reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 14-1311 - Extended Warranties

(a)    (1)    In this section the following terms have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Consumer goods” means any new goods used for personal, family, or household purposes where:
(i)    The purchaser of the goods has entered into an agreement to purchase an extended warranty on the goods purchased; and
(ii)    The actual cash sales price of the goods paid by the purchaser is in excess of $50.
(3)    “Consumer goods” includes household appliances.
(4)    “Extended warranty” means a written warranty that:
(i)    Covers consumer goods offered for sale by a guarantor or manufacturer;
(ii)    Includes terms or conditions beyond those offered in any express warranty originally included as part of the contract of sale for the consumer goods; and
(iii)    Is purchased at the time of the sale of the consumer goods.
(5)    “Guarantor” means a person who:
(i)    Is engaged in the business of making consumer products available to consumers; and
(ii)    Makes a warranty.
(6)    “Manufacturer” includes a manufacturer, its agent, or its authorized dealer.
(b)    Any extended warranty sold by a guarantor or manufacturer to a purchaser of consumer goods may not supersede any original express warranty and shall be offered in addition to the original express warranty.
(c)    This section applies only to an agreement to purchase an extended warranty which is executed on or after July 1, 1984.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 14-1312 - Return of Checks

(a)    (1)    In this section the following terms have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Acceptor” means a seller, lender, or credit grantor to whom a discharged check was originally issued.
(3)    “Discharged check” means a check or other instrument that has been:
(i)    Issued to a seller, lender, or credit grantor by a buyer or borrower in full or partial satisfaction of an underlying obligation; and
(ii)    Reacquired by the buyer or borrower in his own right.
(b)    (1)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, if an acceptor requires a buyer or borrower to submit to the acceptor a discharged check, rather than a facsimile thereof, for the purpose of verifying the full or partial payment of the obligation for which the check was issued, the acceptor shall return the discharged check directly to the buyer or borrower when payment or nonpayment has been verified.
(2)    An acceptor may not return the discharged check directly to the financial institution on which the discharged check was drawn if the check was submitted to the acceptor under the circumstances outlined in paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(c)    The failure of an acceptor to return a discharged check directly to a buyer or borrower as provided in subsection (b) of this section shall make the acceptor liable to the buyer or borrower for:
(1)    The amount of the check; and
(2)    Any charges made against the buyer’s or borrower’s account by the financial institution on which the check was drawn if those charges are a direct result of the acceptor’s noncompliance with subsection (b) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 14-1313 - Unsolicited Facsimile Transmissions

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    (i)    “Commercial solicitation” means the unsolicited electronic or telephonic transmission in the State to a facsimile device to encourage a person to purchase goods, realty, or services.
(ii)    “Commercial solicitation” does not include:
1.    An electronic or telephonic transmission made in the course of prior negotiations; or
2.    An electronic or telephonic transmission made in the course of a preexisting business relationship with the person receiving the transmission.
(3)    “Facsimile device” means a machine that receives and copies reproductions or facsimiles of documents or photographs that have been transmitted electronically or telephonically over telecommunications lines.
(b)    A person may not make intentionally an electronic or telephonic transmission to a facsimile device for the purpose of commercial solicitation.
(c)    (1)    The Attorney General may initiate a civil action against any person who violates this section to recover for the State a penalty not to exceed $1,000 for each violation.
(2)    For the purposes of this section, each prohibited commercial solicitation is a separate violation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 14-1314 - Security Systems

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Law enforcement agency” means a police department of the State or of a county or municipal corporation of the State.
(3)    “Response time” means the period of time from the moment an alarm from a security system is activated to the moment a law enforcement agency responds to the alarm sounding.
(4)    (i)    “Security system” means any burglary alarm system or robbery alarm system.
(ii)    “Security system” includes the service of monitoring the property to which a security system is attached in case of an alarm sounding.
(5)    “Seller” means a person who sells or offers for sale a security system.
(b)    In connection with a sale or offer for sale of a security system, a seller may not state that the seller can or will provide, as part of the security system, a response time by a law enforcement agency to an alarm sounding that is shorter in time than the response time by the law enforcement agency to a general distress call.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 14-1315 - Late Fees

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Consumer contract” means a contract involving the sale, lease, or provision of goods or services which are for personal, family, or household purposes.
(3)    “Contract”, unless specifically provided otherwise, includes consumer, commercial, and business contracts, covenants, leases of any kind, and tariffs on file with any regulatory authority.
(4)    (i)    “Late fee” means any charge or fee imposed because a payment is not made when the payment is due under the terms of a contract.
(ii)    “Late fee” includes a fee imposed under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph that is described:
1.    As a flat rate;
2.    As a percentage of the amount due; or
3.    In any other terms.
(b)    The parties to a contract may agree to require the payment of a late fee when a party fails to make a payment when the payment is due.
(c)    A contract that requires the payment of a late fee shall disclose, by its terms or by notice:
(1)    The amount of the late fee;
(2)    The conditions under which the late fee will be imposed; and
(3)    The timing for the imposition of the late fee.
(d)    A late fee imposed under this section is not:
(1)    Interest;
(2)    A finance charge;
(3)    Liquidated damages; or
(4)    A penalty.
(e)    This section does not affect a late fee, a finance charge, interest, or any other fee or charge otherwise allowed under applicable law.
(f)    (1)    A late fee included in a consumer contract pursuant to this section is subject to one of the following limitations:
(i)    1.    The amount of the late fee may be up to $5 per month, or up to 10% per month of the payment amount that is past due, whichever is greater; and
2.    No more than 3 monthly late fees may be imposed for any single payment amount that is past due, regardless of the period during which the payment remains past due; or
(ii)    The amount of the late fee may be up to 1.5% per month of the payment amount that is past due.
(2)    The amount of the late fee under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be disclosed, in the consumer contract or by notice, in size equal to at least 10-point bold type.
(3)    (i)    Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a late fee included in a consumer contract pursuant to this section may not be imposed until 15 days after the date the bill was rendered for the goods or services provided.
(ii)    If a bill is not rendered, a late fee included in a consumer contract pursuant to this section may not be imposed until 15 days after the payment amount becomes due.
(g)    A late fee imposed under this section is subject to any additional limitations or conditions prescribed by any federal, State, or local regulatory agency or authority having jurisdiction over entities imposing late fees regulated by this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 14-1316 - Limitation on Recovering of Bedding

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Bedding” means a mattress or box spring that:
(i)    Is stuffed or filled wholly or partly with concealed matter; and
(ii)    Can be used by an individual for sleeping or reclining.
(3)    “Consumer” means an actual or a prospective purchaser of goods that are primarily for personal, household, or family purposes.
(4)    “Used” means preowned or having a component that was used previously for any purpose.
(b)    A person may not recover bedding that is intended to be sold or offered for sale to a consumer in the State unless the person clearly marks the bedding as used.
(c)    A person who violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 14-1317 - Receiving Consigned Goods From Transporter

(a)    A person may not purchase or fraudulently receive from any person engaged in transporting coal, iron, lumber, merchandise, or property consigned to another:
(1)    Without the consent of the owner of the property; and
(2)    With knowledge that the property is consigned.
(b)    (1)    A person who violates subsection (a) of this section is liable to the owner of the property in a civil action for damages equal to double the value of the property.
(2)    An action brought under this section may be brought in the name of either the consignor or consignee of the property.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 14-1318 - Printing Payment Device Numbers on Receipts

(a)    (1)    In this section, “payment device number” means any code, account number, or other means of account access, other than a check, draft, or similar paper instrument, that can be used to obtain money, goods, services, or anything of value, or for purposes of initiating a transfer of funds.
(2)    “Payment device number” includes a credit card number and a debit card number.
(b)    (1)    This section applies only to receipts that are electronically printed in connection with the purchase of consumer goods or consumer services.
(2)    This section does not apply to receipts where the sole means of recording the payment device number is by handwriting, imprinting, or copying the payment device.
(c)    A person that accepts a payment device number for the transaction of business may not print more than five digits of the payment device number or the expiration date of the payment device on a receipt that is provided to the holder of the payment device at the point of sale or transaction or retained by the person.
(d)    (1)    The Attorney General may initiate a civil action against a person that violates this section to recover for the State a civil penalty not exceeding $25 for each violation.
(2)    For the purposes of this section, each instance in which a payment device number or expiration date is printed when prohibited by this section is a separate violation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 14-1319 - Gift Certificates

(a)    (1)    In this section, “gift certificate” means a device constructed of paper, plastic, or any other material that is:
(i)    Sold or issued by a person for a cash value that can be used to purchase goods or services; or
(ii)    Issued as a store credit for returned goods.
(2)    “Gift certificate” does not include:
(i)    A prepaid telephone calling card;
(ii)    A prepaid technical support card;
(iii)    A prepaid card for Internet services;
(iv)    A coupon for discounted goods or services;
(v)    A gift certificate that is distributed to an individual under an awards, loyalty, or promotional program in which the recipient does not give money or value for the gift certificate; or
(vi)    A gift card that:
1.    Is processed through a national credit or debit card service; and
2.    May be used to purchase goods or services from multiple unaffiliated sellers of goods or services.
(b)    A person may not sell or issue a gift certificate that, within 4 years after the date of purchase, is subject to expiration or a fee or charge of any kind.
(c)    Any term or condition concerning expiration or a fee or charge that takes effect more than 4 years after the date of purchase must be printed clearly in at least 10 point type in a visible place on:
(1)    The front or back of the gift certificate;
(2)    A sticker permanently affixed to the gift certificate; or
(3)    An envelope containing the gift certificate.
(d)    Unless the change benefits the consumer, a term or condition disclosed under subsection (c) of this section may not be changed after the date of purchase or issuance.
(e)    A gift certificate that is sold or issued in violation of this section shall be considered valid and may not be subject to expiration or any fee or charge.
(f)    A violation of any provision of this section:
(1)    Is an unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and
(2)    Is subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article, except § 13-411 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 14-1320 - Gift Card

(a)    This section applies to a gift card that:
(1)    Is processed through a national credit or debit card service; and
(2)    May be used to purchase goods or services from multiple unaffiliated sellers of goods and services.
(b)    A gift card may be subject to expiration or a postsale fee, including a service fee, dormancy fee, account maintenance fee, cash-out fee, gift card replacement fee, activation fee, or reactivation fee, if the following disclosures are printed clearly in a visible place on the front or back of the gift card in at least 10 point type:
(1)    With respect to the expiration date, the date on which the gift card expires; and
(2)    With respect to a postsale fee:
(i)    The amount of the fee;
(ii)    The circumstances under which the fee will be imposed;
(iii)    The frequency with which the fee will be imposed; and
(iv)    Whether the fee is triggered by inactivity.
(c)    If the disclosures required under subsection (b) of this section are hidden by the packaging of the gift card, the seller or issuer shall give the purchaser a written statement of the disclosures before the gift card is sold or issued.
(d)    In addition to printing the information required under subsection (b) of this section on a gift card:
(1)    If a gift card is sold or issued by electronic means, the seller or issuer shall include a conspicuous written statement of the information in the electronic message offering the gift card; and
(2)    If a gift card is sold or issued by telephonic means, the seller or issuer, before the gift card is sold, shall state the information to the purchaser.
(e)    Unless the change benefits the consumer, a term or condition disclosed under subsection (b) of this section may not be changed after the date of purchase or issuance.
(f)    A violation of any provision of this section:
(1)    Is an unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and
(2)    Is subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article, except § 13-411 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 14-1321 - Merchant Contact Information for Internet Sales Contracts

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Account” means:
(i)    A credit card account;
(ii)    A debit card account;
(iii)    A bank account; or
(iv)    Any other financial account.
(3)    “Consumer goods” has the meaning stated in § 13–101 of this article.
(4)    “Consumer services” has the meaning stated in § 13–101 of this article.
(5)    “Merchant” has the meaning stated in § 13–101 of this article.
(b)    A merchant that provides consumer goods or consumer services over the Internet under a contract with a consumer that requires the consumer to make periodic payments for the consumer goods or consumer services and allows the merchant to collect the payments directly from the consumer’s account shall include in a prominent place on its Web site:
(1)    A toll–free telephone number that a consumer may call to cancel the contract; or
(2)    An address to which a consumer may write to cancel the contract.
(c)    A violation of this section is:
(1)    An unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and
(2)    Subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 14-1323 - Credit Card Blacklisting Prevention

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Consumer” means a purchaser, lessee, or recipient of consumer goods, consumer services, or consumer credit.
(3)    “Consumer credit”, “consumer goods”, and “consumer services” mean, respectively, credit, goods, and services that are primarily for personal, household, or family purposes.
(4)    “Consumer credit contract” means a written agreement for the provision of consumer credit between a person and a consumer who resides in the State.
(5)    “Prohibited risk factor” means the identity of:
(i)    A person from whom a consumer lawfully obtains consumer credit, consumer goods, or consumer services; or
(ii)    A person who makes or holds a mortgage loan on a consumer’s home.
(b)    A person may not include or enforce a provision in a consumer credit contract, without the consumer’s prior written consent, that:
(1)    Triggers a default under the consumer credit contract based on a prohibited risk factor; or
(2)    Authorizes a party to the consumer credit contract to use a prohibited risk factor for the purpose of:
(i)    Accelerating a payment owed under the consumer credit contract;
(ii)    Increasing the interest rate payable under the consumer credit contract;
(iii)    Reducing the credit limit available under the consumer credit contract; or
(iv)    Altering a term of the consumer credit contract in any other manner adverse to the consumer.
(c)    A provision included in a consumer credit contract in violation of subsection (b) of this section is void and unenforceable.
(d)    Subsection (b) of this section does not prohibit a person from using information to detect or prevent fraudulent activity in connection with the provision of consumer credit.
(e)    A violation of this section is:
(1)    An unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and
(2)    Subject to the penalty and enforcement provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 14-1324 - "Mug Shot" Web Sites

(a)    This section applies to the operator of a Web site that charges a fee to remove an arrest or detention photograph or digital image.
(b)    An individual may request an operator of a Web site to remove the individual’s photograph or digital image from the operator’s Web site if:
(1)    The photograph or digital image was taken during the arrest or detention of the individual for a criminal or traffic charge or suspected violation of a criminal or traffic law; and
(2)    (i)    The court record or police record that contained the photograph or digital image was expunged under Title 10, Subtitle 1 of the Criminal Procedure Article;
(ii)    The individual has successfully petitioned a court to have the court record or police record that contained the photograph or digital image shielded or otherwise removed from public inspection; or
(iii)    The individual has successfully petitioned a court to vacate the judgment that resulted from the arrest or detention.
(c)    An individual shall make a request for removal of a photograph or digital image under subsection (b) of this section by:
(1)    Written request sent by certified mail; or
(2)    Electronic mail using an electronic postmark if the operator makes available a secure electronic mail connection on the operator’s Web site.
(d)    An operator of a Web site shall remove the photograph or digital image of an individual within 30 days after receiving a request under subsection (c) of this section.
(e)    Within 5 business days after removing a photograph or digital image of an individual, the operator of a Web site shall send a written confirmation of the removal to the individual.
(f)    An operator of a Web site may not charge an individual for the removal of the individual’s photograph or digital image under this section.
(g)    A violation of this section is:
(1)    An unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and
(2)    Subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 14-1325 - Nondisparagement Clauses in Consumer Contracts

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Consumer” means an actual or a prospective purchaser, lessee, or recipient of consumer goods or services.
(3)    “Consumer goods or services” means goods or services that are primarily for personal, household, or family purposes.
(b)    A contract or a proposed contract for the sale or lease of consumer goods or services may not include a provision waiving the consumer’s right to make any statement concerning:
(1)    The seller or lessor;
(2)    Employees or agents of the seller or lessor; or
(3)    The consumer goods or services.
(c)    A person may not:
(1)    Threaten or seek enforcement of a contract provision prohibited under subsection (b) of this section; or
(2)    Penalize a consumer for making any statement protected under subsection (b) of this section.
(d)    A waiver of any provision of this section is contrary to public policy and is void and unenforceable.
(e)    This section may not be construed to prohibit or limit a person:
(1)    That hosts online consumer reviews or comments from removing a statement that is otherwise lawful to remove;
(2)    From including in a contract or a proposed contract for the sale or lease of consumer goods or services a provision prohibiting a consumer from disclosing proprietary information, techniques, or processes; or
(3)    From bringing an action alleging that a statement made by a consumer is defamatory.
(f)    A violation of this section is:
(1)    An unfair and deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and
(2)    Subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 14-1326 - Caller Id Spoofing Ban

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Caller identification information” means information provided by a caller identification service regarding the telephone number of, or other information regarding the origin of, a call made using a communications service, including a telecommunications, broadband, or interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol service.
(3)    “Caller ID spoofing” means the practice of using an application or other technology in connection with a communications service, including a telecommunications, broadband, or interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol service, to knowingly cause any caller identification service to transmit false or misleading caller identification information to an individual receiving a call.
(b)    An individual or person may not perform caller ID spoofing when contacting another individual in the State with the intent to defraud, harass, cause harm to, or wrongfully obtain anything of value from another.
(c)    This section does not apply to:
(1)    The blocking of caller identification information;
(2)    A federal, state, county, or municipal law enforcement agency;
(3)    A federal intelligence or security agency; or
(4)    A communications service provider, including a telecommunications, broadband, or Voice over Internet Protocol service provider, that is:
(i)    Acting in the communications service provider’s capacity as an intermediary for the transmission of telephone service between the caller and the recipient;
(ii)    Providing or configuring a service or service feature as requested by the customer;
(iii)    Acting in a manner that is authorized or required by applicable law; or
(iv)    Engaging in other conduct that is necessary to provide service.
(d)    A violation of this section is:
(1)    An unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and
(2)    Subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 14 - Motor Vehicle Manufacturers' Warranty Adjustment Programs › Section 14-1401 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    (1)    “Adjustment program” means a program or policy:
(i)    That expands or extends a warranty beyond its stated limit; or
(ii)    Under which a manufacturer undertakes or offers to pay or reimburse a consumer, whether directly or indirectly, for all or a part of the cost of repairing a condition that may substantially affect the durability, reliability, or performance of a motor vehicle.
(2)    “Adjustment program” does not include:
(i)    Service provided under a safety or emissions related recall campaign; or
(ii)    Adjustments made by a manufacturer on a case–by–case basis.
(c)    “Consumer” means:
(1)    The purchaser, other than for purposes of resale, of a new motor vehicle;
(2)    A lessee of a motor vehicle;
(3)    A person to whom a new motor vehicle is transferred during the duration of the warranty applicable to the motor vehicle; or
(4)    A person who is entitled under the terms of the warranty to enforce its obligations.
(d)    “Dealer” means a person who sells or leases motor vehicles under a retail agreement with a manufacturer or distributor, or an agent of a manufacturer or distributor.
(e)    “Lessee” means a consumer who leases a motor vehicle under a written lease that provides that the lessee is responsible for repairs to the motor vehicle.
(f)    “Manufacturer” means a person who:
(1)    Manufactures or assembles new motor vehicles for sale or distribution; or
(2)    Is engaged in the business of importing new motor vehicles for sale or distribution to dealers or through distributors or factory branches.
(g)    “Motor vehicle” means a vehicle that:
(1)    Is used for the private transportation of individuals and their personal belongings; and
(2)    Has a maximum capacity of 10 individuals, including the driver.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 14 - Motor Vehicle Manufacturers' Warranty Adjustment Programs › Section 14-1402 - Warranty Adjustment Program

(a)    A manufacturer of motor vehicles sold in the State shall establish procedures under which each consumer in the State who owns or leases a motor vehicle to which an adjustment program of the manufacturer applies:
(1)    Is notified of the adjustment program;
(2)    On request, is provided with a copy of any service bulletin or any other document issued by the manufacturer pertaining to an adjustment program or to a condition that may substantially affect motor vehicle durability, reliability, or performance; and
(3)    Within 90 days after the establishment of a new adjustment program, is sent written notice by first–class mail of the terms and conditions of the adjustment program.
(b)    (1)    A manufacturer of motor vehicles sold in the State shall ensure that the purchaser of a new motor vehicle receives, at the time of purchase, a written notice describing the rights and remedies provided under this section.
(2)    The written notice shall be considered sufficient if stated in substantially the following form:
“Sometimes (insert manufacturer’s name) offers a special adjustment program to pay all or part of the cost of certain repairs beyond the terms of the warranty. Check with your dealer to determine whether any adjustment program is applicable to your motor vehicle.”
(c)    A manufacturer shall provide to its dealers information about each adjustment program of the manufacturer in a format that facilitates the disclosure of the terms and conditions of the adjustment program to a consumer seeking repairs at the dealer’s repair facility.
(d)    (1)    A manufacturer that establishes an adjustment program shall implement procedures to ensure reimbursement of each consumer who:
(i)    Is eligible under the adjustment program; and
(ii)    Incurs expenses for the repair of a condition subject to the adjustment program before the consumer knows about the adjustment program.
(2)    Reimbursement under this subsection shall be consistent with the terms and conditions of the particular adjustment program.
(3)    (i)    A consumer shall make a claim for reimbursement under this subsection in writing to the manufacturer within the later of:
1.    2 years after the date of the consumer’s payment for the repair of the condition; or
2.    1 year after the date the manufacturer sends the notice required under subsection (a)(3) of this section.
(ii)    The manufacturer shall notify the consumer within 21 business days after receiving a claim for reimbursement whether the claim will be approved or denied.
(iii)    If the claim is denied, the manufacturer shall state in writing the specific reasons for the denial.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 14 - Motor Vehicle Manufacturers' Warranty Adjustment Programs › Section 14-1403 - Violations

A violation of this subtitle is:
(1)    An unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and
(2)    Subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 15 - Automotive Warranty Enforcement Act › Section 14-1501 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Consumer” means:
(1)    The purchaser, other than for purposes of resale, of a new motor vehicle;
(2)    Any person to whom a new motor vehicle is transferred during the duration of the warranty applicable to such motor vehicle; or
(3)    Any other person who is entitled to enforce the obligations of the warranty.
(c)    “Dealer” has the meaning provided in § 15-101(c) of the Transportation Article.
(d)    “Manufacturer, factory branch, or distributor” means a person, partnership, association, corporation, or entity engaged in the business of manufacturing or assembling motor vehicles or of distributing motor vehicles to motor vehicle dealers as defined in § 15-201(b), (c), and (e) of the Transportation Article.
(e)    (1)    “Manufacturer’s warranty period” means the earlier of:
(i)    The period of the motor vehicle’s first 18,000 miles of operation; or
(ii)    24 months following the date of original delivery of the motor vehicle to the consumer.
(2)    This subsection does not extend any manufacturer’s express warranty.
(f)    (1)    “Motor vehicle” means a vehicle that is registered in this State as a:
(i)    Class A (passenger) vehicle;
(ii)    Class D (motorcycle) vehicle;
(iii)    Class E (truck) vehicle with a 3/4 ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity; or
(iv)    Class M (multipurpose) vehicle.
(2)    “Motor vehicle” does not include a motor home. For the purpose of administering this subtitle, the Motor Vehicle Administration shall promulgate a regulation defining a motor home.
(g)    “Warranty” means warranties as defined in §§ 2-312, 2-313, 2-314, and 2-315 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 15 - Automotive Warranty Enforcement Act › Section 14-1502.1 - Notice

(a)    The Motor Vehicle Administration shall:
(1)    Develop a notice that describes the rights provided to consumers under this subtitle;
(2)    Make the notice available to all dealers that sell new motor vehicles in the State; and
(3)    Adopt regulations as necessary to implement the provisions of this section.
(b)    The notice shall:
(1)    Be written in simple and readable plain language; and
(2)    Contain sufficient detail to fully inform consumers about the rights and remedies available under this subtitle and the procedures to follow to enforce those rights and remedies.
(c)    Each dealer that sells a new motor vehicle in the State shall provide to the purchaser, at the time of the sale or delivery of the motor vehicle, a copy of the notice developed by the Motor Vehicle Administration under this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 15 - Automotive Warranty Enforcement Act › Section 14-1503 - Recovery of Excise Taxes

(a)    (1)    If a dealer, manufacturer, factory branch, or distributor is required under a judgment, decree, arbitration award, or settlement agreement to accept, or by voluntary agreement accepts, return of a motor vehicle from a consumer, the consumer shall be entitled to recover from the Motor Vehicle Administration the excise taxes originally paid by the consumer, subject to subsection (b) of this section.
(2)    (i)    If a dealer, manufacturer, factory branch, or distributor replaces a motor vehicle with a comparable motor vehicle under § 14-1502(c)(1)(i) of this subtitle, the Motor Vehicle Administration shall allow a credit against the excise tax imposed for the replacement vehicle in the amount of the excise taxes originally paid by the consumer for the returned vehicle, subject to subsection (b) of this section.
(ii)    1.    If the excise tax on the replacement vehicle exceeds the credit allowed under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the dealer shall collect only that portion of excise tax due; or
2.    If the excise tax on the vehicle being replaced exceeds the excise tax on the replacement vehicle, the consumer shall be entitled to recover from the Motor Vehicle Administration the excess of the excise tax paid.
(b)    The excise taxes that a consumer is entitled to recover under this section shall be calculated based on the amount of the purchase price or any portion of the purchase price of the motor vehicle that the dealer, manufacturer, factory branch, or distributor refunds to the consumer.
(c)    A dealer, manufacturer, factory branch, or distributor who is required under a judgment, decree, arbitration award, or settlement agreement to accept, or who accepts, by voluntary agreement, return of a motor vehicle shall notify the consumer in writing that the consumer is entitled to recover the excise taxes from the Motor Vehicle Administration.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 15 - Automotive Warranty Enforcement Act › Section 14-1504 - Violation of Subtitle Is Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practice; Damages

(a)    A violation of this subtitle shall be an unfair or deceptive trade practice under Title 13 of this article.
(b)    In addition to any other remedies that may be available under this subtitle, if a manufacturer, factory branch, or distributor is found to have acted in bad faith, the court may award the consumer damages of up to $10,000.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 16 - Video Movie Sales and Rentals › Section 14-1601 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Official rating” means an official rating of the Motion Picture Association of America.
(c)    “Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, or any other legal or commercial entity.
(d)    “Video movie” means a videotape or video disc copy of a motion picture film.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 16 - Video Movie Sales and Rentals › Section 14-1602 - Display of Rating on Outside of Cassette, Etc

(a)    A person may not sell at retail or rent, or attempt to sell at retail or rent, a video movie in this State unless the official rating of the motion picture from which it is copied is clearly displayed on the outside of any cassette, case, jacket, or other covering of the video movie.
(b)    Subsection (a) of this section does not apply to any video movie of a motion picture which:
(1)    Has not been given an official rating; or
(2)    Has been altered in any way subsequent to receiving an official rating.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 16 - Video Movie Sales and Rentals › Section 14-1602.1 - Membership Contracts in Video Clubs

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Member” means a person who has a membership in a video club.
(3)    (i)    “Membership” means an agreement between a video club and a member that enables the member to buy or rent a video or video equipment from the video club under circumstances specified in a membership contract.
(ii)    “Membership” does not include sales by mail.
(4)    (i)    “Video” means a videotape or video disc copy of a motion picture film, television show, or recording of a live event.
(ii)    “Video” includes a video movie as defined in § 14–1601(d) of this subtitle.
(5)    “Video club” means a person, corporation, partnership, or any commercial entity that is in the business of selling at retail or renting videos or video equipment.
(6)    “Video equipment” includes a videotape or video disc player or recorder.
(b)    Any agreement or contract for membership in a video club that requires a member to leave a signed credit card authorization with the video club shall include provisions that:
(1)    Specify the maximum amount and type of fees that the video club may charge to a member on the member’s signed credit card authorization without the member’s approval, as each fee is charged; and
(2)    State the maximum length of time, which may be no longer than 6 months, that the video club may charge fees to a member under paragraph (1) of this subsection before the video club shall renew the member’s credit card authorization.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 17 - Denial of Credit -- Disclosure › Section 14-1701 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following terms have the meanings indicated.
(b)    (1)    “Adverse action” means a denial or revocation of credit, a change in the terms of an existing credit arrangement, or a refusal to grant credit in substantially the amount or on substantially the terms requested.
(2)    “Adverse action” does not include a refusal to extend additional credit under an existing credit arrangement where the applicant is delinquent or otherwise in default, or where such additional credit would exceed a previously established credit limit.
(c)    “File” means file as defined in § 14–1201(h) of this title.
(d)    “Lender” or “credit grantor” means:
(1)    Any lender or credit grantor regulated under Title 12 of this article; or
(2)    A credit union making a loan under § 6–601(e) of the Financial Institutions Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 17 - Denial of Credit -- Disclosure › Section 14-1702 - Notice of Action Upon Application for Credit

(a)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, within 30 days after receipt of a completed application for credit, a lender or credit grantor shall notify the applicant of its action on the application.
(b)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, if the lender or credit grantor has acted adversely against or denied an application for credit by a consumer, that lender must furnish the consumer with a written statement.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 17 - Denial of Credit -- Disclosure › Section 14-1703 - Contents of Statement -- in General

The written statement required by § 14-1702 of this subtitle shall disclose to the applicant:
(1)    The applicant’s right to a statement of reasons within 30 days after receipt by the lender or credit grantor of a request made within 60 days after notification, made under § 14-1702(a) of this subtitle;
(2)    The identity of the person or office from which the statement of reasons may be obtained; and
(3)    The right of the applicant to have the statement of reasons confirmed in writing on written request.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 17 - Denial of Credit -- Disclosure › Section 14-1706 - Complaint; Investigation and Hearing; Cease and Desist Order

(a)    If a written complaint for violation of any provision of this subtitle or any other law of this State regulating loans or other extensions of credit is filed with the Commissioner of Financial Regulation, the Commissioner may investigate the complaint and hold a hearing on it in accordance with § 11-413 of the Financial Institutions Article.
(b)    (1)    The Commissioner shall give to the credit grantor against whom a complaint is filed written notice of the complaint and the time and place of any hearing.
(2)    The notice shall:
(i)    Be in writing; and
(ii)    Be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the credit grantor’s principal place of business at least 10 days prior to the date of the hearing.
(c)    (1)    If, after the hearing, the Commissioner finds that the credit grantor has engaged or is engaging in any act or practice prohibited by this subtitle, the Commissioner shall order the person to cease and desist from the act or practice.
(2)    The order of the Commissioner shall comply with the Administrative Procedure Act.
(d)    (1)    If no appeal is filed, the order becomes final after expiration of the time allowed by the Administrative Procedure Act for appeals from the Commissioner’s orders.
(2)    If an appeal is filed, the order becomes final after a final decision of a court affirming the order or dismissing the appeal.
(e)    For the purposes of this section, the Commissioner’s order may not apply to any:
(1)    Incorporated bank, savings institution, or trust company;
(2)    Savings and loan association; or
(3)    Federal or State credit union.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 18 - Merchandise Delivery › Section 14-1801 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Consumer” has the same meaning as that term has in Title 13 of this article.
(c)    “Dealer” means a person who engages in the business of selling or leasing household goods to consumers residing in Maryland.
(d)    “Estimated delivery date” means the date established under § 14-1802 or § 14-1803 of this subtitle on which the dealer reasonably anticipates to deliver the ordered household good to the consumer.
(e)    (1)    “Household good” means any article or set of articles used to furnish or supply a residential dwelling such as a sofa, cabinet, rug, carpeting, washing machine, refrigerator, television, dining room set, or range.
(2)    “Household good” does not include:
(i)    Any article taken by the consumer on the date the article was ordered;
(ii)    Any article ordered by mail; or
(iii)    Any permanent fixture.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Commercial Law › Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions › Subtitle 18 - Merchandise Delivery › Section 14-1802 - Information Provided Consumer by Dealer

(a)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, when a consumer orders a household good, the dealer shall provide to the consumer:
(1)    An estimated delivery date written clearly and conspicuously on any document evidencing the agreement of sale or lease for the household good; and
(2)    A statement that is part of or accompanies the document evidencing the agreement of sale or lease for the household good and is in boldface type of a minimum size of 10 points which is in substantially the following form:
If the dealer fails to provide you, the buyer, with an estimated delivery date or fails to deliver the ordered household good within 2 weeks of the estimated delivery date, you may (1) cancel the contract and receive a full refund or credit equal to your deposit, (2) modify the contract by selecting another household good, or (3) negotiate with the dealer a new delivery date. The dealer is not required to allow you to exercise these rights if the dealer cannot cancel the order with the manufacturer or supplier.
(b)    The estimated delivery date shall take into account the manufacturer’s or supplier’s instructions, recent delivery experience with the manufacturer or supplier, and the dealer’s own delivery schedules.