Lemon Law for Dealers: Understanding Your Obligations Lemon law dealer obligations sit at the intersection of consumer protection law, franchise agreements, and your own liability exposure — and mishandling them is one of the fastest ways to land in front of a state AG or a plaintiff’s attorney. If you’re running a franchise store, an … Read more
Red Flags Rule for Dealerships: Identity Theft Prevention Program This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Consult qualified legal counsel for compliance guidance specific to your dealership. — Bottom Line Up Front If your F&I office is processing credit applications, your store is a covered creditor under the Red Flags … Read more
Dealership Compliance Audit Checklist: Annual Self-Assessment This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Consult qualified legal counsel for compliance guidance specific to your dealership. If your annual compliance review is a one-hour HR training and a stack of forms no one actually reads, you’ve got exposure you probably don’t know … Read more
Bottom Line Up Front Your dealer license requires a surety bond — period. Car dealer surety bond requirements aren’t optional coverage; they’re regulatory mandates that keep your license active and protect consumers from dealer misconduct. Skip the bond or let it lapse, and your state DMV will suspend your license faster than you can say … Read more
Bottom Line Up Front Your advertising compliance obligations span federal and state regulations that govern everything from your VDP pricing to radio spot disclaimers. Car dealer advertising compliance isn’t optional — the FTC, state attorneys general, and consumer protection agencies actively monitor dealership marketing across digital and traditional channels. Violations can trigger civil penalties, consent … Read more
Bottom Line Up Front The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) sets strict rules around when and how your dealership can text, call, or email prospects and customers. TCPA compliance for auto dealers isn’t optional — violations carry statutory damages of up to $1,500 per illegal contact, with class-action lawsuits routinely hitting dealerships for millions. Your … Read more
CARS Rule Compliance for Dealerships: What Changed and What to Do Bottom Line Up Front The CARS Rule dealership compliance requirements fundamentally changed how you handle customer data and communications. The FTC’s Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) Rule creates strict obligations around lead handling, customer communications, and data security that apply to every franchise and … Read more
FTC Safeguards Rule for Car Dealerships: Complete Compliance Guide Bottom Line Up Front: The FTC Safeguards Rule requires your dealership to implement comprehensive cybersecurity measures to protect customer information. You’re dealing with strict data protection standards, mandatory security protocols, and potentially massive penalties for violations. This isn’t optional compliance theater — the FTC is actively … Read more
