Relating to certain place-of-business requirements for licensed motor vehicle dealers who conduct sales via the internet and deliver vehicles to buyers

Under current law, a person who is engaged in the business of selling motor vehicles at retail must have a dealer license issued by the department of transportation (DOT). To obtain a license, a dealer must have a designated location wherein proper and adequate facilities are required to be maintained for displaying, reconditioning, and repairing either new or used cars (place of business), unless the person sells motor vehicles at retail solely for the purpose of disposing of vehicles acquired or repossessed through the exercise of powers or rights given as security for loans or purchase money obligations. 5. However, all such sales must be consummated at the dealer’s principal place of business. This bill authorizes licensed motor vehicle dealers to sell, offer for sale, negotiate sales of, display, represent, or advertise that the dealer intends to sell motor vehicles via the internet, and deliver vehicles sold by the dealer to a buyer at the buyer’s residence or other suitable location if the delivery is requested by the buyer. The bill does not amend the requirements under current law that a dealer have a place of business for purposes of the license application, license issuance and fees, and information contained on the license.