SB 617 - This act makes changes for motor vehicle and boat dealers and manufacturers.

DEFINITIONS - Evidence of six or more sales shall not be required for classification as a motor vehicle or boat dealer. Motor vehicle dealers must sell six vehicles to be eligible for license renewal.

MOTOR VEHICLE COMMISSION - The Commission need only meet every three months instead of every two months.

PENALTIES - The Class D felony shall only apply to those committing a second offense of acting as a dealer or manufacturer without a license. The Commission may take action against licensees for violations relating to merchandising practices, vehicle inspections or commercial vehicle equipment, or for failure to comply with written warnings from the Commission. A license may be revoked within 20 days after a dealer fails to respond to a notice about failure to maintain a bona fide place of business.

APPLICATIONS - Members of the State Water Patrol may certify that boat manufacturers and dealers have bona fide places of business. The license plate numbers for manufacturers, boat dealers and trailer dealers are reassigned.

BUSINESS HOURS - For the purpose of inspections, normal business hours shall be a minimum of 20 hours per week, as posted, or otherwise 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Monday to Saturday.

OFF-PREMISE ACTIVITIES - No sales may take place away from a dealer's place of business except for the currently-authorized motor vehicle shows. Agents of the Commission may, through law enforcement officials, tow any vehicle which is displayed for sale on non-residential property, except at licensed locations or where specific local permits are issued.

UNLAWFUL SALES - The limit for sales, display or advertising of non-owned vehicles is reduced from 7 to 6 per year. Second and subsequent violations are made a Class D felony.
MIKE HOEFERKAMP