V.I. Code tit. 12A, § 185 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 12A - Consumer Code|Chapter 2 - Consumer Protection Law of 1973|Subchapter V - Motor Vehicle Trade Practices|§ 185. Enforcement

 (a) Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs. (1) Before bringing a civil action on a matter subject to subchapter V of this chapter, the consumer shall first submit his dispute to the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs for review. If a formal administrative hearing is required, the Commissioner, or his designee, shall hear the matter and may award the remedies under this chapter if the nonconformity, defect, or condition substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of the motor vehicle and a reasonable number of attempts have been taken to correct the nonconformity, defect, or condition without correction of the problem. All such awards shall be approved by the Commissioner. (2) All manufacturers of automobiles shall submit to any administrative hearing conducted by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs. (3) The Commissioner of the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs may reject for hearing any dispute that he determines to be without merit, frivolous, fraudulent or beyond his authority. Any dispute deemed by the Commissioner of the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs to be ineligible for hearing due to insufficient evidence under the requirements of this chapter may be reconsidered by the Commissioner upon the submission of other information or documents regarding the dispute that would qualify for relief under this chapter, only if there is proof that the evidence could not have been presented at the original hearing. Following a second review, if necessary, the Commissioner may reject the dispute for hearing if evidence is still clearly insufficient to qualify the dispute for relief under this chapter. Any dispute rejected for hearing by the Commissioner shall be sent by certified mail to the consumer and the manufacturer and shall contain a brief explanation as to the reason therefor. (4) The decision of the Commissioner shall be sent by certified mail to the consumer and the manufacturer and shall contain a written finding of whether the new motor vehicle meets the standards set forth under this chapter. A copy of the consumer's acceptance of the decision shall also be sent by the Commissioner to the manufacturer by certified mail, return receipt requested. The manufacturer shall have 60 calendar days from its receipt of the consumer's acceptance of the decision to comply with the terms of the decision. Compliance shall be deemed to have occurred on the date the consumer either receives the delivery of an acceptable replacement motor vehicle or the refund stipulated in the Administrative Hearing. (b) Appeal. If the Commissioner rejects a dispute for hearing or if a dispute is heard and any party rejects the hearing decision, the party may bring an action in court to seek the remedies provided under this chapter. A petition to the Superior Court without jury to appeal a decision shall be made within 30 calendar days of receipt of the Commissioner's decision. In any civil action arising under this chapter and relating to a matter considered by the Commissioner, any determination made to reject a dispute for hearing or any decision rendered by the Commissioner may be admissible evidence. At the time the petition to appeal is filed, the appellant shall send, by certified mail, a copy of such petition to the Commissioner.