NMVB Regulations

California Code Of Regulations
Title 13. Motor Vehicles
Division 1. Department of Motor Vehicles
Chapter 2. New Motor Vehicle Board

California Code of Regulations. This link will take you to the Office of Administrative Law's website.

The New Motor Vehicle Board's regulations are under Title 13 (Motor Vehicles), Division 1 (Department of Motor Vehicles), Chapter 2 (New Motor Vehicle Board). The Board's regulations start at Section 550 through 598. The regulations are broken down into eight articles as follows:

Article 1. Administration
Article 1.5. Administration of Fee Collection for Certification Account
Article 2. Filing of Petition
Article 3. [Repealed]
Article 4. Hearings on Petitions
Article 5. Protests
Article 6. Form of Filings and Notices
Article 7. New Motor Vehicle Board Conflict-of-Interest Code

For your convenience, the regulations applicable to the Board are as follows. It should be noted that although the regulations are accurate, they are not the official version and do not contain the history.

Article 1. Administration

§ 550. Definitions.

For the purposes of these regulations:

(a) "Administrative law judge" or "ALJ" means an administrative law judge of the board or Office of Administrative Hearings.

(b) "Affidavit" means a written, ex parte statement made or taken under oath before an officer of the court or a notary public or other person who has been duly authorized to administer oaths.

(d) "Day" means a calendar day, unless otherwise specified.

(e) "Declaration" means a statement that was made under penalty of perjury and that complies with Code of Civil Procedure section 2015.5.

(f) "Department" means the Department of Motor Vehicles of the State of California.

(g) "Director" means the Director of Motor Vehicles.

(h) "Distributor" means any new motor vehicle distributor or distributor branch required to be licensed pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with section 11700) of Chapter 4 of Division 5 of the Vehicle Code.

(i) "Electronic" means relating to technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic, or similar capabilities.

(j) "Electronically stored information" means information that is stored in an electronic medium.

(k) "Executive Director" means the chief executive officer of the board.

(l) "Hearing" includes the taking of evidence or arguments, before an ALJ or before the board itself, during the adjudicative process on the merits of a petition or protest, or during the adjudication of a motion or an application for an order.

(m) "Manufacturer" means any new motor vehicle manufacturer as defined in Section 672 or manufacturer branch as defined in Section 389 required to be licensed pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with section 11700) of Chapter 4 of Division 5 of the Vehicle Code.

(n) "Motion" or "motions" includes all requests and applications filed with the board seeking action or ruling by the board.

(o) "Papers" means all documents, except exhibits, offered for filing with the board in any proceeding.

(p) "Party" or "Parties" includes the petitioner, protestant, respondent, or intervenor. For purposes of a peremptory challenge, an intervenor is not a party.

(q) "Petition" means a written request filed with the board pursuant to Vehicle Code section 3050(b).

(r) "Petitioner" means any person, including a board member, who files a petition seeking consideration by the board pursuant to Vehicle Code section 3050(b) of a matter involving a person applying for or holding a license as a new motor vehicle dealer, manufacturer, manufacturer branch, distributor, distributor branch or representative.

(s) “Proposed stipulated decision and order” is a paper submitted by the parties pursuant to Vehicle Code section 3050.7 seeking to resolve one or more issues in a protest or petition pending before the board.

(t) "Protest" means an action filed with the board by a franchisee pursuant to Vehicle Code sections 3060, 3062, 3064, 3065, 3065.1, 3065.3, 3065.4, 3070, 3072, 3074, 3075, or 3076. A protest also means an action filed with the board by an association pursuant to Vehicle Code section 3085.

(u) "Protestant" means any licensed new motor vehicle dealer as defined in Vehicle Code section 426 who files a protest with the board. For protests filed pursuant to Vehicle Code section 3085, an association, which is defined as an organization primarily owned by, or comprised of, new motor vehicle dealers and that primarily represents the interests of dealers, is a protestant.

(v) "Respondent" means any licensed new motor vehicle dealer, manufacturer, manufacturer branch, distributor, distributor branch or representative as defined in Vehicle Code sections 426, 672, 389, 296, 297 and 512, respectively, whose conduct, intended conduct, activities or practices are the subject of a protest or petition.

(w) "Serve" or "service" of papers means compliance with one of the methods specified in Article 1, Section 551.24 of these regulations.

(x) “Stipulated decision and order of the board” means a proposed stipulated decision and order that has been adopted by the board pursuant to Vehicle Code section 3050.7.

These definitions are supplemental to and do not replace those found in the Vehicle Code or other applicable statutes and regulations.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050, Vehicle Code. Reference: Sections 1504, 3050, 3050.7, 3060, 3062, 3064, 3065, 3065.1, 3065.3, 3065.4, 3070, 3072, 3074, 3075, 3076, and 3085, Vehicle Code; Sections 2015.5 and 2016.020, Code of Civil Procedure; and Section 472.5, Business and Professions Code.

§ 550.20. Use of Certified Mail in Lieu of Registered Mail. [Repealed]

§ 551. Authority.

The powers and duties of this board are set forth in Chapter 6 (commencing at Section 3000) of Division 2 of the Vehicle Code. Persons having matters to be considered by the board should refer to said Vehicle Code provisions under which these rules are adopted to govern procedural matters of the board. Reference is also made to the General Provisions of the Vehicle Code (commencing at Section 1), and Division 1 thereof (commencing at Section 100), and to the provisions of Chapter 5, Part 1, Division 3, Title 2 of the Government Code (commencing with Section 11500 thereof).

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Sections 1, et seq., and 3000, et seq., Vehicle Code; Section 11500, et seq., Government Code.

§ 551.1. Challenge.

An administrative law judge or board member shall voluntarily disqualify themself and withdraw from any hearing or deliberation in which a fair and impartial hearing or consideration cannot be accorded. Any party may request the disqualification of any administrative law judge or board member by filing an affidavit, prior to the taking of evidence at a hearing, stating with particularity the grounds upon which it is claimed that a fair and impartial hearing cannot be accorded. Where the request concerns a board member, the issue shall be determined by the other members of the board. Where the request concerns the administrative law judge, the issue shall be determined by the board if the board itself hears the case with the administrative law judge, otherwise the issue shall be determined by the administrative law judge.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050, Vehicle Code. Reference: Sections 11425.40 and 11512, Government Code.

§ 551.2. Subpoenas; Motion to Quash.

(a) Upon the written request of any party that has been properly served on the opposing party or parties, the executive director or an administrative law judge designated by the board or its executive director may, and at the direction of the board the executive director shall, issue a subpoena for the attendance of any person before the board, for the attendance and testimony of a deponent, or a subpoena duces tecum for the production of papers, records, books, and electronically stored information by a witness or a deponent.

(b) The issuance of a subpoena for the attendance and testimony of a witness or for a subpoena duces tecum for the production of papers, records, books, and electronically stored information for hearing shall be governed by the requirements set forth in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 1985) of Title 3 of Part 4 of the Code of Civil Procedure, excepting the provisions of subdivision (c) of Section 1985, of that code. A copy of an affidavit shall be served with a subpoena duces tecum for hearing containing the information required by Code of Civil Procedure Section 1985(b).

(c) The issuance of a subpoena for the attendance and testimony of a non-party deponent or for a subpoena duces tecum for the production of papers, records, books, and electronically stored information for deposition of a non-party shall be governed by the requirements set forth in Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 2016.010) of Title 4 of Part 4 of the Code of Civil Procedure, excepting the provisions of Section 2020.210, subdivisions (a) and (b) of that code. A subpoena duces tecum issued to a non-party deponent need not be accompanied by an affidavit or declaration showing good cause for the production of the business records designated in it.

(d) Following service of the original subpoena upon the witness or deponent, a copy of the subpoena and an original or copy of the executed proof of service shall be filed with the board.

(e) A motion to quash pursuant to Government Code section 11450.30 shall be made in compliance with Article 1, section 551.19. The motion shall be made within a reasonable time after receipt of the subpoena. The person bringing the motion shall serve copies of the motion on all parties. Notice to all other persons entitled to such notice must also be given or received as may be required by law.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050.1(a), Vehicle Code; and Section 11450.30, Government Code.

§ 551.6. Testimony by Deposition.

On verified petitions of any party, the board may order that the testimony of any material witness residing within or without the state be taken by deposition in the manner prescribed by law for depositions in civil actions. Petition shall set forth the nature of the pending proceedings; the name and address of the witness whose testimony is desired; the showing of the materiality of the testimony; a showing that the witness shall be unable or cannot be compelled to attend; and shall request an order requiring the witness to appear and testify before an officer named in the petition for that purpose. Where the witness resides outside the state and where the board has ordered the taking of testimony by deposition, the board shall obtain an order of court to that effect by filing a petition therefor in the Superior Court in Sacramento County. The proceedings thereon shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section 11189 of the Government Code.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050, Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 11189, Government Code.

§ 551.7. Reporting of Proceedings.

The board may, at its discretion, assign the cost of reporting any proceedings before the board, including, but not limited to, transcript fees, reporter's per diem costs, exhibits, pleadings, and reproduction of board files as follows:

(a) Allocated entirely to one of the parties; or apportioned among the various parties at the discretion of the board; or

(b) Assumed by the board, in whole or in part.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code.

§ 551.8. Dismissals of Petitions and Protests.

(a) The board may, at its discretion, dismiss a petition for good cause shown. Good cause may include, but shall not be limited to, failure by the petitioner to comply with any of the following sections of Article 2: 554, 555, 556.

(b) The board may, at its discretion, dismiss a protest for good cause shown. Good cause may include, but shall not be limited to, failure by the protestant to comply with any of the following sections of Article 5: 583, 585, 586, 589.

(c) The board may, at its discretion, dismiss a petition or a protest, if additional information requested by the board is not supplied within the time specified by the board.

(d) An order of dismissal of a petition or a protest shall be a final order pursuant to Vehicle Code sections 3067, 3081, and 3085.4 and no reconsideration or rehearing shall be permitted.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050, Vehicle Code. Reference: Sections 3050, 3066 3080, and 3085.2, Vehicle Code; Automotive Management Group Inc. [Santa Cruz Mitsubishi] v. New Motor Vehicle Board; Real Party in Interest, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. (1993) 20 Cal.App.4th 1002; 24 Cal.Rptr.2d 904; Duarte & Witting, Inc. v. New Motor Vehicle Board, Defendant and Respondent; DaimlerChrysler Motors Corp., Real Party in Interest and Respondent (2002), 104 Cal.App.4th 626; 128 Cal.Rptr.2d 501.

§ 551.11. Settlement Conference: Separation of Powers.

(a) Unless otherwise stipulated by the parties, the administrative law judge at the settlement conference shall not preside at the hearing on the merits or in any proceeding relating to motions for temporary relief or interim orders. Nothing in this regulation shall affect or limit the provisions of Vehicle Code section 3050.4.

(b) Each party shall file a written settlement conference statement that must be received by the board no later than five business days before the settlement conference. The settlement conference statement shall contain a detailed statement of facts, a statement of issues, and a good faith settlement proposal. Unless the parties agree orally or in writing that the statements shall be submitted only to the board for use by the assigned settlement conference administrative law judge and designated "confidential", the settlement conference statement filed with the board shall be accompanied by a proof of service showing service on all other parties.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Sections 3050 and 3050.4, Vehicle Code.

§ 551.12. Notice of Assignment of Administrative Law Judges; Peremptory Challenges.

(a) The name of the administrative law judge assigned to a protest or petition proceeding will be noted on the order of time and place of hearing. An amended order or notice will be issued if a different administrative law judge is subsequently assigned to the proceeding.

(b) Each party, excluding an intervenor, is entitled to one peremptory challenge of the administrative law judge assigned to preside over the hearing on the merits of a petition as required by Vehicle Code section 3050(b) or the administrative law judge assigned to preside over the hearing on the merits of a protest as required by subdivisions (c) and (d) of Vehicle Code section 3050, based solely upon satisfying all of the following requirements:

(1) The peremptory challenge must be filed with the board no later than either 20 days from the date of the order of time and place of hearing identifying the merits administrative law judge or 20 days prior to the date scheduled for commencement of the merits hearing, whichever is earlier.

(2) The peremptory challenge may be made by the party, the party's attorney, or authorized representative appearing in the proceeding, and shall be by written declaration substantially in the following form: “I am a party to [case name and number] and am exercising my right to a peremptory challenge regarding ALJ [name], pursuant to Section 551.12 and Government Code section 11425.40(d)”; and

(3) The peremptory challenge shall be served on opposing parties.

(c) If a party obtains the removal of the assigned administrative law judge, either by way of peremptory challenge, or for cause under Section 551.1, any other party shall have the right to a peremptory challenge of the subsequently assigned administrative law judge provided that the party complies with subparagraphs (b)(2)-(3), above. This latter peremptory challenge shall be filed with the board no later than either 20 days from the date of the notice or order identifying the subsequent administrative law judge or 10 days prior to the date scheduled for the merits hearing, whichever is earlier.

(d) No peremptory challenge shall be considered or granted if it is not made within the time limits set forth above.

(e) A peremptory challenge of the assigned administrative law judge is not authorized for law and motion hearings, settlement conferences, and rulings on discovery disputes.

(f) Unless required for the convenience of the board or good cause is shown, a continuance of the merits hearing shall not be granted by reason of a peremptory challenge. Nothing in this regulation shall affect or limit the provisions of Vehicle Code section 3066(a), 3080(a), or 3085.2(a).

(g) Nothing in this regulation shall affect or limit the provisions of a challenge for cause under Article 1, section 551.1.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 3050, 3066, 3080 and 3085.2, Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050, Vehicle Code; and Section 11425.40, Government Code.

§ 551.13. Intervention; Grant of Motion; Conditions.

Any person, including a board member, concerned with the activities or practices of any person applying for or holding a license as a new motor vehicle dealer, manufacturer, manufacturer branch, distributor, distributor branch, or representative, may file a motion with the executive director of the board (or designee) requesting that the movant be allowed to intervene in a pending proceeding. The motion to intervene may be granted subject to the following:

(a) The motion shall be submitted in writing, with copies served on all parties named in the pending proceeding.

(b) The motion shall be filed as early as practicable in advance of the hearing.

(c) The motion shall state facts demonstrating that the applicant's legal rights, duties, privileges, or immunities will be substantially affected by the proceeding.

(d) The board, its executive director, or an administrative law judge designated by the board or its executive director, shall determine that the interests of justice and the orderly and prompt conduct of the proceeding will not be impaired by allowing the intervention.

(e) The board, its executive director, or an administrative law judge designated by the board or its executive director, may impose conditions on the intervenor's participation in the proceeding, either at the time that intervention is granted or at a subsequent time.

Such conditions shall be at the sole discretion of the board, its executive director, or an administrative law judge designated by the board or its executive director, based on the knowledge and judgment at that time, so as to promote the interests of justice.

Conditions include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) Limiting the intervenor's participation to designated issues;

(2) Limiting or excluding the intervenor's participation in discovery and cross-examination; and

(3) Limiting or excluding the intervenor's participation in settlement negotiations.

(f) The board, its executive director, or an administrative law judge designated by the board or its executive director, shall issue an order granting or denying the motion for intervention as early as practicable in advance of the hearing, specifying any conditions, and briefly stating the reasons for the order. The board, its executive director, or an administrative law judge designated by the board or its executive director, may modify the order at any time by giving notice to all parties, stating the reasons for the modification. The determination of the board, its executive director, or an administrative law judge designated by the board or its executive director, in granting or denying the motion for intervention, or the determination modifying the order previously issued, is not subject to administrative or judicial review.

The board, its executive director, or an administrative law judge designated by the board or its executive director, may, in their discretion, allow the filing of amicus curiae briefs.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code; and Section 11440.50, Government Code.

§ 551.14. Request for Informal Mediation.

(a) Prior to initiating a petition pursuant to section 3050(b) of the Vehicle Code, either party may request that the board mediate any honest difference of opinion or viewpoint existing between any member of the public and any new motor vehicle dealer, manufacturer, manufacturer branch, distributor, distributor branch, or representative.

(b) Participation in informal mediation is voluntary, informal, and nonadversarial. .

(c) The request for informal mediation shall set forth the nature of the matter which the board is requested to mediate. The request for informal mediation shall comply substantially with the following requirements: .

(1) Include the name, mailing address and telephone number of the person requesting informal mediation; the name, mailing address and telephone number of their attorney or authorized agent if any, and the name and address of the licensee or applicant for license whose activities or practices are in question. .

(2) Insofar as is known to the person requesting informal mediation, include the names, residence addresses and business addresses of persons and the dates, places and specific actions or practices involved in the matter. .

(3) Describe the relief or disposition of the matter which the person requesting informal mediation would consider acceptable. .

(d) A copy of the request for informal mediation shall be served on the licensee or applicant for license whose activities or practices are in question and proof of service (in compliance with Sections 1013a, 1013b and 2015.5, Code of Civil Procedure) thereof shall accompany the request for informal mediation filed with the executive director of the board. .

(e) The form of the request for informal mediation shall substantially conform with the provisions of Article 6 herein. .

(f) Article 1, section 553.40 shall apply to all requests for informal mediation.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050, Vehicle Code.

§ 551.15. Request for Discovery; Informal Mediation.

For purposes of discovery, the board or its executive director, or an administrative law judge designated by the board or its executive director may, if deemed appropriate and proper under the circumstances, authorize the parties to engage in such discovery procedures as are provided for in civil actions in Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 2016.010) of Title 4 of Part 4 of the Code of Civil Procedure, excepting the provisions of Chapter 13, Sections 2030.010 through 2030.410 of that code.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050, Vehicle Code.

§ 551.16. Informal Mediation Process.

(a) Upon receipt of the request for informal mediation, the Board staff will initiate a conference call with the parties to ascertain whether the licensee or applicant for license whose activities or practices are in question is agreeable to participating in informal mediation.

(b) If the licensee or applicant for license whose activities or practices are in question is not agreeable to participating in informal mediation, either party may request that this matter be converted to a petition proceeding pursuant to Article 1, section 551.17.

(c) If the licensee or applicant for license whose activities or practices are in question is agreeable to participating in informal mediation, a mutually agreeable date for informal mediation will be calendared.

(1) Upon order of the board, and at least five business days prior to participating in informal mediation, the parties shall file and serve a premediation statement which includes a detailed statement of facts, statement of issues, and a realistic proposal for resolving the dispute.

(2) The board, its executive director, or an administrative law judge designated by the board or its executive director, shall preside over the informal mediation.

(3) Evidence set forth in declarations of expert or percipient witnesses made under penalty of perjury may be considered by the board, its executive director, or an administrative law judge designated by the board or its executive director, in their discretion.

(4) At any time during informal mediation, either party may request that this matter be converted to a petition proceeding pursuant to Article 1, section 551.17

(5) All communications, negotiations, or settlement discussions by and between participants in the course of informal mediation shall remain confidential.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050, Vehicle Code.

§ 551.17. Conversion of Informal Mediation to Petition; Confidentiality.

(a) The board or its executive director, upon the request of either party, or upon its own motion, may convert an informal mediation to a petition under section 3050(b) of the Vehicle Code. The respondent shall be an applicant for or holder of a license as a new motor vehicle dealer, manufacturer, manufacturer branch, distributor, distributor branch, or representative.

(b) Within 10 days of approval to convert the proceeding, the petitioner shall file and serve a petition with the board which substantially complies with Article 2, section 555 et seq.

(c) Upon receipt of the petition, a copy shall be transmitted by the executive director of the board to each member of the board for consideration in accordance with Section 557 herein.

(d) If the filing fee was paid by both parties in the informal mediation proceeding, no additional filing fee is required for conversion to a petition.

(e) In accordance with Section 558 herein, the respondent shall file with the executive director of the board a written answer to the petition.

(f) Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 3000) of Division 2 of the Vehicle Code, and Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 550) of Division 1 of Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations shall apply.

(g) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a communication made in informal mediation is protected to the following extent:

(1) Anything said, any admission made, and any document prepared in the course of, or pursuant to, informal mediation is a confidential communication, and a party to the informal mediation has a privilege to refuse to disclose and to prevent another from disclosing the communication, whether in an adjudicative proceeding, civil action, or other proceeding. This subsection does not limit the admissibility of evidence if all parties to the proceeding consent.

(2) No reference to the informal mediation proceedings, the evidence produced, or any other aspect of the informal mediation may be made in an adjudicative proceeding or civil action, whether as affirmative evidence, by way of impeachment, or for any other purpose.

(3) No informal mediation administrative law judge is competent to testify in a subsequent administrative or civil proceeding as to any statement, conduct, decision, or order ccurring at, or in conjunction with, the informal mediation.

(4) Evidence otherwise admissible outside of informal mediation is not inadmissible or protected from disclosure solely by reason of its introduction or use in informal mediation.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050, Vehicle Code; and Sections 11420.30 and 11470.50, Government Code.

§ 551.19. Motions; Form, Briefing, and Hearings.

(a) Unless made during a hearing while on the record, all motions shall be in writing and filed with the board with an attached proof of service on all parties.

(b) Motions and any response thereto including opposition to motion and reply to opposition shall conform to the requirements of Article 6 herein. The motion and any response shall state in plain language the relief sought and the facts, circumstances, and legal authority that support the motion or the response.

(d) Notwithstanding Government Code section 11440.30 of the Administrative Procedure Act, the ALJ may conduct the hearing by telephone, television, or other electronic means if each party in the hearing has an opportunity to participate in and to hear the entire proceeding while it is taking place and to observe exhibits. In the event of live testimony, the hearing shall be conducted in person before the ALJ.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code; and Section 11440.30, Government Code.

§ 551.20. Conduct of Hearing; Protective Orders.

(a) A motion seeking an order for closure or other protective order for all or part of a hearing, including a motion to seal designated portions of the record shall be made before the ALJ presiding at the hearing to which the order will apply. The motion may be made by separate writing or it may be made orally on the record. It may be made at the commencement of or during the course of the hearing but must be made as early as is practicable. In any case, the provisions of Government Code section 11425.20 shall be applicable.

(b) The motion shall clearly identify the relief sought and the facts, circumstances, legal authority, and shall include declarations or other evidence that support the motion.

(d) The ALJ shall set forth on the record the facts, legal basis, and findings that support any protective order, order to seal parts of the record, or order to close all or part of the hearing to the public.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 11425.20, Government Code; and Rules 2.550 and 2.551, California Rules of Court.

§ 551.21. Sanctions

(a) In any proceeding before the board or an ALJ, no party or representative of a party shall engage in or participate in any actions or tactics that are frivolous, or that are intended to cause or will result in unnecessary delay.

(b) For purposes of this section, “party” or “representative of a party” includes, but is not limited to, a party's officer, director, managing agent, dealer principal or the equivalent, or their attorney.

(1) “Actions or tactics” include, but are not limited to, the making or opposing of motions or the failure to comply with a lawful order or ruling of the board or an ALJ, including a failure to comply timely with a pre-hearing conference order or discovery order.

(2) “Frivolous” includes, but is not limited to:

(A) Totally without merit as there is an absence of reasonable support, under the facts or law, for making or opposing the motion(s), or for the failure to comply; or

(B) For the purpose of harassing an opposing party or counsel.

(C) Actions or tactics, whether consisting of affirmative conduct or failure to act or respond, that will result or do result in unnecessary delay or costs, or are otherwise not in good faith.

(c) A party asserting a violation of this section may, by way of written motion in compliance with Article 1, section 551.19, or oral motion made on the record during reported proceedings, request that the board or an ALJ recommend that the board impose sanctions upon a party, or party's representative, or both.

(d) An ALJ presiding over the matter who believes there has been a violation of this section may on their own initiative recommend that the board impose sanctions upon a party, or party's representative, or both.

(e) The board shall not order sanctions, or an ALJ shall not recommend an award of sanctions, without providing the party or party's representative against whom sanctions are sought notice and an opportunity to be heard.

(f) The board or ALJ shall make determinations as to whether the actions or tactics were frivolous based upon the administrative record and any additional testimony or documentary evidence presented.

(g) Any proposed order recommending sanctions by the ALJ or board order imposing sanctions shall be on the record, or in writing, setting forth the factual findings on which the recommended or board ordered sanctions are based, as well as setting forth the factual findings as to the reasonableness of the sanctions, including the reasonableness of any amount(s) to be paid.

(h) A proposed order recommending an award of sanctions shall be considered by the board members at their next regularly scheduled meeting. A determination not to award sanctions shall not be considered by the board members and is final upon issuance by the ALJ.

(i) The board members' consideration to affirm, reject or modify the ALJ's award of sanctions does not alone constitute grounds for continuance of any previously scheduled dates in the proceeding.

(j) If the motion for sanctions is granted, the board may order or an ALJ may recommend that the party or party's representative or both pay the movant's reasonable expenses and attorney's fees incurred in bringing and pursuing the motion. However, payment of attorney's fees and expenses will not be ordered if:

(1) The movant filed the motion before attempting in good faith to obtain compliance by the opposing party without board action;

(2) The opposing party's noncompliance, nondisclosure, response, or objection was substantially justified; or

(3) Other circumstances make an award unjust.

(k) If the motion for sanctions is denied, the board may order or an ALJ may recommend, after giving an opportunity to be heard, the movant or movant's representative or both to pay the party or party's representative who opposed the motion reasonable expenses and attorney's fees in opposing the motion for sanctions as well as bringing and pursuing the motion for expenses and attorney's fees. However, payment of attorney's fees and expenses will not be ordered if the motion for sanctions was substantially justified or other circumstances make an award unjust.

(l) If the motion for sanctions is granted in part and denied in part, the board may order or an ALJ may recommend that an award of reasonable expenses and attorney's fees incurred in connection with bringing or opposing the motion be apportioned.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 128.5, Code of Civil Procedure; Section 11455.30, Government Code; and Section 3050.2, Vehicle Code.

§ 551.22. Adoption and Objection to Proposed Stipulated Decision and Order.

(a) Upon the filing of a proposed stipulated decision and order with the board, a copy of the proposed stipulated decision and order shall be transmitted by the executive director to each member of the board.

(b) The proposed stipulated decision and order shall be deemed to be adopted by the board unless a member of the board notifies the executive director of the board of an objection thereto within 10 days after that board member has received a copy of the proposed stipulated decision and order.

(c) If any member of the board gives notice of objection within 10 days of receipt of a copy of the proposed stipulated decision and order, the proposed stipulated decision and order shall be considered by the board at its next meeting to determine whether to adopt or reject it.

(d) Upon receipt by the executive director of a notice of objection, the executive director shall notify the parties named in the petition or protest that there has been an objection and that the matter will be considered by the board at its next meeting. The parties shall also be given a minimum of 10 days prior notice of the time, date, and location of the board meeting at which the proposed stipulated decision and order will be considered.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Sections 3050 and 3050.7, Vehicle Code.

§ 551.23. Interpreters and Accommodation.

(a) Each party and each party's attorney are responsible for timely communicating to the board any needs of the party, the party's agent or a witness for the following:

(1) Language assistance, including sign language.

(2) Accommodation for a disability.

(3) Electronic amplification for hearing impairment.

(4) Any other special accommodation.

(b) In accordance with Government Code section 11435.25, the board may direct that the cost of providing an interpreter shall be paid by the board or by the party at whose request the interpreter is provided. The board's decision to direct payment shall be based upon an equitable consideration of all the circumstances, such as the ability of the party in need of the interpreter to pay.

(c) An interpreter at a hearing or other proceeding shall be sworn by oath or affirmation to perform their duties truthfully. The oath or affirmation shall be in substantially the following form:

“Do you swear or affirm that, to the best of your skill and judgment, you will make a true interpretation of the questions asked and the answers given and that you will make a true translation of any documents which require translation?”

(d) Any interpreter used at the hearing must have an oath on file with the Superior Court, and be certified and registered in accordance with Article 4 (commencing with Section 68560) of Chapter 2 of Title 8 of the Government Code. However, if an interpreter certified pursuant to Government Code section 11435.30 cannot be present at the hearing, the board shall have discretionary authority to provisionally qualify and use another interpreter.

Note: : Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 751, Evidence Code; and Sections 11435.05, 11435.10, 11435.25, 11435.55, 11435.65 and 68560, et seq., Government Code.

§ 551.24. Service; Proof of Service.

(a) The party to a protest or petition may substitute counsel of record at any time. It shall be evidenced by a writing signed by the party and new counsel of record and filed with the board. The writing shall be served on all other parties named in the proceeding.

(b) Counsel of record for a party may not withdraw from a protest or petition without permission from the board. To obtain permission, counsel must file and serve a written request to withdraw or be relieved as counsel in compliance with Article 1, section 551.19 that satisfies the requirements of Rule 3.1362 of the California Rules of Court (Rev. 1/2017), which is hereby incorporated by reference, and Code of Civil Procedure section 284. Declarations of counsel may be filed under seal, but must be served on the party of the moving counsel, who then has an opportunity to be heard.

(c) Substitution or withdrawal of counsel does not alone constitute grounds for continuance of any previously scheduled dates in the proceeding.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050, Vehicle Code; Rule 3.1362, California Rules of Court; and Section 284, Code of Civil Procedure.

§ 551.25. Substitution or Withdrawal of Counsel.

(c) Substitution or withdrawal of counsel does not alone constitute grounds for continuance of any previously scheduled dates in the proceeding.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050, Vehicle Code; Rule 3.1362, California Rules of Court; and Section 284, Code of Civil Procedure.

§ 551.26. Representation in Protests or Petitions.

Any party shall have the right to appear at any hearing by representing itself, by counsel, or by other representative.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050, Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050, Vehicle Code..

§ 552. Records.

(a) Place of Keeping. The records of the board shall be maintained at its principal office at Sacramento in the custody of the executive director. The executive director may certify to any of the board's official acts and may certify copies of all official documents and orders of the board.

(b) Sale of Copies of Records. The executive director shall sell copies of all or any part of the records of the board at a charge sufficient to pay at least the cost of the copies.

(c) Preparation of Certified Copies Without Charge. The board for good cause shown may direct the executive director to certify copies without charge.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code.

§ 553. Annual Board Fee.

(a) Pursuant to section 11723 of the Vehicle Code, every applicant for a license as a new motor vehicle dealer or dealer branch, and every applicant for renewal of a license as a new motor vehicle dealer or dealer branch, shall pay to the department for each issuance or renewal of such license, the sum of $300.00, per year of licensure, in addition to all other fees now required by the Vehicle Code.

For the purposes of this section, a dealer or dealer branch which is enfranchised to sell both new motorcycles and new motor vehicles other than motorcycles shall be subject to a licensing fee for sales of motorcycles and a licensing fee for sales of motor vehicles other than motorcycles.

(b) Pursuant to section 3016 of the Vehicle Code, every new motor vehicle manufacturer and distributor shall pay to the Board an annual fee of $.45 per new motor vehicle distributed by the manufacturer or distributor which was sold, leased, or otherwise distributed in California to a consumer of such new motor vehicles during the preceding calendar year, provided, however, that the fee to be paid by each manufacturer or distributor shall not be less than $300.00.

The board may waive fees for a new motor vehicle manufacturer or distributor licensed in California, based on a determination that the manufacturer or distributor either does not sell vehicles in California or does not have an independent dealer or dealer branch in California.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Sections 11723 and 3016, Vehicle Code.

§ 553.10. Statement of Number of Vehicles Distributed.

(a) All manufacturers and distributors of new vehicles (as defined in section 430 of the Vehicle Code) are required to file a written statement with the Board on or before May 1 of each calendar year. The statement shall include:

(1) The number of new motor vehicles distributed by the manufacturer or distributor which were sold, leased, or otherwise distributed in California to a consumer of such new motor vehicles during the preceding calendar year;

(2) The name and business address of other manufacturers and distributors who are required to submit a statement reporting the distribution of the same new motor vehicles;

(3) The name and business address of the person or persons authorized to receive notices on behalf of the manufacturer or distributor.

(b) If the information required by subdivision (a) is not received by the Board within the applicable time period or it is determined by the Board that the information that is received is substantially inaccurate as compared to the registration information derived from the records of the Department of Motor Vehicles, it shall be presumed that the number of new motor vehicles sold, leased, or otherwise distributed in this state by or on behalf of the non-reporting entity during the preceding calendar year is equal to the total number of new registrations during the period in question of all vehicles manufactured or distributed by the non-reporting entity as derived from the records of the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a) and 3016, Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3016, Vehicle Code.

§ 553.20. Determination of Annual Board Fee.

Upon receipt of the information required by Section 553.10(a), or as determined by Section 553.10(b), the Board shall calculate the Annual Board Fee to be paid by each manufacturer and distributor by multiplying the annual fee per vehicle (as set forth in Section 553(b)) by the number of new motor vehicles distributed by the manufacturer or distributor in the preceding calendar year provided, however, that the fee to be paid by each manufacturer or distributor shall not be less than $300.00. The Board shall thereafter send a written notice by regular mail or electronic-mail to each manufacturer and distributor stating the number of new motor vehicles distributed by the manufacturer or distributor and the amount of the fee to be paid.

Payment of the fee shall be made to the New Motor Vehicle Board no later than thirty (30) days after the date of receipt of the notice.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a) and 3016, Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050(a) and 3016, Vehicle Code.

§ 553.30. Noncompliance.

The New Motor Vehicle Board may consider any failure of a manufacturer or distributor to comply with any provisions of Article 1, Section 553.10 or 553.20 to be good cause to exercise its authority pursuant to Vehicle Code Section 3050(b).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 3016 and 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050, Vehicle Code.

§ 553.40. Filing Fees.

A party filing a request for informal mediation, petition, or protest pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall simultaneously deliver to the board a filing fee of $200, which is to be in the form of a check or money order payable directly to the board, or a credit card payment. The initial pleading filed in response to such request for informal mediation, petition, or protest shall also be accompanied by a $200 filing fee. The board, in the discretion of the executive director, may refuse to accept for filing any pleading subject to this section that is not accompanied by the requisite fee. The executive director may, upon showing of good cause, waive any such fee.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3016, 3050 and 3050.5, Vehicle Code; and Section 6163, Government Code. Reference: Sections 3050, 3060, 3062, 3064, 3065, 3065.1, 3065.3, 3065.4, 3070, 3072, 3074, 3075, 3076, and 3085, Vehicle Code.

Article 1.5. Administration of Fee Collection for Certification Account

§ 553.50. Obligation to Comply.

(a) All manufacturers, manufacturer branches, distributors and distributor branches of new motor vehicles (as defined in Business and Professions Code Section 472.5(e) are required to file a written statement with the New Motor Vehicle Board on or before May 1 of each calendar year. The statement shall include:

(2) The name and business address of other manufacturers and distributors who are required to submit a statement reporting the distribution of the same new motor vehicles; and

(3) The business address and name of the person or persons authorized to receive notices on behalf of the manufacturer or distributor.

(b) Payment of the fees pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 472.5 shall be the responsibility of the manufacturer or distributor which authorizes a retail seller, including a dealer, franchisee, or lessor (as those terms are defined in the Vehicle Code), to sell, lease, or otherwise distribute the new motor vehicles.

Note: Authority cited: Section 472.5, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 472.5, Business and Professions Code; and Sections 285, 331.1 and 372, Vehicle Code.

§ 553.60. Presumption of Liability.

If the information required by Section 553.50 is not received by the Board within the applicable time period or it is determined by the Board that the information that is received is substantially inaccurate as compared to the registration information derived from the records of the Department of Motor Vehicles, it shall be presumed that the number of new motor vehicles sold, leased, or otherwise distributed in this state by or on behalf of the non-reporting entity during the preceding calendar year is equal to the total number of new registrations during the period in question of all vehicles manufactured or distributed by the non-reporting entity as derived from the records of the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Note: Authority cited: Section 472.5(f), Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 472.5(c), Business and Professions Code.

§ 553.70. Payment of Fees.

The New Motor Vehicle Board shall determine the fee to be assessed per vehicle by dividing the dollar amount necessary to fully fund the certification program for the Arbitration Certification Program by the number of new motor vehicles sold, leased, or otherwise distributed in California during the preceding calendar year. For calendar year 2022, the fee shall be $1.00 per vehicle.

Upon receipt of the information required by Section 553.50(a), or as determined by section 553.60, the New Motor Vehicle Board shall send a written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, to manufacturers and distributors subject to the fee assessment stating the number of new motor vehicles (as defined in Business and Professions Code Section 472.5(e)) distributed by the manufacturer or distributor and the amount of the fee to be paid.

Payment of the fee shall be made to the New Motor Vehicle Board no later than thirty (30) days after the date of receipt of the notice.

Note: Authority cited: Section 472.5(f), Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 472.5(b), (c) and (e), Business and Professions Code.

§ 553.71. Delinquency of Payment.

If the fee is not paid within the time period specified in Section 553.70 such fee is delinquent. If the fee is not paid within thirty (30) days after it becomes delinquent, a penalty of ten (10) percent of the amount delinquent shall be added thereto.

Note: Authority cited: Section 472.5(f), Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 472.5(b), (c) and (d), Business and Professions Code.

§ 553.72. Transmittal of Fees by Mail.

No penalty shall be imposed for delinquent payment of any fee required to be paid under this article in the event any instrument for effective payment of such fee is placed in the United States mail or in any postal box maintained by the United States Postal Service with sufficient identification, in an envelope with postage thereon prepaid and addressed to the New Motor Vehicle Board, 2415 1st Avenue, MS L242, Sacramento, California, 95818 prior to the date the fee becomes delinquent.

Note:Authority cited: Section 472.5(f), Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 472.5(b) and (d), Business and Professions Code.

§ 553.75. Noncompliance.

The New Motor Vehicle Board may consider any failure of a manufacturer or distributor to comply with any provisions of this Chapter to be good cause to exercise its authority pursuant to Vehicle Code Section 3050(b).

Note: Authority cited: Section 472.5(f), Business and Professions Code; and Section 3050, Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 472.5, Business and Professions Code; and Section 3050, Vehicle Code.

Article 2. Filing of Petition

§ 554. Petitioners.

Any person, including a board member, concerned with the activities or practices of any person applying for or holding a license as a new motor vehicle dealer, manufacturer, manufacturer branch, distributor, distributor branch, or representative, may file a written petition with the board requesting that the board consider such matter and take an action thereon.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050, Vehicle Code.

§ 555. Contents.

The petition shall set forth in clear and concise language the nature of the matter which the petitioner wishes the board to consider. The petition shall comply substantially with the following requirements:

(a) Include the name, mailing address and telephone number of the petitioner; the name, mailing address and telephone number of petitioner’s attorney or authorized agent if any, and the name and address of the licensee or applicant for license (hereinafter referred to as “respondent”) whose activities or practices are in question. All correspondence with petitioner and notices to petitioner shall be addressed to petitioner's said address, if appearing in person, or to the address of petitioner’s attorney or agent, if represented by an attorney or agent. Petitioner shall promptly give the executive director and respondent written notice by mail of all subsequent changes of address or telephone number.

(b) Insofar as is known to petitioner, include the names, residence addresses and business addresses of persons and the dates, places and specific actions or practices involved in the matter.

(c) If the actions or practices described in the petition are believed to be in violation of law, a concise recitation of applicable law and citation to the applicable statutes or other authorities.

(d) If the petitioner desires that the board mediate, arbitrate or resolve a difference between the petitioner and respondent, recite that fact and describe the relief or disposition of the matter which petitioner would consider acceptable.

(e) The petitioner may submit, as exhibits to the petition, photographic, documentary or similar physical evidence relevant to the matter referred to in the petition, in which event an appropriate description of the exhibits shall be set forth in the petition sufficient to identify them and to explain their relevancy.

(f) The petitioner shall set forth in the petition an estimate of the number of days required to complete the hearing.

(g) The petitioner shall set forth in the petition a request for a prehearing conference if one is desired.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050, Vehicle Code.

§ 555.1. Service of Petition upon Respondent(s).

A copy of the petition shall be served upon the respondent(s) and proof of service in compliance with Sections 1013a and 2015.5, Code of Civil Procedure thereof shall accompany the petition filed with the executive director of the board.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050, Vehicle Code; and Sections 1013a and 2015.5, Code of Civil Procedure.

§ 556. Form and Filing of Petition.

The form of the petition shall conform with the provisions of Article 6 herein. The petition shall be filed with the executive director of the board. The petition shall clearly identify the facts, legal authority, and relief sought and include declarations or other evidence or documents that support the petition.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(c), Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050, Vehicle Code.

§ 557. Notice to Respondent: First Consideration.

(a) Upon the filing of a petition with the board, a copy of the petition shall be transmitted by the executive director of the board to each member of the board for consideration. Unless, within 10 days of receipt of a copy of the petition, any member of the board notifies the executive director of an objection, the executive director shall set the matter for a hearing before an administrative law judge designated by the board.

(b) If any member of the board gives notice of objection within 10 days of receipt of a copy of a petition, the petition shall be first considered by the board at its next

meeting to determine what action shall be taken in regards to the petition. Upon receipt by the executive director of a notice of objection, the executive director shall notify the parties named in the petition that there has been an objection and that the matter will be considered by the board at its next meeting. The parties shall also be given a minimum of 10 days prior notice of the time, date, and location of the board meeting at which the petition will be considered.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050, Vehicle Code.

§ 558. Answer-Time of Filing; Form and Content.

(a) The respondent shall file with the executive director of the board a written answer to the petition, in the form prescribed by Article 6 herein. The answer shall be filed within 30 days of the date of service of the petition on the respondent.

(b) The answer shall be responsive to the allegations of the petition and shall set forth in clear and concise language the factual contentions of the respondent with respect to the matter referred to in the petition.

(c) By declaration, the respondent may submit, as exhibits to the answer, photographic, documentary or similar physical evidence relevant to the matter in support of the answer with an appropriate description thereof in the answer sufficient to identify them and to explain their relevancy.

(d) The respondent shall set forth in the answer its mailing address and telephone number and the name, mailing address and telephone number of its attorney or authorized agent, if any. All correspondence with respondent and notices to respondent shall thereafter be addressed to said address, if it appears in person, or to the address of its attorney or agent, if it is represented by an attorney or agent. Respondent shall promptly give the executive director and petitioner written notice by mail of all subsequent changes of address or telephone number.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050, Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050, Vehicle Code.

§ 560. Extension of Time and Continuances.

(a) In the event a party desires additional time for the performance of any act, or a continuation of any proceeding contemplated by these rules, the party shall either make application in writing to the board for such extension or continuance, stating the reason therefor and the additional time requested, or the date to which the continuance is requested, or shall obtain from the other party a written stipulation for the extension or continuance which shall also set forth the reasons therefor and the time requested. The application or stipulation shall be filed with the executive director at least two days prior to the expiration of the period of time in question or the date fixed for the proceeding sought to be continued. If good cause appears therefor, the executive director shall grant the extension or continuance and shall forthwith give notice thereof to the parties by mail; if the extension or continuance is denied, the executive director shall give notice thereof to the parties by mail.

(b) The party applying for an extension or continuance shall serve a copy of the application upon the opposing party, personally or by mail, and shall file with the application an affidavit or certificate of personal service or of mailing of the copy to the opposing party evidencing such service. If the other party wishes to oppose the application, it shall communicate such opposition to the executive director, either orally or in writing, stating its reasons for opposition. The executive director shall consider the reasons stated in opposition in determining whether the application should be granted or denied.

§ 561. Additional Evidence and Argument in Support of Petition.

(a) A party wishing to present to the board evidence and/or arguments in addition to that submitted in accordance with Section 555 herein may, prior to the first consideration of the petition by the board, advise the executive director in writing of its desire to do so by filing with the board not later than ten days before the date set for the first consideration of the petition a request to present such additional evidence and/or arguments.

(b) The request to present additional evidence and/or argument filed pursuant to Section 561 (a) herein shall contain, as applicable:

(1) The names and addresses of witnesses together with a brief statement summarizing their expected testimony;

(2) Copies or reproduction of all documentary or physical evidence, in addition to that already furnished pursuant to Section 555 (e) herein;

(3) A summary of the subject or subjects expected to be covered by argument;

(4) A statement of the reason or reasons why it is desirable for the board to grant the request.

(c) The board may grant a request filed pursuant to Section 561 (a) herein if it determines that its first consideration of the petition would be assisted by such evidence and more argument.

(d) Upon the filing of the request pursuant to Section 561 (a) herein, the board shall, prior to proceeding with the first consideration of the matter, decide whether to grant the request. If the request is granted, the board shall:

(1) Set a time and place for the hearing where the oral or documentary or physical evidence may be heard and presented. Hearings set pursuant to this provision shall be conducted in accordance with Sections 589, 590 and 592 herein;

(2) Set the time and place where the argument shall be heard by the board.

(e) The Board shall in no event proceed with the first consideration of a petition unless it has reviewed the additional evidence and/or argument submitted pursuant to the provisions of Section 561(d) herein.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050, Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050, Vehicle Code.

§ 562. Action by the Board.

After considering the matter, the board may do any one or any combination of the following:

(a) Prior to taking final action, direct the executive director to request the petitioner or the respondent, or both, to augment the record, or to appear to offer evidence or oral argument, or both, or to file briefs, in which event the executive director shall give written notice by mail to the parties of the action by the board, the time within which such augmented pleadings or such briefs are to be submitted or the time and place of further hearing.

(b) Prior to taking final action, direct the department to conduct an investigation and submit a written report within thirty days with or without notice thereof to the parties.

(c) Undertake to mediate, arbitrate, or otherwise resolve any honest difference of opinion or viewpoint existing between the petitioner and respondent.

(d) Direct that the department exercise any and all authority or power that it may have with respect to the issuance, renewal, refusal to renew, suspension or revocation of the

license and certificate of the respondent as such license and certificate are required under Chapter 4, Division 5 of the Vehicle Code.

(e) Order the petition dismissed, with or without prejudice to the filing of another petition with respect to the same matter, upon such terms or conditions as it may deem just.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050, Vehicle Code.

§ 564. Decision.

The decision shall be in writing. Copies of the decision shall be served on the parties personally or sent to them by certified mail. The decision shall be final upon its delivery or mailing and no reconsideration or rehearing shall be permitted.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050, Vehicle Code.

§ 565. Request for Extension of Time; Temporary Ownership or Operation of a Dealership by a Manufacturer, Branch, or Distributor.

(a) After a showing of good cause by a manufacturer, branch, or distributor that it needs additional time to own and operate a dealership within the relevant market area of an independent dealer of the same line-make in preparation for sale to a successor independent franchisee, the board may extend the time period beyond one year.

(b) When a manufacturer, branch, or distributor seeks to request an extension of time, it shall first give notice in writing of that intention to the board and to each franchisee operating a dealership of the same line-make within the relevant market area.

(c) The written notice shall contain, on the first page thereof in at least 12- point bold type and circumscribed by a line to segregate it from the rest of the text, the following statement:

"NOTICE TO DEALER: If you oppose this request, you may send a letter to the NEW
MOTOR VEHICLE BOARD in Sacramento and have your opposition considered by
the board. You must file your opposition with the board within 20 days of your receipt
of this notice."

(d) When a request for extension of time has been received, the board shall notify each franchisee of the same line-make within the relevant market area, as provided by the manufacturer pursuant to subsection (g)(1) below, that a timely request has been received, that the franchisee has the opportunity to send a letter to the board opposing the request and have that opposition considered by the board at its next scheduled meeting, and that the status quo will be maintained until the board acts upon the request for extension.

(e) In determining whether good cause has been shown for granting the request for an extension of time, the board shall take into consideration the existing circumstances, including, but not limited to, all of the following:

(1) The written request of the manufacturer, branch, or distributor;

(2) Written responses in opposition to the request received from any franchisee operating a dealership of the same line-make within the relevant market area; and,

(3) Comments of other interested parties.

(f) Upon the filing of a timely request for an extension of time, a copy of the request for extension shall be transmitted by the executive director of the board to each member of the board for consideration.

(g) The written request for an extension of time shall be accompanied by all of the following:

(1) A list of all franchisees operating a dealership of the same line-make within the relevant market area.

(2) A statement of facts detailing the specific need for the extension of time.

(3) The requested expiration date of the extension.

(4) A chronology of the actions both taken and planned by the manufacturer, branch, or distributor to prepare for the sale of the franchise to a successor independent franchisee.

(5) A statement to the effect that the information required in subsections (g)(2)-(4) above has been provided to each franchisee operating a dealership of the same line-make within the relevant market area.

(6) A statement that the requesting party does or does not agree that the dealer members of the board may participate in the consideration of the request.

(h) The executive director shall grant the extension unless, within 30 days from receipt of the request for extension, any member of the board notifies the executive director of an objection or the board receives a written response in opposition to the request from any franchisee operating a dealership of the same line-make in the relevant market area.

(i) If any member of the board gives notice of objection within 30 days of receipt of a copy of the request for extension, or if the board receives a timely written opposition to the request from any franchisee operating a dealership of the same line-make within the relevant market area, this matter shall be considered by the board at its next scheduled meeting.

(j) Upon receipt by the executive director of a notice of objection and/or a written opposition from any franchisee operating a dealership of the same line-make within the relevant market area, the executive director shall notify the manufacturer, branch, or distributor that there has been an objection and/or opposition, that the matter will be considered by the board at its next scheduled meeting, and that the status quo will be maintained until the board acts upon the request for extension. The manufacturer, branch, or distributor, and opposing franchisee(s), if any, operating a dealership of the same line-make within the relevant market area shall be given a minimum of 10 days' prior notice of the time, date, and location of the board meeting at which the request for extension will be considered.

(k) Notwithstanding subsections (h), (i) and (j) above, a member of the board who is a new motor vehicle dealer may not participate in, hear, comment, advise other members upon, or decide any matter involving a request subject to this subsection, unless the requesting party to the proceeding has had full disclosure and agrees to such participation by the dealer board member.

(l) On or before 60 days prior to the expiration of the one year period, the manufacturer, branch, or distributor may request an extension of time for good cause shown which shall be in writing. Requests received with less than 60 days' prior notice will not be considered by the board and shall be deemed denied.

(m) Within 20 days of receiving the notice, any franchisee required to be given notice may file an opposition to the request for an extension of time.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Sections 3050 and 11713.3, Vehicle Code.

Article 3. Appeals from Decisions of the Department [repealed]

§ 566. Time of Filing Notice of Appeal. [repealed]

§ 567. Form of Appeal. [repealed]

§ 568. Contents of Notice of Appeal. [repealed]

§ 569. Affidavit in Support of Appeal Based on Section 3054(e), Vehicle Code. [repealed]

§ 570. Service of Notice upon Department. [repealed]

§ 571. Filing with Board the Administrative Record. [repealed]

§ 572. Agreed Statement. [repealed]

§ 573. Briefs. [repealed]

§ 574. Notice of Hearing. [repealed]

§ 575. Continuances. [repealed]

§ 576. Conduct of Hearing. [repealed]

§ 577. Costs of Appeal. [repealed]

Article 4. Hearings on Petitions

§ 580. Procedure at Hearings.

(a) Evidence. The hearing need not be conducted according to technical rules relating to evidence and witnesses. Any relevant evidence shall be admitted if it is the sort of evidence on which responsible persons are accustomed to rely in the conduct of serious affairs, regardless of the existence of any common law or statutory rule which might make improper the admission of such evidence over objection in civil actions. Evidence that is irrelevant or unduly repetitious shall be excluded.

(b) Official Notice. Before or after submission of a matter for decision, official notice may be taken by the board of any generally accepted technical or scientific matter within the board's special area of competence or of such facts as may be judicially noticed by the courts of this state.

(c) Examination of Witnesses. Oral evidence shall be taken only on oath or affirmation. Each party shall have the right to call and examine witnesses; to introduce exhibits, to cross-examine opposing witnesses on any matter relevant to the issues even though that matter was not covered in the direct examination; to impeach any witness regardless of which party first called the witness to testify; to rebut the evidence against the witness; and to call and examine an adverse party or adverse witness as if under cross-examination without being bound by their testimony. Board members and, at the direction of the chairman of the board presiding at the hearing or of any member of the board, representatives of the staff of the board, may participate as appropriate, using their knowledge and experience for the primary purpose of developing a full, fair and accurate record. Questioning of witnesses will be controlled by the board and will generally be permitted only by the attorneys or agents of parties so represented, or by the parties who appear on their own behalf, members of the board and its staff. The board may in its discretion, during the examination of a witness, exclude from the hearing, any or all other witnesses in the same matter.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050, Vehicle Code. Reference: Sections 11512 and 11513, Government Code; and Section 3050, Vehicle Code.

§ 581. Deliberations of the Board.

When matters are finally submitted to the board for decision, the board shall take the same under submission and shall conduct its deliberations in executive session. The deliberations of the board shall be in private and shall not be reported.

§ 582. Failure to Appear.

Any party who fails to appear at a hearing will not be entitled to a further opportunity to be heard unless good cause for such failure is shown to the board within five days thereafter. The lack of such showing of good cause may, in the discretion of the board, be interpreted as an abandonment of interest by such party in the subject matter of the proceeding.

Article 5. Protests

§ 583. Form; Separate Protests.

A protest shall be in writing and conform to the provisions of Article 6 herein. If the franchisee is a natural person, not a corporation or other legal entity, the protest shall be signed by that person or by the franchisee's attorney or representative. If the franchisee is a corporation or other legal entity, the protest shall be signed by an attorney representing the entity, or by an authorized representative of the entity.

Separate protests are required if there is more than one franchise.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050, Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050, Vehicle Code.

§ 584. Service of Protest upon Franchisor.

A copy of the protest shall be served upon the franchisor and proof of service in compliance with Sections 1013a and 2015.5, Code of Civil Procedure thereof shall accompany the protest filed with the executive director of the board.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050, Vehicle Code; and Sections 1013a and 2015.5, Code of Civil Procedure.

§ 585. Time of Filing and Content of Protests Pursuant to Sections 3060, 3062, 3070, and 3072, Vehicle Code.

(a) The protest shall be considered received on the date of receipt by the executive director of the board or on the date of certified or registered mailing.

(b) The protest shall be responsive to the specific grounds as set forth in the notice and shall set forth in clear and concise language the factual contentions of the franchisee with respect to the matter referred to in the notice.

(c) The franchisee may submit, as exhibits to the protest, photographic, documentary or similar physical evidence relevant to the matter in support of the protest with an appropriate description thereof in the protest sufficient to identify them and to explain their relevancy.

(d) The franchisee shall set forth in the protest its mailing address and telephone number and the name, mailing address and telephone number of its attorney or authorized agent, if any. All correspondence with franchisee and notices to franchisee shall thereafter be addressed to said address, if it represents itself, or to the address of its attorney or agent, if it is represented by an attorney or agent.

(e) Franchisee shall indicate either that it does or does not desire to appear before the board.

(f) The franchisee shall set forth in the protest an estimate of the number of days required to complete the hearing.

(g) The franchisee shall set forth in the protest a request for a prehearing conference if one is desired.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Sections 3060, 3062, 3070 and 3072, Vehicle Code.

§ 585.1. Time of Filing and Content of Notice of Appearance.

The respondent shall file a notice of appearance with the board within 15 days of receipt of the protest. Failure to file a timely notice of appearance shall result in the proceedings being suspended until such time as a notice of appearance is filed. The notice shall contain language indicating whether the party desires to appear at the hearing for purposes of submitting evidence and oral argument and whether the respondent contends the protest was submitted in a timely manner.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code.

§ 586. Filing of Protest, Schedules of Compensation for Preparation and Delivery Obligations, Warranty Reimbursement Schedules, Retail Labor Rate, Retail Parts Rate and Franchisor Incentive Program Reimbursement Pursuant to Vehicle Code Sections 3064, 3065, 3065.1, 3065.4, 3074, 3075, and 3076.

(a) Protests filed with the board under any of these sections of the Vehicle Code shall be filed as follows:

(1) The protest shall set forth in clear and concise language the factual contentions of the franchisee with respect to the protest.

(2) The franchisee may submit, as exhibits to the protest, photographic, documentary or similar physical evidence relevant to the matter in support of the protest with an appropriate description thereof in the protest sufficient to identify them and to explain their relevancy.

(3) The franchisee shall set forth in the protest its mailing address and telephone number and the name, mailing address and telephone number of the franchisee's attorney or authorized agent, if any. All correspondence with the franchisee and notices to the franchisee shall thereafter be addressed to said address, if it represents itself, or to the address of its attorney or agent, if it is represented by an attorney or agent.

(4) The franchisee shall indicate either that it does or does not desire to appear before the board.

(b) Schedules of compensation for preparation and delivery obligations and warranty reimbursement schedules shall be filed by the franchisor with the board no later than 30 days after the date the license is issued or within 30 days after the date of renewal of the license if no schedules have previously been filed with the board.

(c) The franchisor shall file with the board any addition, deletion, change or modification to the schedules of compensation or reimbursement schedules or formulas on file with the board on or before the date such addition, deletion, change or modification becomes effective.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050, Vehicle Code. Reference: Sections 3050, 3064, 3065, 3065.1, 3065.4, 3074, 3075, and 3076, Vehicle Code.

§ 586.5. Filing of Protest Pursuant to Vehicle Code Section 3065.3.

(a) Protests filed with the board under this section of the Vehicle Code shall be filed as follows:

(1) The protest shall set forth in clear and concise language the factual contentions of the franchisee with respect to the protest.

(3) The franchisee shall set forth in the protest its mailing address and telephone number and the name, mailing address and telephone number of the franchisee's attorney or authorized agent, if any. All correspondence with the franchisee shall thereafter be addressed to said address, if it represents itself, or to the address of its attorney or agent, if it is represented by an attorney or agent.

(4) The franchisee shall indicate either that it does or does not desire to appear before the board.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050, Vehicle Code. Reference: Sections 3050 and 3065.3, Vehicle Code.

§ 587. Stipulation of Fact.

(a) A hearing initiated by the filing of a protest with the board pursuant to Sections 3060, 3062, 3064, 3065, 3065.1, 3070, 3072, 3074, 3075, and 3076 may be held based in whole or in part on a stipulation of fact. Within 45 days after filing a protest, the franchisee shall file with the executive director of the board the original and 10 copies of such statement signed by the parties.

(b) The statement shall show the nature of the controversy, identify the questions of law, if any, and set forth only those facts alleged or sought to be proved, as are necessary to a determination of the issues raised by the protest.

(c) For good cause shown, the executive director may grant a continuance for the filing of a stipulation of fact of not more than fifteen days.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Sections 3050(a) and (d), 3060, 3062, 3064, 3065, 3065.1, 3070, 3072, 3074, 3075 and 3076, Vehicle Code.

§ 588. Deliberations of the Board.

When matters are finally submitted to the board for decision, or the board receives a proposed decision of an administrative law judge, the board shall take the same under submission and shall conduct its deliberations in executive session. The deliberations of the board shall be in private and shall not be reported.

§ 589. Failure to Appear.

Any party who fails to appear at a hearing will not be entitled to a further opportunity to be heard unless good cause for such failure is shown to the board or to the administrative law judge within five days thereafter. The lack of such showing of good cause may, in the discretion of the board or the administrative law judge, be interpreted as an abandonment of interest by such party in the subject matter of the proceeding.

§ 590. Hearings by Board or by Administrative Law Judge.

All hearings on protests filed pursuant to Sections 3060, 3062, 3064, 3065, 3065.1, 3065.3, 3065.4, 3070, 3072, 3074, 3075, 3076, or 3085 may be considered by the entire board or may, at its discretion, be conducted by an administrative law judge designated by the board who shall either be a member of the board, an administrative law judge on the staff of the Office of Administrative Hearings, or any person specifically designated by the board.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050, Vehicle Code. Reference: Sections 3050, 3060, 3062, 3064, 3065, 3065.1, 3065.3, 3065.4, 3066, 3070, 3072, 3074, 3075, 3076, 3080, 3085 and 3085.2, Vehicle Code.

§ 591. Notice of Hearing of Protest.

The board shall, by an order, fix the time and place of hearing on the merits of a protest. The hearing shall be within 60 days of the date of such order. A copy of the order giving notice of the time and place of hearing shall be sent by certified mail to the franchisor and the protesting franchisee, and to all parties, individuals, and groups that have requested such notice.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Sections 3050, 3066, and 3080, Vehicle Code

§ 592. Continuances.

Within the time limitation fixed by Section 3066(a) or 3080(a), the board, or the administrative law judge, for good cause shown, may continue the date fixed for the hearing. Application for continuance shall be in writing and filed with the executive director at least 10 days prior to the date of hearing. No continuances otherwise requested shall be granted except in extreme emergencies such as serious accident or death.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Sections 3050, 3066, and 3080, Vehicle Code.

Article 6. Form of Filings and Notices

§ 593.1. Notices.

All written notices pursuant to Vehicle Code section 3060, 3062, 3070, or 3072 shall be:

(a) Separately issued to each franchisee; and

(b) Separately issued for each line-make represented by a franchisee.

Notices shall not be combined to include more than one franchisee nor combined to include more than one line-make.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 3060, 3062, 3070 and 3072, Vehicle Code. Reference: Sections 3060, 3062, 3070 and 3072, Vehicle Code.

§ 593.2. Briefs.

Any brief filed with the board in support or opposition to any application, motion, memorandum of points and authorities or other position paper, shall include copies of any court decision cited within that brief which decision is not taken from an official reporter.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050, Vehicle Code.

§ 593.3. Failure to File or to Timely File Statutorily Required Notices or Schedules.

Failure to file or to timely file the statutorily required notices or schedules required by the Vehicle Code may result in the board ordering the department to exercise any and all authority or power that the department may have with respect to the issuance, renewal, refusal to renew, suspension, or revocation of the license of any new motor vehicle dealer, manufacturer, manufacturer branch, distributor, distributor branch, or representative as that license is required under Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 11700) of Division 5.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Sections 3060, 3062, 3064, 3065, 3070, 3072, 3074, 3075 and 11713.3, Vehicle Code; and Section 1795.92, Civil Code.

§ 594. Size of Paper, Pagination, Etc.

(a) All papers shall be printed or typewritten on opaque, unglazed, white paper, not less than twenty pound weight, standard quality letter size (8 1/2 x 11 inches in size). Only one side of the paper shall be used and the margins shall be not less than 1 inch on the left hand side of the page and 1/2 inch on the top, bottom and right hand sides of the page.

(b) Headings shall be either capitalized or underscored, or both, and all quotations shall be indented.

(d) The lines on each page shall be double spaced.

(e) Line numbers shall be placed at the left margin and separated from the text of the paper by a vertical column of space at least one-fifth inch wide or a single or double vertical line. The line number either shall be placed on the same line as a line of text or shall be evenly spaced vertically on the page. Line numbers shall be consecutively numbered beginning with the number 1 on each page. There shall be at least three line numbers for every vertical inch on the page.

(f) All papers shall be firmly bound together at the top.

(g) Exhibits may be fastened to pages of the specified sizes and, when prepared by a copying process, shall be equal to printed or typewritten material in legibility and permanency of image.

(h) Except for exhibits, each paper filed with the board must bear a footer in the bottom margin of each page, placed below the page number and divided from the rest of the document page by a printed line. The footer must contain the title of the paper or some clear and concise abbreviation. The title of the paper in the footer must be at least 10-point font.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Sections 3050 and 3051, Vehicle Code.

§ 595. Format of First Page; Format and Filing of Papers.

(a) The first page of all papers shall be in the following form:

(1) Commencing in the upper left hand corner and to the left of the center of the page, the name, office address (or if none, the residence address), mailing address (if different from the office or residence address), electronic-mail address (if available), and the telephone number and facsimile number (if available) of the attorney or agent for the party in whose behalf the paper is presented, or of the party appearing in person. If the party is represented by an attorney, the state bar number of the attorney shall be beside the name of the attorney.

(2) Below the name, address and telephone number, and centered on the page, the title of the board. Below the title of the board, in the space to the left

of the center of the page, the title of the proceeding, e.g., John Doe, petitioner (or protestant) v. Richard Roe, respondent, as the case may be.

(3) To the right of and opposite the title, the number of the proceeding which shall be assigned consecutively by the executive director in the order of filing in

petition and protest proceedings. The same number shall not be assigned to more than one petition or protest.

(4) Immediately below the number of the proceeding, the nature of the paper, e.g., “Request for Informal Mediation,” “Petition,” “Protest,” “Answer,” “Request for Hearing,” “Petitioner's Opening Brief,” etc. If the paper is a “Petition”, the first allegation of the petition shall state the name and address of the respondent and whether the respondent is the holder of or an applicant for an occupational license of the type issued by the department such that the respondent is subject to the jurisdiction of the board.

(5) The dates of the hearing and any future pre-hearing or settlement conferences, if known.

(b) In addition to a paper copy, the board may direct a party to submit pleadings or other papers by electronic means if the party is able to do so.

(c) A party may obtain proof of the filing of a paper by submitting either an extra copy of the paper or a copy of the first page only, with a self-addressed, return envelope, postage prepaid. The copy will be returned to the party with the date of filing indicated.

(d) Papers may be filed with the board by facsimile or electronic-mail transmission. Unless required by the ALJ or by order of the board, the original paper need not be filed with the board if the party obtains telephonic or other confirmation from the board that a complete and legible copy of the papers was received.

(e) Notwithstanding Code of Civil Procedure Section 1013(a), papers delivered to the board by the U.S. Postal Service or other means are deemed filed on the date actually received by the board. Papers hand delivered to the board and complete papers received by facsimile or electronic-mail transmission during regular business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) will be filed on the date received. Papers received after regular business hours are deemed filed on the next regular business day.

(f) Protests sent by U.S. Postal Service certified or registered mail are deemed received by the board on the date of certified or registered mailing and will be filed as of the date of the certified or registered mailing.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Sections 3050 and 3051, Vehicle Code.

§ 596. Conformance of Copies.

All copies shall conform to the original filed.

§ 597. Last Page; Signature.

(a) Every paper shall be dated and signed.

(b) Petitions and answers shall be signed by the party and the party's attorney or agent, if the party is represented.

(c) All other papers shall be signed by the party's attorney or agent, if the party is represented, or by the party, if the party is not represented by an attorney or agent.

(d) Except as otherwise provided by statute or regulation, the board may accept for filing papers, documents, and exhibits that bear a copy of a signature.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3050, Vehicle Code.

§ 598. Acceptance of Filing.

(a) A document which purports to be a protest pursuant to Vehicle Code section 3060, 3062, 3070, or 3072, which is received at the offices of the Board shall not be filed until the executive director has reviewed it for compliance with the Board's enabling statutes and Title 13, Chapter 2 of the California Code of Regulations. If the executive director deems the document to comply, said document shall be filed. The executive director may reject any document that does not comply with the Board's enabling statutes and Title 13, Chapter 2 of the California Code of Regulations.

(b) A protest accepted for filing by the executive director shall be recorded as filed as of the date it was received at the Board's offices or the date of certified or registered mailing.

(c) The executive director may, for good cause shown, accept for filing any papers that do not comply with the Board's enabling statutes and Title 13, Chapter 2 of the California Code of Regulations. Good cause issues and challenges to the executive director's compliance determinations may be resolved by law and motion proceedings before an administrative law judge.

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 3014, Vehicle Code.

Article 7. New Motor Vehicle Board - Conflict-of-Interest Code

NOTE: Pursuant to a regulation of the Fair Political Practices Commission (Title 2, CCR, section 18750(k)(2)), an agency adopting a conflict of interest code has the options of requesting that the code either be (1) printed in the CCR in its entirety or (2) incorporated by reference into the CCR. Here, the adopting agency has requested incorporation by reference. However, the full text of the regulations is available to the public for review or purchase at cost at the following locations:

NEW MOTOR VEHICLE BOARD
2415 1st AVENUE, MS L242
SACRAMENTO,CALIFORNIA 95818

FAIR POLITICAL PRACTICES COMMISSION
428 J STREET, SUITE 620
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95814

ARCHIVES
SECRETARY OF STATE
1020 O STREET
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95814

The conflict-of-interest code is designated as Article 7 of Chapter 2 of Division 1 of Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations, and consists of sections numbered and titled as follows:

Article 7. New Motor Vehicle Board – Conflict of Interest Code

Section 599. General Provisions
Appendix A
Appendix B

Note: Authority cited: Section 3050(a), Vehicle Code; and Sections 87300, 87304 and 87306, Government Code. Reference: Section 81000, et seq., Government Code.

NMVB Regulations

California Code Of RegulationsTitle 13. Motor VehiclesDivision 1. Department of Motor VehiclesChapter 2. New Motor Vehicle Board

Article 1. Administration

§ 550. Definitions.

§ 550.20. Use of Certified Mail in Lieu of Registered Mail. [Repealed]

§ 551. Authority.

§ 551.1. Challenge.

§ 551.2. Subpoenas; Motion to Quash.

§ 551.6. Testimony by Deposition.

§ 551.7. Reporting of Proceedings.

§ 551.8. Dismissals of Petitions and Protests.

§ 551.11. Settlement Conference: Separation of Powers.

§ 551.12. Notice of Assignment of Administrative Law Judges; Peremptory Challenges.

§ 551.13. Intervention; Grant of Motion; Conditions.

§ 551.14. Request for Informal Mediation.

§ 551.15. Request for Discovery; Informal Mediation.

§ 551.16. Informal Mediation Process.

§ 551.17. Conversion of Informal Mediation to Petition; Confidentiality.

§ 551.19. Motions; Form, Briefing, and Hearings.

§ 551.20. Conduct of Hearing; Protective Orders.

§ 551.21. Sanctions

§ 551.22. Adoption and Objection to Proposed Stipulated Decision and Order.

§ 551.23. Interpreters and Accommodation.

§ 551.24. Service; Proof of Service.

§ 551.25. Substitution or Withdrawal of Counsel.

§ 551.26. Representation in Protests or Petitions.

§ 552. Records.

§ 553. Annual Board Fee.

§ 553.10. Statement of Number of Vehicles Distributed.

§ 553.20. Determination of Annual Board Fee.

§ 553.30. Noncompliance.

§ 553.40. Filing Fees.

Article 1.5. Administration of Fee Collection for Certification Account

§ 553.50. Obligation to Comply.

§ 553.60. Presumption of Liability.

§ 553.70. Payment of Fees.

§ 553.71. Delinquency of Payment.

§ 553.72. Transmittal of Fees by Mail.

§ 553.75. Noncompliance.

Article 2. Filing of Petition

§ 554. Petitioners.

§ 555. Contents.

§ 555.1. Service of Petition upon Respondent(s).

§ 556. Form and Filing of Petition.

§ 557. Notice to Respondent: First Consideration.

§ 558. Answer-Time of Filing; Form and Content.

§ 560. Extension of Time and Continuances.

§ 561. Additional Evidence and Argument in Support of Petition.

§ 562. Action by the Board.

§ 564. Decision.

§ 565. Request for Extension of Time; Temporary Ownership or Operation of a Dealership by a Manufacturer, Branch, or Distributor.

Article 3. Appeals from Decisions of the Department [repealed]

Article 4. Hearings on Petitions

§ 580. Procedure at Hearings.

§ 581. Deliberations of the Board.

§ 582. Failure to Appear.

Article 5. Protests

§ 583. Form; Separate Protests.

§ 584. Service of Protest upon Franchisor.

§ 585. Time of Filing and Content of Protests Pursuant to Sections 3060, 3062, 3070, and 3072, Vehicle Code.

§ 585.1. Time of Filing and Content of Notice of Appearance.

§ 586. Filing of Protest, Schedules of Compensation for Preparation and Delivery Obligations, Warranty Reimbursement Schedules, Retail Labor Rate, Retail Parts Rate and Franchisor Incentive Program Reimbursement Pursuant to Vehicle Code Sections 3064, 3065, 3065.1, 3065.4, 3074, 3075, and 3076.

§ 586.5. Filing of Protest Pursuant to Vehicle Code Section 3065.3.

§ 587. Stipulation of Fact.

§ 588. Deliberations of the Board.

§ 589. Failure to Appear.

§ 590. Hearings by Board or by Administrative Law Judge.

§ 591. Notice of Hearing of Protest.

§ 592. Continuances.

Article 6. Form of Filings and Notices

§ 593.1. Notices.

§ 593.2. Briefs.

§ 593.3. Failure to File or to Timely File Statutorily Required Notices or Schedules.

§ 594. Size of Paper, Pagination, Etc.

§ 595. Format of First Page; Format and Filing of Papers.

§ 596. Conformance of Copies.

§ 597. Last Page; Signature.

§ 598. Acceptance of Filing.

Article 7. New Motor Vehicle Board - Conflict-of-Interest Code

California Code Of Regulations
Title 13. Motor Vehicles
Division 1. Department of Motor Vehicles
Chapter 2. New Motor Vehicle Board