 § 1.]
RCW 46.70.130
Details of charges must be furnished buyer or mortgagor.
(1) Before the execution of a contract or chattel mortgage or the consummation of the sale or lease of any vehicle, the seller must furnish the buyer or lessee an itemization in writing signed by the seller separately disclosing to the buyer or lessee the finance charge, insurance costs, taxes, and other charges which are paid or to be paid by the buyer or lessee.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, an itemization of the various license and title fees paid or to be paid by the buyer or lessee, which itemization must be the same as that disclosed on the registration/application for title document issued by the department, may be required only on the title application at the time the application is submitted for title transfer. A vehicle dealer may not be required to separately or individually itemize the license and title fees on any other document, including but not limited to the purchase order and lease agreement. No fee itemization may be required on the temporary permit.
[ 2001 c 272 § 9; 1996 c 282 § 5; 1973 1st ex.s. c 132 § 16; 1961 c 12 § 46.70.130. Prior: 1951 c 150 § 16.]
RCW 46.70.132
Manufactured home sale—Implied warranty.
(1) In addition to the requirements contained in RCW 46.70.135, each sale of a new manufactured home in this state is made with an implied warranty that the manufactured home conforms in all material aspects to applicable federal and state laws and regulations establishing standards of safety or quality, and with implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose as permanent housing in the climate of the state.
(2) The implied warranties contained in this section may not be waived, limited, or modified. Any provision that attempts to waive, limit, or modify the implied warranties contained in this section is void and unenforceable.
[ 1994 c 284 § 9.]
RCW 46.70.134
Manufactured home installation—Warranty, state installation code.
Any dealer, manufacturer, or contractor who installs a manufactured home warrants that the manufactured home is installed in accordance with the state installation code, chapter 296-150B WAC. The warranty contained in this section may not be waived, limited, or modified. Any provision attempting to waive, limit, or modify the warranty contained in this section is void and unenforceable. This section does not apply when the manufactured home is installed by the purchaser of the home.
[ 1994 c 284 § 10.]
RCW 46.70.140
Handling "hot" vehicles—Unreported motor "switches"—Unauthorized use of dealer plates—Penalty.
Any vehicle dealer who knowingly or with reason to know, buys or receives, sells or disposes of, conceals or has in the dealer's possession, any vehicle from which the motor or serial number has been removed, defaced, covered, altered, or destroyed, or any dealer, who removes from or installs in any motor vehicle registered with the department by motor block number, a new or used motor block without immediately notifying the department of such fact upon a form provided by the department, or any vehicle dealer who loans or permits the use of vehicle dealer license plates by any person not entitled to the use thereof, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
[ 1993 c 307 § 9; 1973 1st ex.s. c 132 § 17; 1971 ex.s. c 74 § 8; 1967 c 32 § 79; 1961 c 12 § 46.70.140. Prior: 1951 c 150 § 11.]
RCW 46.70.160
The director may make any reasonable rules and regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of chapter 46.70 RCW relating to the enforcement and proper operation thereof.
[ 1961 c 12 § 46.70.160. Prior: 1959 c 166 § 21.]
RCW 46.70.170
It is a misdemeanor for any person to violate any of the provisions of this chapter, except where expressly provided otherwise, and the rules adopted as provided under this chapter.
[ 1986 c 241 § 17; 1965 c 68 § 5.]
RCW 46.70.180
Each of the following acts or practices is unlawful:
(1) To cause or permit to be advertised, printed, displayed, published, distributed, broadcasted, televised, or disseminated in any manner whatsoever, any statement or representation with regard to the sale, lease, or financing of a vehicle which is false, deceptive, or misleading, including but not limited to the following:
(a) That no down payment is required in connection with the sale of a vehicle when a down payment is in fact required, or that a vehicle may be purchased for a smaller down payment than is actually required;
(b) That a certain percentage of the sale price of a vehicle may be financed when such financing is not offered in a single document evidencing the entire security transaction;
(c) That a certain percentage is the amount of the service charge to be charged for financing, without stating whether this percentage charge is a monthly amount or an amount to be charged per year;
(d) That a new vehicle will be sold for a certain amount above or below cost without computing cost as the exact amount of the factory invoice on the specific vehicle to be sold;
(e) That a vehicle will be sold upon a monthly payment of a certain amount, without including in the statement the number of payments of that same amount which are required to liquidate the unpaid purchase price.
(2)(a)(i) To incorporate within the terms of any purchase and sale or lease agreement any statement or representation with regard to the sale, lease, or financing of a vehicle which is false, deceptive, or misleading, including but not limited to terms that include as an added cost to the selling price or capitalized cost of a vehicle an amount for licensing or transfer of title of that vehicle which is not actually due to the state, unless such amount has in fact been paid by the dealer prior to such sale.
(ii) However, an amount not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars per vehicle sale or lease may be charged by a dealer to recover administrative costs for collecting motor vehicle excise taxes, licensing and registration fees and other agency fees, verifying and clearing titles, transferring titles, perfecting, releasing, or satisfying liens or other security interests, and other administrative and documentary services rendered by a dealer in connection with the sale or lease of a vehicle and in carrying out the requirements of this chapter or any other provisions of state law.
(b) A dealer may charge the documentary service fee in (a) of this subsection under the following conditions:
(i) The documentary service fee is disclosed in writing to a prospective purchaser or lessee before the execution of a purchase and sale or lease agreement;
(ii) The dealer discloses to the purchaser or lessee in writing that the documentary service fee is a negotiable fee. The disclosure must be written in a typeface that is at least as large as the typeface used in the standard text of the document that contains the disclosure and that is bold faced, capitalized, underlined, or otherwise set out from the surrounding material so as to be conspicuous. The dealer shall not represent to the purchaser or lessee that the fee or charge is required by the state to be paid by either the dealer or prospective purchaser or lessee;
(iii) The documentary service fee is separately designated from the selling price or capitalized cost of the vehicle and from any other taxes, fees, or charges; and
(iv) Dealers disclose in any advertisement that a documentary service fee in an amount up to one hundred fifty dollars may be added to the sale price or the capitalized cost.
For the purposes of this subsection (2), the term "documentary service fee" means the optional amount charged by a dealer to provide the services specified in (a) of this subsection.
(3) To set up, promote, or aid in the promotion of a plan by which vehicles are to be sold or leased to a person for a consideration and upon further consideration that the purchaser or lessee agrees to secure one or more persons to participate in the plan by respectively making a similar purchase and in turn agreeing to secure one or more persons likewise to join in said plan, each purchaser or lessee being given the right to secure money, credits, goods, or something of value, depending upon the number of persons joining the plan.
(4) To commit, allow, or ratify any act of "bushing" which is defined as follows: Entering into a written contract, written purchase order or agreement, retail installment sales agreement, note and security agreement, or written lease agreement, hereinafter collectively referred to as contract or lease, signed by the prospective buyer or lessee of a vehicle, which:
(a) Is subject to any conditions or the dealer's or his or her authorized representative's future acceptance, and the dealer fails or refuses within the "bushing" period, which is four calendar days, exclusive of Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, and prior to any further negotiations with said buyer or lessee to inform the buyer or lessee either: (i) That the dealer unconditionally accepts the contract or lease, having satisfied, removed, or waived all conditions to acceptance or performance, including, but not limited to, financing, assignment, or lease approval; or (ii) that the dealer rejects the contract or lease, thereby automatically voiding the contract or lease, as long as such voiding does not negate commercially reasonable contract or lease provisions pertaining to the return of the subject vehicle and any physical damage, excessive mileage after the demand for return of the vehicle, and attorneys' fees authorized by law, and tenders the refund of any initial payment or security made or given by the buyer or lessee, including, but not limited to, any down payment, and tenders return of the trade-in vehicle, key, other trade-in, or certificate of title to a trade-in. Tender may be conditioned on return of the subject vehicle if previously delivered to the buyer or lessee.
The provisions of this subsection (4)(a) do not impair, prejudice, or abrogate the rights of a dealer to assert a claim against the buyer or lessee for misrepresentation or breach of contract and to exercise all remedies available at law or in equity, including those under chapter 62A.9A RCW, if the dealer, bank, or other lender or leasing company discovers that approval of the contract or financing or approval of the lease was based upon material misrepresentations made by the buyer or lessee, including, but not limited to, misrepresentations regarding income, employment, or debt of the buyer or lessee, as long as the dealer, or his or her staff, has not, with knowledge of the material misrepresentation, aided, assisted, encouraged, or participated, directly or indirectly, in the misrepresentation. A dealer shall not be in violation of this subsection (4)(a) if the buyer or lessee made a material misrepresentation to the dealer, as long as the dealer, or his or her staff, has not, with knowledge of the material misrepresentation, aided, assisted, encouraged, or participated, directly or indirectly, in the misrepresentation.
A dealer may inform a buyer or lessee under this subsection (4)(a) regarding the unconditional acceptance or rejection of the contract, lease, or financing by sending an email message to the buyer's or lessee's supplied email address, by phone call, by leaving a voice message or sending a text message to a phone number provided by the buyer or lessee, by in-person oral communication, by mailing a letter by first-class mail if the buyer or lessee expresses a preference for a letter or declines to provide an email address and a phone number capable of receiving a free text message, or by another means agreed to by the buyer or lessee or approved by the department, effective upon the execution, mailing, or sending of the communication and before expiration of the "bushing" period;
(b) Permits the dealer to renegotiate a dollar amount specified as trade-in allowance on a vehicle delivered or to be delivered by the buyer or lessee as part of the purchase price or lease, for any reason except:
(i) Failure to disclose that the vehicle's certificate of title has been branded for any reason, including, but not limited to, status as a rebuilt vehicle as provided in RCW 46.12.540 and 46.12.560; or
(ii) Substantial physical damage or latent mechanical defect occurring before the dealer took possession of the vehicle and which could not have been reasonably discoverable at the time of the taking of the order, offer, or contract; or
(iii) Excessive additional miles or a discrepancy in the mileage. "Excessive additional miles" means the addition of five hundred miles or more, as reflected on the vehicle's odometer, between the time the vehicle was first valued by the dealer for purposes of determining its trade-in value and the time of actual delivery of the vehicle to the dealer. "A discrepancy in the mileage" means (A) a discrepancy between the mileage reflected on the vehicle's odometer and the stated mileage on the signed odometer statement; or (B) a discrepancy between the mileage stated on the signed odometer statement and the actual mileage on the vehicle; or
(c) Fails to comply with the obligation of any written warranty or guarantee given by the dealer requiring the furnishing of services or repairs within a reasonable time.
(5) To commit any offense relating to odometers, as such offenses are defined in RCW 46.37.540, 46.37.550, 46.37.560, and 46.37.570. A violation of this subsection is a class C felony punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW.
(6) For any vehicle dealer or vehicle salesperson to refuse to furnish, upon request of a prospective purchaser or lessee, for vehicles previously registered to a business or governmental entity, the name and address of the business or governmental entity.
(7) To commit any other offense under RCW 46.37.423, 46.37.424, or 46.37.425.
(8) To commit any offense relating to a dealer's temporary license permit, including but not limited to failure to properly complete each such permit, or the issuance of more than one such permit on any one vehicle. However, a dealer may issue a second temporary permit on a vehicle if the following conditions are met:
(a) The lienholder fails to deliver the vehicle title to the dealer within the required time period;
(c) The dealer has proof that payment of the lien was made within two calendar days, exclusive of Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, after the sales contract has been executed by all parties and all conditions and contingencies in the sales contract have been met or otherwise satisfied.
(9) For a dealer, salesperson, or mobile home manufacturer, having taken an instrument or cash "on deposit" from a purchaser or lessee prior to the delivery of the bargained-for vehicle, to commingle the "on deposit" funds with assets of the dealer, salesperson, or mobile home manufacturer instead of holding the "on deposit" funds as trustee in a separate trust account until the purchaser or lessee has taken delivery of the bargained-for vehicle. Delivery of a manufactured home shall be deemed to occur in accordance with RCW 46.70.135(5). Failure, immediately upon receipt, to endorse "on deposit" instruments to such a trust account, or to set aside "on deposit" cash for deposit in such trust account, and failure to deposit such instruments or cash in such trust account by the close of banking hours on the day following receipt thereof, shall be evidence of intent to commit this unlawful practice: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That a motor vehicle dealer may keep a separate trust account which equals his or her customary total customer deposits for vehicles for future delivery. For purposes of this section, "on deposit" funds received from a purchaser of a manufactured home means those funds that a seller requires a purchaser to advance before ordering the manufactured home, but does not include any loan proceeds or moneys that might have been paid on an installment contract.
(10) For a dealer or manufacturer to fail to comply with the obligations of any written warranty or guarantee given by the dealer or manufacturer requiring the furnishing of goods and services or repairs within a reasonable period of time, or to fail to furnish to a purchaser or lessee, all parts which attach to the manufactured unit including but not limited to the undercarriage, and all items specified in the terms of a sales or lease agreement signed by the seller and buyer or lessee.
(11) For a vehicle dealer to pay to or receive from any person, firm, partnership, association, or corporation acting, either directly or through a subsidiary, as a buyer's agent for consumers, any compensation, fee, purchase moneys or funds that have been deposited into or withdrawn out of any account controlled or used by any buyer's agent, gratuity, or reward in connection with the purchase, sale, or lease of a new motor vehicle.
(12) For a buyer's agent, acting directly or through a subsidiary, to pay to or to receive from any motor vehicle dealer any compensation, fee, gratuity, or reward in connection with the purchase, sale, or lease of a new motor vehicle. In addition, it is unlawful for any buyer's agent to engage in any of the following acts on behalf of or in the name of the consumer:
(a) Receiving or paying any purchase moneys or funds into or out of any account controlled or used by any buyer's agent;
(b) Signing any vehicle purchase orders, sales contracts, leases, odometer statements, or title documents, or having the name of the buyer's agent appear on the vehicle purchase order, sales contract, lease, or title; or
(c) Signing any other documentation relating to the purchase, sale, lease, or transfer of any new motor vehicle.
It is unlawful for a buyer's agent to use a power of attorney obtained from the consumer to accomplish or effect the purchase, sale, lease, or transfer of ownership documents of any new motor vehicle by any means which would otherwise be prohibited under (a) through (c) of this subsection. However, the buyer's agent may use a power of attorney for physical delivery of motor vehicle license plates to the consumer.
Further, it is unlawful for a buyer's agent to engage in any false, deceptive, or misleading advertising, disseminated in any manner whatsoever, including but not limited to making any claim or statement that the buyer's agent offers, obtains, or guarantees the lowest price on any motor vehicle or words to similar effect.
(13) For a buyer's agent to arrange for or to negotiate the purchase, or both, of a new motor vehicle through an out-of-state dealer without disclosing in writing to the customer that the new vehicle would not be subject to chapter 19.118 RCW. This subsection also applies to leased vehicles. In addition, it is unlawful for any buyer's agent to fail to have a written agreement with the customer that: (a) Sets forth the terms of the parties' agreement; (b) discloses to the customer the total amount of any fees or other compensation being paid by the customer to the buyer's agent for the agent's services; and (c) further discloses whether the fee or any portion of the fee is refundable.
(14) Being a manufacturer, other than a motorcycle manufacturer governed by chapter 46.93 RCW, to:
(a) Coerce or attempt to coerce any vehicle dealer to order or accept delivery of any vehicle or vehicles, parts or accessories, or any other commodities which have not been voluntarily ordered by the vehicle dealer: PROVIDED, That recommendation, endorsement, exposition, persuasion, urging, or argument are not deemed to constitute coercion;
(b) Cancel or fail to renew the franchise or selling agreement of any vehicle dealer doing business in this state without fairly compensating the dealer at a fair going business value for his or her capital investment which shall include but not be limited to tools, equipment, and parts inventory possessed by the dealer on the day he or she is notified of such cancellation or termination and which are still within the dealer's possession on the day the cancellation or termination is effective, if: (i) The capital investment has been entered into with reasonable and prudent business judgment for the purpose of fulfilling the franchise; and (ii) the cancellation or nonrenewal was not done in good faith. Good faith is defined as the duty of each party to any franchise to act in a fair and equitable manner towards each other, so as to guarantee one party freedom from coercion, intimidation, or threats of coercion or intimidation from the other party: PROVIDED, That recommendation, endorsement, exposition, persuasion, urging, or argument are not deemed to constitute a lack of good faith;
(c) Encourage, aid, abet, or teach a vehicle dealer to sell or lease vehicles through any false, deceptive, or misleading sales or financing practices including but not limited to those practices declared unlawful in this section;
(d) Coerce or attempt to coerce a vehicle dealer to engage in any practice forbidden in this section by either threats of actual cancellation or failure to renew the dealer's franchise agreement;
(e) Refuse to deliver any vehicle publicly advertised for immediate delivery to any duly licensed vehicle dealer having a franchise or contractual agreement for the retail sale or lease of new and unused vehicles sold or distributed by such manufacturer within sixty days after such dealer's order has been received in writing unless caused by inability to deliver because of shortage or curtailment of material, labor, transportation, or utility services, or by any labor or production difficulty, or by any cause beyond the reasonable control of the manufacturer;
(f) To provide under the terms of any warranty that a purchaser or lessee of any new or unused vehicle that has been sold or leased, distributed for sale or lease, or transferred into this state for resale or lease by the vehicle manufacturer may only make any warranty claim on any item included as an integral part of the vehicle against the manufacturer of that item.
Nothing in this section may be construed to impair the obligations of a contract or to prevent a manufacturer, distributor, representative, or any other person, whether or not licensed under this chapter, from requiring performance of a written contract entered into with any licensee hereunder, nor does the requirement of such performance constitute a violation of any of the provisions of this section if any such contract or the terms thereof requiring performance, have been freely entered into and executed between the contracting parties. This paragraph and subsection (14)(b) of this section do not apply to new motor vehicle manufacturers governed by chapter 46.96 RCW.
(15) Unlawful transfer of an ownership interest in a motor vehicle as defined in RCW 19.116.050.
(16) To knowingly and intentionally engage in collusion with a registered owner of a vehicle to repossess and return or resell the vehicle to the registered owner in an attempt to avoid a suspended license impound under chapter 46.55 RCW. However, compliance with chapter 62A.9A RCW in repossessing, selling, leasing, or otherwise disposing of the vehicle, including providing redemption rights to the debtor, is not a violation of this section.
(17)(a) For a dealer to enter into a new motor vehicle sales contract without disclosing in writing to a buyer of the new motor vehicle, or to a dealer in the case of an unregistered motor vehicle, any known damage and repair to the new motor vehicle if the damage exceeds five percent of the manufacturer's suggested retail price as calculated at the dealer's authorized warranty rate for labor and parts, or one thousand dollars, whichever amount is greater. A manufacturer or new motor vehicle dealer is not required to disclose to a dealer or buyer that glass, tires, bumpers, or cosmetic parts of a new motor vehicle were damaged at any time if the damaged item has been replaced with original or comparable equipment. A replaced part is not part of the cumulative damage required to be disclosed under this subsection.
(b) A manufacturer is required to provide the same disclosure to a dealer of any known damage or repair as required in (a) of this subsection.
(c) If disclosure of any known damage or repair is not required under this section, a buyer may not revoke or rescind a sales contract due to the fact that the new motor vehicle was damaged and repaired before completion of the sale.
(i) "Cosmetic parts" means parts that are attached by and can be replaced in total through the use of screws, bolts, or other fasteners without the use of welding or thermal cutting, and includes windshields, bumpers, hoods, or trim panels.
(ii) "Manufacturer's suggested retail price" means the retail price of the new motor vehicle suggested by the manufacturer, and includes the retail delivered price suggested by the manufacturer for each accessory or item of optional equipment physically attached to the new motor vehicle at the time of delivery to the new motor vehicle dealer that is not included within the retail price suggested by the manufacturer for the new motor vehicle.
[ 2017 c 41 § 1; 2012 c 74 § 8; 2010 c 161 § 1136. Prior: 2009 c 123 § 1; 2009 c 49 § 1; 2007 c 155 § 2; 2006 c 289 § 1; 2003 c 368 § 1; prior: 2001 c 272 § 10; 2001 c 64 § 9; 1999 c 398 § 10; 1997 c 153 § 1; 1996 c 194 § 3; 1995 c 256 § 26; 1994 c 284 § 13; 1993 c 175 § 3; 1990 c 44 § 14; 1989 c 415 § 20; 1986 c 241 § 18; 1985 c 472 § 13; 1981 c 152 § 6; 1977 ex.s. c 125 § 4; 1973 1st ex.s. c 132 § 18; 1969 c 112 § 1; 1967 ex.s. c 74 § 16.]
Effective date—2007 c 155: See note following RCW 46.16A.300.
Prospective application—2006 c 289: "This act applies prospectively only and not retroactively. It applies only to causes of action that arise (if change is substantive) or that are commenced (if change is procedural) on or after June 7, 2006." [ 2006 c 289 § 2.]
Certificate of title—Failure to transfer within specified time: RCW 46.12.650.
Glass—Limited windows—Vehicle sale requirements: RCW 46.37.430.
Odometers—Disconnecting, resetting, turning back, replacing without notifying purchaser: RCW 46.37.540 through 46.37.570.
Tires—Vehicle sale requirements: RCW 46.37.425.
RCW 46.70.183
Notice of bankruptcy proceedings.
Any vehicle dealer or manufacturer, by or against whom a petition in bankruptcy has been filed, shall, within ten days of the filing, notify the department of the proceedings in bankruptcy, including the identity and location of the court in which the proceedings are pending.
[ 1981 c 152 § 7.]
RCW 46.70.190
Civil actions for violations—Injunctions—Claims under Federal Automobile Dealer Franchise Act—Time limitation.
Any person who is injured in his or her business or property by a violation of this chapter, or any person so injured because he or she refuses to accede to a proposal for an arrangement which, if consummated, would be in violation of this chapter, may bring a civil action in the superior court to enjoin further violations, to recover the actual damages sustained by him or her together with the costs of the suit, including a reasonable attorney's fee.
If a new motor vehicle dealer recovers a judgment or has a claim dismissed with prejudice against a manufacturer under RCW 46.96.040 or 46.96.050(3) or this section, the new motor vehicle dealer is precluded from pursuing that same claim or recovering judgment for that same claim against the same manufacturer under the federal Automobile Dealer Franchise Act, 15 U.S.C. Sections 1221 through 1225, but only to the extent that the damages recovered by or denied to the new motor vehicle dealer are the same as the damages being sought under the federal Automobile Dealer Franchise Act. Likewise, if a new motor vehicle dealer recovers a judgment or has a claim dismissed with prejudice against a manufacturer under the federal Automobile Dealer Franchise Act, the dealer is precluded from pursuing that same claim or recovering judgment for that same claim against the same manufacturer under this chapter, but only to the extent that the damages recovered by or denied to the dealer are the same as the damages being sought under this chapter.
A civil action brought in the superior court pursuant to the provisions of this section must be filed no later than one year following the alleged violation of this chapter.
[ 2010 c 8 § 9085; 1989 c 415 § 21; 1986 c 241 § 19; 1973 1st ex.s. c 132 § 19; 1967 ex.s. c 74 § 21.]
RCW 46.70.220
Duties of attorney general and prosecuting attorneys to act on violations—Limitation of civil actions.
The director may refer such evidence as may be available concerning violations of this chapter or of any rule or order hereunder to the attorney general or the proper prosecuting attorney, who may in his or her discretion, with or without such a reference, in addition to any other action they might commence, bring an action in the name of the state against any person to restrain and prevent the doing of any act or practice herein prohibited or declared unlawful: PROVIDED, That this chapter shall be considered in conjunction with chapters 9.04, 19.86, and 63.14 RCW and the powers and duties of the attorney general and the prosecuting attorney as they may appear in the aforementioned chapters, shall apply against all persons subject to this chapter: PROVIDED FURTHER, That any action to enforce a claim for civil damages under chapter 19.86 RCW shall be forever barred unless commenced within six years after the cause of action accrues.
[ 2010 c 8 § 9086; 1967 ex.s. c 74 § 19.]
RCW 46.70.230
Duties of attorney general and prosecuting attorneys to act on violations—Assurance of compliance—Filing.
In the enforcement of this chapter, the attorney general and/or any said prosecuting attorney may accept an assurance of compliance with the provisions of this chapter from any person deemed in violation hereof. Any such assurance shall be in writing and be filed with and subject to the approval of the superior court of the county in which the alleged violator resides or has his or her principal place of business, or in Thurston county.
[ 2010 c 8 § 9087; 1967 ex.s. c 74 § 20.]
RCW 46.70.240
Penalties—Jurisdiction.
Any person who violates the terms of any court order, or temporary or permanent injunction issued pursuant to this chapter, shall forfeit and pay a civil penalty of not more than twenty-five thousand dollars. For the purpose of this section the superior court issuing any injunction shall retain jurisdiction, and the cause shall be continued, and in such cases the attorney general and/or the prosecuting attorney acting in the name of the state, or any person who pursuant to RCW 46.70.190 has secured the injunction violated, may petition for the recovery of civil penalties.
[ 1967 ex.s. c 74 § 22.]
RCW 46.70.250
Personal service of any process in an action under this chapter may be made upon any person outside the state if such person has engaged in conduct in violation of this chapter which has had the impact in this state which this chapter reprehends. Such person shall be deemed to have thereby submitted himself or herself to the jurisdiction of the courts of this state within the meaning of RCW 4.28.180 and 4.28.185.
[ 2010 c 8 § 9088; 1967 ex.s. c 74 § 23.]
RCW 46.70.260
Application of chapter to existing and future franchises and contracts.
The provisions of this chapter shall be applicable to all franchises and contracts existing between vehicle dealers and manufacturers or factory branches and to all future franchises and contracts.
[ 1986 c 241 § 22; 1967 ex.s. c 74 § 24.]
RCW 46.70.270
Provisions of chapter cumulative—Violation of RCW 46.70.180 deemed civil.
The provisions of this chapter shall be cumulative to existing laws: PROVIDED, That the violation of RCW 46.70.180 shall be construed as exclusively civil and not penal in nature.
[ 1967 ex.s. c 74 § 25.]
RCW 46.70.290
Mobile homes and persons engaged in distribution and sale.
The provisions of chapter 46.70 RCW shall apply to the distribution and sale of mobile homes and to mobile home dealers, distributors, manufacturers, factory representatives, or other persons engaged in such distribution and sale to the same extent as for motor vehicles.
[ 1993 c 307 § 10; 1971 ex.s. c 231 § 23.]
RCW 46.70.300
Chapter exclusive—Local business and occupation tax not prevented.
(1) The provisions of this chapter relating to the licensing and regulation of vehicle dealers and manufacturers shall be exclusive, and no county, city, or other political subdivision of this state shall enact any laws, rules, or regulations licensing or regulating vehicle dealers or manufacturers.
(2) This section shall not be construed to prevent a political subdivision of this state from levying a business and occupation tax upon vehicle dealers or manufacturers maintaining an office within that political subdivision if a business and occupation tax is levied by such a political subdivision upon other types of businesses within its boundaries.
[ 1993 c 307 § 11; 1981 c 152 § 2.]
RCW 46.70.310
Any violation of this chapter is deemed to affect the public interest and constitutes a violation of chapter 19.86 RCW.
[ 1986 c 241 § 23.]
RCW 46.70.320
The regulation of buyers' agents is a matter affecting the public interest for the purpose of applying chapter 19.86 RCW. Activities of buyers' agents prohibited under RCW 46.70.180 (11), (12), or (13) are not reasonable in relation to the development and preservation of business. A violation of RCW 46.70.180 (11), (12), or (13) constitutes an unfair or deceptive act or practice in trade or commerce for the purpose of applying chapter 19.86 RCW.
[ 1993 c 175 § 4.]
RCW 46.70.330
Wholesale motor vehicle auction dealers.
(1) A wholesale motor vehicle auction dealer may:
(a) Sell any classification of motor vehicle;
(b) Sell only to motor vehicle dealers and vehicle wreckers licensed under Title 46 RCW by the state of Washington or licensed by any other state; or
(c) Sell a motor vehicle belonging to the United States government, the state of Washington, or a political subdivision to nonlicensed persons as may be required by the contracting public agency. However, a publicly owned "wrecked vehicle" as defined in RCW 46.80.010 may be sold to motor vehicle dealers and vehicle wreckers licensed under Title 46 RCW by the state of Washington or licensed by any other state.
(2) If the wholesale motor vehicle auction dealer knows that a vehicle is a "wrecked vehicle" as defined by RCW 46.80.010, the dealer must disclose this fact on the bill of sale.
[ 1998 c 282 § 2.]
RCW 46.70.340
Issuance of temporary subagency licenses for recreational vehicle shows.
(1)(a) Before the department may issue a temporary subagency license to a recreational vehicle dealer engaged in offering new or new and used recreational vehicles for sale at a recreational vehicle show, a recreational vehicle dealer of new or new and used recreational vehicles shall submit to the department a manufacturer's written authorization for the sale and specifying the dates of the show, the location of the show, and the identity of the manufacturer's brand or model names of the new or used recreational vehicles.
(b) The department may issue a temporary subagency license if the location of the show is within fifty miles of the recreational vehicle dealer's established place of business or permanent location. The department may issue a temporary subagency license for a show outside fifty miles of the recreational vehicle dealer's established place of business or permanent location only if the product represented is new and is within the factory designated sales territory for each brand of new recreational vehicles to be offered for sale, and only those specific brands of new recreational vehicles may be offered for sale under the terms of the temporary subagency license.
(2) Whenever three or fewer recreational vehicle dealers participate in a show under a temporary subagency license issued under this section, each recreational vehicle dealer shall conspicuously include all of the following information in all advertising and promotional materials designed to attract the public to attend the show:
(a) Each recreational vehicle dealer's business name and the location of the recreational vehicle dealer's established place of business must be printed in a size equivalent to the second largest type used in the advertisement and must be placed at the top of the advertisement; and
(b) The manufacturer's brand or model names of those new recreational vehicles being offered for sale; and
(c) If the recreational vehicles being offered for sale are used, the word "used" must immediately precede the identification of the brand name of the model or be immediately adjacent to the depiction of used vehicles.
(3) Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter, no more than two temporary subagency licenses may be issued to a recreational vehicle dealer engaged in offering new or new and used recreational vehicles for sale for events with three or fewer recreational vehicle dealers participating, and no more than six temporary subagency licenses may be issued to a recreational vehicle dealer in any twelve-month period for events including four or more recreational vehicle dealers.
(4) The legislature finds that the practices covered by this section are matters vitally affecting the public interest for the purpose of applying the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW. Violations of this section are not reasonable in relation to the development and preservation of business. A violation of this section is an unfair or deceptive act in trade or commerce and an unfair method of competition for the purpose of applying the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW.
[ 2006 c 364 § 2.]
RCW 46.70.900
All provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed to the end that deceptive practices or commission of fraud or misrepresentation in the sale, lease, barter, or disposition of vehicles in this state may be prohibited and prevented, and irresponsible, unreliable, or dishonest persons may be prevented from engaging in the business of selling, leasing, bartering, or otherwise dealing in vehicles in this state and reliable persons may be encouraged to engage in the business of selling, leasing, bartering and otherwise dealing in vehicles in this state: PROVIDED, That this chapter shall not apply to printers, publishers, or broadcasters who in good faith print, publish or broadcast material without knowledge of its deceptive character.
[ 2001 c 272 § 11; 1973 1st ex.s. c 132 § 20; 1967 ex.s. c 74 § 2.]