HB-4344, As Passed House, February 10, 2016
SUBSTITUTE FOR
HOUSE BILL NO. 4344
A bill to amend 1974 PA 300, entitled
"Motor vehicle service and repair act,"
by amending sections 2, 2a, 3, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,
17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 30, 32, 33, 34a, 36, and 39 (MCL 257.1302,
257.1302a, 257.1303, 257.1307, 257.1309, 257.1310, 257.1311,
257.1312, 257.1313, 257.1314, 257.1315, 257.1316, 257.1317,
257.1318, 257.1319, 257.1320, 257.1321, 257.1322, 257.1330,
257.1332, 257.1333, 257.1334a, 257.1336, and 257.1339), sections 2,
18, 22, and 30 as amended and section 2a as added by 1988 PA 254,
section 10 as amended by 2000 PA 366, and section 17 as amended by
2002 PA 464, and by adding sections 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 10a,
13a, 13b, and 32a.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:
1 Sec. 2. As used in this act:
1 (a) "Administrator" means the secretary of state or any
person
2 individual designated by him or her to act in his or her place.
3 (b) "Advertise" means to advise, announce, apprise, command,
4 give notice of, inform, make known, or publish any material that
5 calls to the attention of the public the availability of parts and
6 services.
7 (c) "Approved educational institution" means a school,
8 academy, or other similar establishment approved by the
9 administrator under section 13a to provide training to mechanics or
10 mechanical trainees under this act.
11 (d) "Automobile or light truck" means a motor vehicle that has
12 a gross vehicle weight of less than 10,000 pounds.
13 (e) "Contract" means a written or oral agreement, or a similar
14 understanding or arrangement, in which a person agrees that another
15 person will perform work, labor, diagnosis, repair, reconditioning,
16 replacement, adjustment, or alteration, directly or indirectly, on
17 a motor vehicle.
18 (f) "Customer" means the owner or operator of a motor vehicle.
19 (g) (b) "Department"
means the department of state.
20 (c) "Master mechanic" means a motor vehicle mechanic or
21 specialty mechanic who is certified by the department pursuant to
22 this act in all of the specific repair categories.
23 (d) "Motor vehicle" means a vehicle which is
self-propelled, a
24 vehicle which is propelled by electric power, a motorcycle, or a
25 trailer as those terms are defined in the Michigan vehicle code,
26 Act No. 300 of the Public Acts of 1949, as amended, being sections
27 257.1 to 257.923 of the Michigan Compiled Laws. For the purposes of
1 this act, a motor vehicle does not include the dwelling or sleeping
2 portions of a motor home, trailer, or any recreational vehicle
3 having similar facilities which are not directly connected with the
4 drive mechanism of the vehicle or other areas of repair which would
5 require certification of motor vehicle mechanics as specified in
6 this act or rules promulgated pursuant to this act.
7 (e) "Motor vehicle mechanic" means a technician,
individual,
8 or other person who, for compensation, repairs motor vehicles,
9 including the reconditioning, replacement, adjustment, or
10 alteration of the operating condition, of any component or
11 subassembly of a motor vehicle.
12 (f) "Mechanic trainee" means a person who desires to
become a
13 motor vehicle mechanic, a specialty mechanic, or a master mechanic
14 and receives a permit from the administrator pursuant to this act.
15 (g) "Motor vehicle repair facility" means a place of
business
16 which engages in the business of performing or employing persons
17 who perform maintenance, diagnosis, vehicle body work, or repair
18 service on a motor vehicle for compensation, but excluding all of
19 the following:
20 (i) A
person who engages only in the business of repairing the
21 motor vehicles of a single commercial or industrial establishment
22 or governmental agency.
23 (ii) A
person repairing his or her own or a family member's
24 car.
25 (iii) A
business that does not diagnose the operation of a
26 motor vehicle, does not remove parts from a motor vehicle to be
27 remachined, and does not install finished machined or remachined
1 parts on a motor vehicle, not including a motor vehicle repair
2 facility that engages in the business of performing or employing
3 persons who perform vehicle body work.
4 (h) "Specialty mechanic" means a motor vehicle mechanic
who is
5 certified by the department for a specific repair category or
6 categories pursuant to this act.
7 (h) "Distressed vehicle" means that term as defined in section
8 12a of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.12a.
9 (i) "Estimate" means a written statement that itemizes as
10 closely as possible the price for labor, by showing the labor price
11 per hour, the number of hours required to perform the work, and the
12 price of parts necessary for a specific repair.
13 (j) "Facility" or "motor vehicle repair facility" means a
14 place of business that is required to register under this act and
15 engages in the business of performing, or employing individuals who
16 perform, maintenance, diagnosis, vehicle body work, or repair
17 service on a motor vehicle for compensation. The term does not
18 include any of the following:
19 (i) A person that engages only in the business of repairing
20 the motor vehicles of a single commercial or industrial
21 establishment or governmental agency.
22 (ii) An individual who is repairing his or her own or a family
23 member's motor vehicle.
24 (iii) A business that does not diagnose the operation of a
25 motor vehicle, does not remove parts from a motor vehicle to be
26 remachined, and does not install finished machined or remachined
27 parts on a motor vehicle. This subparagraph does not apply to a
1 motor vehicle repair facility that engages in the business of
2 performing, or employing individuals who perform, vehicle body
3 work.
4 (k) "Heavy-duty truck" means a motor vehicle that has a gross
5 vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or more and includes both single-
6 unit and combination tractor trailer or tractor semitrailer
7 vehicles.
8 (l) "Late model vehicle" means that term as defined in section
9 24b of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.24b.
10 (m) "Lien" means a security interest in or other encumbrance
11 on a motor vehicle. The term includes a security interest created
12 by agreement, a judicial lien obtained by legal or equitable
13 process or proceedings, a common-law lien, or a statutory lien on a
14 vehicle.
15 Sec. 2a. As used in this act:
16 (a) "Distressed vehicle" means that term as defined in
section
17 12a of the Michigan vehicle code, Act No. 300 of the Public Acts of
18 1949, being section 257.12a of the Michigan Compiled Laws.
19 (b) "Facility" means a motor vehicle repair facility.
20 (c) "Late model vehicle" means that term as defined in
section
21 24b of Act No. 300 of the Public Acts of 1949, being section
22 257.24b of the Michigan Compiled Laws.
23 (a) (d) "Major
component part" means 1 any
of the following
24 parts of a motor vehicle:
25 (i) The engine.
26 (ii) The transmission.
27 (iii) The right or left front fender.
1 (iv) The hood.
2 (v) A door allowing that allows entrance to or egress from the
3 passenger compartment of the vehicle.
4 (vi) The front or rear bumper bar.
5 (vii) The right or left rear quarter panel.
6 (viii) The deck lid, tailgate, or hatchback.
7 (ix) The trunk floor pan.
8 (x) The cargo box of a pickup.
9 (xi) The frame, or if the vehicle has a unitized body, the
10 supporting structure or structures that serve as the frame.parts
11 identified by the motor vehicle manufacturer as structural
12 components.
13 (xii) The cab of a truck.
14 (xiii) The body of a passenger vehicle.
15 (xiv) Airbags and seatbelts.
16 (b) "Master mechanic" means any of the following:
17 (i) A motor vehicle mechanic or specialty mechanic who is
18 certified by the department under this act in all of the specific
19 repair categories applicable to automobiles or light trucks
20 described in section 10(3).
21 (ii) A motor vehicle mechanic or specialty mechanic who is
22 certified by the department under this act in all of the specific
23 repair categories applicable to heavy-duty trucks described in
24 section 10(4).
25 (iii) A master motorcycle mechanic who is certified by the
26 department to engage in motorcycle repair and is described in
27 section 10a(5).
1 (iv) A recreational trailer mechanic who is certified by the
2 department to engage in the installation, service, and repair of
3 recreational vehicle equipment and is described in section 10a(6).
4 (c) "Material fact" means a fact that is used by a person as a
5 premise on which a conclusion is based.
6 (d) "Mechanic trainee" means an individual who desires to
7 become a motor vehicle mechanic, a specialty mechanic, or a master
8 mechanic and receives a permit from the administrator under this
9 act.
10 (e) "Minor repair services" means lubrication; oil changes;
11 installing, changing, or otherwise servicing the antifreeze or
12 other coolant; body repairing, except for unitized body structural
13 repair; or the replacement, adjustment, repair, or servicing of any
14 of the following parts and assemblies:
15 (i) Air cleaner element.
16 (ii) Accessory drive belt.
17 (iii) Air pump hose.
18 (iv) Twelve-volt battery.
19 (v) Ground cable for 12-volt battery.
20 (vi) Hold-down strap for 12-volt battery.
21 (vii) Positive cable for 12-volt battery.
22 (viii) Battery-to-starter relay cable for 12-volt battery.
23 (ix) Crankcase vent air cleaner.
24 (x) Crankcase vent air cleaner hose.
25 (xi) Engine oil filter.
26 (xii) Exhaust pipe, muffler, catalytic converter, or tail pipe
27 and associated attaching parts.
1 (xiii) Fuel filter.
2 (xiv) Fuel line flex hose or line.
3 (xv) Fuel tank, except for a tank that contains a fuel pump.
4 (xvi) Fuse.
5 (xvii) Heater hose.
6 (xviii) Horn.
7 (xix) Idler pulley, adjust only.
8 (xx) Ignition coil output wire.
9 (xxi) Lightbulb or headlamp.
10 (xxii) Motor or transmission mount.
11 (xxiii) Ornamental accessories.
12 (xxiv) Positive crankcase ventilation control valve.
13 (xxv) Radiator.
14 (xxvi) Radiator hose, upper or lower.
15 (xxvii) Radiator reserve tank.
16 (xxviii) Rear spring, leaf or coil, except a MacPherson strut-
17 type assembly.
18 (xxix) Shock absorber that is not built in combination with
19 other parts of the suspension.
20 (xxx) Analog speedometer.
21 (xxxi) Vapor canister hose.
22 (xxxii) Wheel, except alignment.
23 (xxxiii) Windshield washer hose.
24 (xxxiv) Windshield washer tank.
25 (xxxv) Wiper blade.
26 (f) "Motor vehicle" means a vehicle that is self-propelled, a
27 vehicle that is propelled by electric power, a motorcycle, or a
1 trailer as those terms are defined in the Michigan vehicle code,
2 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.1 to 257.923. The term does not include the
3 dwelling or sleeping portions of a motor home, trailer, or any
4 recreational vehicle that has similar facilities that are not
5 directly connected with the drive mechanism of the vehicle or other
6 areas of repair that would require certification of motor vehicle
7 mechanics under this act or rules promulgated under this act.
8 (g) "Motor vehicle mechanic" means a technician or other
9 individual who, for compensation, repairs motor vehicles, including
10 the reconditioning, replacement, adjustment, or alteration of the
11 operating condition, of any component or subassembly of a motor
12 vehicle.
13 (h) "Person" means an individual, corporation, limited
14 liability company, partnership, association, or any other legal
15 entity. The term includes a motor vehicle repair facility.
16 (i) "Recreational trailer" means a travel trailer, camper
17 trailer, or other special purpose or utility trailer or semitrailer
18 designed or intended to be drawn on the highway by an automobile or
19 light truck that has a gross towing vehicle weight of less than
20 10,000 pounds.
21 (j) "Repair" means the reconditioning, adjustment, alteration,
22 maintenance, or diagnosis of the operating condition of a motor
23 vehicle, with or without the replacement of any component or
24 subassembly of a motor vehicle, for compensation or under the terms
25 of a warranty.
26 (k) "Repair category" means a category of motor vehicle repair
27 work, listed in section 10a, that certification under this act is
1 required to perform.
2 (l) "Representation" means a statement made by a facility to a
3 customer in regard to some past, present, or future fact,
4 circumstance, or set of facts pertinent to a contract.
5 (m) (e) "Salvageable
part" means a major component part of a
6 late model vehicle or a vehicle manufactured in the current model
7 year, if the part can be reused.
8 (n) "Specialty mechanic" means a motor vehicle mechanic who is
9 certified by the department for a specific repair category or
10 categories under this act.
11 (o) (f) "Vehicle
body work" means the business or activity of
12 repairing physical damage to a motor vehicle by repairing, mending,
13 straightening, or replacing a major component part, except for the
14 engine or transmission.
15 (p) "Warranty" means a guarantee given by a motor vehicle
16 repair facility, in writing or by implication, of the
17 merchantability, of the integrity of the subject of a contract, or
18 of the responsibility of the person that makes the warranty for the
19 replacement or repair of defective parts or services, or both,
20 assuring performance, product, or conditions as promised or
21 declared by the person that makes the warranty.
22 Sec. 3. Unless the means of doing or engaging in a motor
23 vehicle repair business including the operating of a motor vehicle
24 repair facility is adopted for the purposes of evading this act,
25 and except as otherwise provided in this act, this act shall does
26 not apply to gasoline service stations exclusively engaged in the
27 business of selling motor fuel and lubricants. A person or facility
1 providing minor services, including but not limited to: the
2 changing or installing of light bulbs, tires, lamp globes,
3 batteries, air filters, oil filters, windshield wiper blades, fan
4 or power assist belts or lubrication or oil changes and other minor
5 or ornamental accessories or However, a person, including a
6 gasoline service station, that provides minor repair services or
7 activities incidental to the business of selling motor fuel and
8 lubricants is hereby declared a motor vehicle repair facility
and
9 is subject to this act, except that those employees performing only
10 minor repairs need not be certified an employee of the person may
11 perform minor repair services without a certification or permit
12 from the department under this act.
13 Sec. 7. A person subject to this act shall not engage or
14 attempt to engage in a method, act, or practice which is unfair or
15 deceptive.A motor
vehicle repair facility that is subject to this
16 act, or a person that is an owner or operator of a motor vehicle
17 repair facility that is subject to this act, shall not, directly or
18 through an agent or employee, do any of the following:
19 (a) Enter into a contract with a customer that uses a waiver
20 to circumvent or evade this act.
21 (b) Enter into a contract that takes advantage of a customer's
22 inability to reasonably protect his or her interests because of his
23 or her illiteracy or inability to understand the language of an
24 agreement, if the facility knows or reasonably should know of the
25 customer's illiteracy or inability to understand.
26 (c) Enter into a contract with a customer that has gross
27 discrepancies between the oral representations of the facility and
1 the written agreement covering the same transaction.
2 (d) Make, either written or orally, an untrue or misleading
3 statement of a material fact to a customer.
4 (e) Fail to reveal a material fact to a customer that the
5 customer could not reasonably know if that omission tends to
6 mislead or deceive the customer.
7 (f) Enter into a contract with a customer that attempts to
8 abrogate, disclaim, or disallow the legal rights, obligations,
9 or remedies of the customer.
10 (g) Allow a customer to sign an acknowledgment, certificate,
11 or other writing that affirms acceptance, delivery, compliance with
12 a requirement of law, or other performance, if the facility knows
13 or has reason to know that the statement is not true.
14 (h) Set up contractual provisions with a customer, including
15 the statement of repairs and waivers, that are not specific in
16 language, clearly described, or reasonably legible.
17 (i) Attempt to avoid or evade the law through a contract with
18 a customer or any provision of a contract with a customer.
19 (j) If a contract with a customer is rescinded, canceled, or
20 otherwise terminated under the terms of the contract or under this
21 act, fail to promptly return any deposit, down payment, or other
22 payment to the person that is entitled to receive it.
23 (k) Allow a customer to sign a document in blank relating to
24 the repair of a motor vehicle.
25 (l) Fail to give a customer a copy of a document evidencing
26 the engagement of a facility at the time the document is executed
27 by the customer.
1 (m) When returning a repaired vehicle to a customer, fail to
2 give a written statement of repairs to the customer that discloses
3 all of the following:
4 (i) The repairs needed, as determined by the facility.
5 (ii) The repairs requested by the customer.
6 (iii) The repairs authorized by the customer.
7 (iv) The facility's estimate of repair costs.
8 (v) The actual costs of repairs.
9 (vi) The repairs or services performed, including a detailed
10 identification of all parts that were replaced and a specification
11 of which parts are new OEM, new, used, rebuilt, OEM surplus, or
12 reconditioned.
13 (vii) A certification that authorized repairs were completed
14 properly or a detailed explanation of an inability to complete
15 repairs properly. The owner of the facility, or an individual
16 designated by the owner to represent the facility, shall sign the
17 certification statement. The statement shall include the name of
18 the mechanic who performed the diagnosis and the repair.
19 Sec. 7a. A motor vehicle repair facility that is subject to
20 this act, or a person that is an owner or operator of a motor
21 vehicle repair facility that is subject to this act, shall not,
22 directly or through an agent or employee, do any of the following:
23 (a) Charge for repairs that are in fact not performed.
24 (b) Perform repairs that are in fact not necessary, unless the
25 customer insists that the facility perform the repair and
26 disregards the facility's advice that the repair is unnecessary.
27 (c) Represent, directly or indirectly, that repairs are
House Bill No. 4344 as amended June 17, 2015
as amended February 10, 2016
1 necessary when in fact they are not.
2 (d) Perform and charge for repairs that are not specifically
3 authorized.
4 (e) Fail to perform promised repairs within the period of time
5 agreed, or within a reasonable time, unless circumstances beyond
6 the control of the facility prevent the timely performance of the
7 repairs and the facility did not have reason to know of those
8 circumstances at the time the contract was made.
9 (f) Represent, either directly or indirectly, that a
10 replacement part used in the repair of a vehicle is new or of a
11 particular manufacture when in fact it is used, rebuilt,
12 reconditioned, deteriorated, or of a different manufacture, or
13 otherwise fail to disclose in writing, before beginning a repair,
14 the use of used, rebuilt, or reconditioned parts.
15 [(g) Replace a major component part described in section 2a(a)(iii)
16 to (xiv) with a part that does not meet or exceed standards recognized as
17 OEM comparable quality as verified by a nationally recognized automotive
18 parts testing agency, unless no OEM or verified part is available or
19 unless otherwise directed by the owner of the motor vehicle in writing.
This subdivision does not apply to the replacement of a major component
part if that part is no longer covered under the original equipment
manufacturer's warranty.
20 (H)] Subsequent to a diagnosis requested by a customer for
21 which a charge is made, fail to disclose a diagnosed or suspected
22 malfunction, the recommended remedy for the malfunction, and any
23 test, analysis, or other procedure employed to determine the
24 malfunction.
25 Sec. 7b. A motor vehicle repair facility that is subject to
26 this act, or a person that is an owner or operator of a motor
27 vehicle repair facility that is subject to this act, shall not,
1 directly or through an agent or employee, do any of the following:
2 (a) Disclaim or limit the implied warranty of merchantability
3 or fitness for use, unless excluded or modified under section 2316
4 of the uniform commercial code, 1962 PA 174, MCL 440.2316.
5 (b) Fail to extend the period of a facility's own warranty for
6 repairs and services, if the customer was deprived of the use or
7 enjoyment of the subject of the warranty because of a failure on
8 the part of the facility to comply completely with the terms of the
9 warranty, for a period of time that is equal to or greater than the
10 period of the deprivation.
11 (c) Fail to honor a warranty on a new part by replacing it
12 with a used part or replacing it with a rebuilt or remanufactured
13 part that does not meet original equipment quality, standards, or
14 specifications.
15 (d) Fail to honor an express warranty.
16 (e) Fail to disclose in written language, that is clear as to
17 the nature or scope of the warranty, all material aspects and the
18 intent of a warranty, including, but not limited to, what is
19 warranted, the person that will honor the warranty, the duration of
20 the warranty, the obligations, if any, of the person to which the
21 warranty is extended, and any exceptions and exclusions from the
22 terms of the written warranty agreement.
23 Sec. 7c. A motor vehicle repair facility that is subject to
24 this act, or a person that is an owner or operator of a motor
25 vehicle repair facility that is subject to this act, shall not,
26 directly or through an agent or employee, advertise or represent,
27 either directly or indirectly, any of the following:
1 (a) Reduced prices for products or services and not sell them
2 at the advertised price during the period of the offering.
3 (b) Products or services at a particular price during a
4 particular period and fail to extend the offer beyond that period
5 to any person that seeks but does not obtain the products or
6 services during the advertised period because the facility has
7 failed to prepare for the reasonably expected public demand.
8 (c) That a customer will receive products or services "free"
9 or "without charge", or using words of similar import, if there are
10 undisclosed conditions, terms, or limitations attached to the offer
11 of those products or services.
12 (d) Products or services while failing to reveal a material
13 fact that a customer could not reasonably know, if the omission of
14 that fact tends to mislead or deceive the customer.
15 (e) That a customer will receive a rebate, discount, or other
16 benefit as an inducement for entering into a contract, if the
17 benefit is contingent on the occurrence of an event after the
18 transaction is completed.
19 (f) That a facility has the ability to perform repair services
20 using personnel who are qualified in specific repair specialties,
21 including those specialties enumerated in section 10 of this act,
22 if in fact the facility does not employ mechanics who are legally
23 certified in those specialties.
24 (g) Products or services, if there is a material contingency,
25 condition, or limitation on the offer of those products or
26 services, unless the contingency, condition, or limitation is
27 stated contemporaneously with the offer in a manner clearly and
1 easily understood by the customer.
2 (h) Products or services in a language other than English,
3 unless the advertisement or representation includes any required
4 disclosures or limitations on the offer in the language principally
5 used in the advertisement or representation.
6 (i) That mechanics employed by a facility are "certified",
7 "licensed", or otherwise qualified if that representation tends to
8 give the impression that all mechanics employed by the facility are
9 certified or licensed if in fact they are not.
10 (j) That a customer's failure to act quickly or within a
11 certain period of time to procure products or services will result
12 in the loss of opportunity to procure them at a particular price,
13 if in fact it is untrue.
14 (k) Credit availability, in a manner that creates a likelihood
15 of confusion or misunderstanding of the terms or conditions of
16 credit, or that credit availability or the terms of credit are
17 "easy", or using words of similar import to describe credit
18 availability or terms, if in fact that is untrue.
19 (l) That products or services are sold under the terms of
20 "satisfaction guaranteed or money back", or using words of similar
21 import, if in fact the customer's declaration of dissatisfaction is
22 not a sufficient basis for obtaining a refund of the purchase price
23 for those products or services.
24 (m) The necessity, desirability, or advantage to a prospective
25 customer of dealing with a facility by misrepresenting the
26 facility's alleged advantages of size.
27 (n) That a document that a customer signs is something other
1 than what it is.
2 (o) An aspect of a repair transaction in a manner that causes
3 a likelihood of confusion, or of misunderstanding, with respect to
4 the authority of a mechanic, salesperson, representative, or agent
5 to negotiate the final terms of the transaction.
6 (p) An aspect of a repair transaction in a manner that causes
7 a likelihood of confusion, or of misunderstanding, of the legal
8 rights, obligations, or remedies of a party to the transaction.
9 (q) That service on an offered product is available under a
10 warranty if in fact it is not available or there are undisclosed
11 limitations or conditions on the availability of that service.
12 (r) A free or low-cost inspection or diagnosis that requires
13 the removal or dismantling, or both, of a part or assembly and
14 failing to disclose before the transaction a charge for replacement
15 or reassembly if the customer declines to authorize a recommended
16 repair.
17 (s) A product or service at a reduced rate and, if the
18 facility fails to provide it at the offered price during the period
19 of the offering to a customer seeking it, failing to offer and
20 provide the customer the opportunity to obtain the product or
21 service at the same reduced rate within a reasonable period of time
22 after the expiration of the original offer.
23 (t) Products or services, or the availability of products or
24 services, in a manner that involves the solicitation of waivers by
25 the facility.
26 (u) Products or services that fail to meet the reasonably
27 expected public demand for the duration of the advertised offering,
1 unless the advertisement has clearly expressed a specific
2 limitation on the quantity of the advertised products or services.
3 (v) The words "certification", "licensing", or "registration",
4 or the use of words of similar import, of a motor vehicle repair
5 facility or mechanic, by an organization, association, governmental
6 entity, or other program or authority other than the administrator,
7 without clearly and conspicuously disclosing the source of the
8 certification, licensing, or registration, and without adding the
9 disclaimer "not the Michigan department of state".
10 (w) The desirability or advantages of certification or
11 licensing by a federal, state, or local governmental agency, or
12 that a motor vehicle repair facility or mechanic is approved or
13 sanctioned by the administrator.
14 Sec. 7d. A motor vehicle repair facility that is subject to
15 this act, or a person that is an owner or operator of a motor
16 vehicle repair facility that is subject to this act, shall not,
17 directly or through an agent or employee, do any of the following:
18 (a) Assert, claim, or impose a mechanic's or similar type lien
19 if the facility has violated this act or rules promulgated under
20 this act with respect to the transaction on which the lien is
21 based.
22 (b) Seek the repossession of a motor vehicle if the facility
23 has violated this act or rules promulgated under this act with
24 respect to the transaction on which the repossession is based.
25 (c) Seek to assert or enforce a lien by refusing to return a
26 vehicle if the facility has violated this act or rules promulgated
27 under this act with respect to the transaction on which the refusal
1 is based.
2 (d) Fail to return a customer's vehicle if there is a dispute
3 and the customer has paid the amount of the written estimate and
4 any amount in excess of that amount that was agreed to either
5 orally or in writing by the customer.
6 Sec. 7e. A motor vehicle repair facility that is subject to
7 this act, or a person that is an owner or operator of a motor
8 vehicle repair facility that is subject to this act, shall not,
9 directly or through an agent or employee, do any of the following:
10 (a) Unless legally waived by the customer, fail to give the
11 customer a written estimate before beginning work on a motor
12 vehicle.
13 (b) Charge for work done or parts supplied in excess of the
14 estimated price without the knowing consent, orally or in writing,
15 of the customer.
16 (c) Fail to give a customer an estimate for the cost, if any,
17 of reassembly, disassembly, or diagnosis.
18 (d) Fail to inform a customer, at a time before the customer
19 executes a document or engages the facility for the work, by the
20 use of a notice required under section 33, of his or her right to
21 receive or inspect replaced parts for which he or she will be
22 charged in the repair of his or her motor vehicle.
23 (e) Fail to retain a customer waiver with the records retained
24 by the facility concerning the transaction.
25 (f) Charge a customer storage charges if there is a dispute
26 concerning repair charges. If a delay in repairs is caused by a
27 lack of parts, a facility may charge for storage after informing
1 the customer of the approximate length of the anticipated delay and
2 of the daily storage charge rate and obtaining the customer's
3 consent to the delay and the storage charges.
4 (g) Fail to comply with the truth in lending act, 15 USC 1601
5 to 1667f, and the retail installment sales act, 1966 PA 224, MCL
6 445.851 to 445.873, if the customer finances repairs through the
7 facility.
8 (h) Fail in practice to comply with advertised or stated
9 payment policies.
10 (i) Conspire with another to fix prices.
11 (j) Conspire with another to allocate the market between them.
12 (k) Fail to notify a customer of an exchange agreement and
13 charges for exchange parts if the customer wishes to have those
14 parts returned.
15 (l) Fail to disclose, on the customer's request, the method
16 used by a facility to compute labor charges.
17 Sec. 7f. A motor vehicle repair facility that is subject to
18 this act, or a person that is an owner or operator of a motor
19 vehicle repair facility that is subject to this act, shall not,
20 directly or through an agent or employee, do any of the following:
21 (a) Improperly utilize waivers in a manner that suggests or
22 implies, directly or indirectly, orally or by action, that signing
23 a waiver will improve or expedite service or repairs or will reduce
24 the price.
25 (b) Exaggerate the seriousness of a malfunction to induce a
26 customer to agree to a repair.
27 (c) Suggest or imply, directly or indirectly, orally or by
1 action, that service will be improved or expedited or that the
2 price will be reduced if the customer agrees that the facility is
3 not required to return for inspection any parts that the facility
4 replaced.
5 (d) Misrepresent that because of some defect in the customer's
6 motor vehicle, the health, safety, and lives of the customer or his
7 or her family are in danger if parts or repair services are not
8 purchased, if in fact the defect does not exist or the installation
9 of the parts or the performance of the services would not remove
10 the danger.
11 Sec. 9. The administrator shall do all of the following:
12 (a) Certify master and specialty mechanics and issue permits
13 to mechanic trainees who are subject to this act.
14 (b) Register motor vehicle repair facilities that are subject
15 to this act.
16 (c) Keep a complete register of motor vehicle repair
17 facilities, which shall be open to and make that register available
18 for public inspection at the office of the secretary of state.
19 (d) Keep an accurate listing by name and by certificate number
20 of each specialty and master mechanic who is certified by the
21 administrator at the office of the secretary of state.
22 (e) Engage in a public information program to inform the
23 public of their rights and remedies under this act.
24 (f) Inform registered motor vehicle repair facilities at least
25 annually of the rules promulgated pursuant to under this
act, of
26 representative disciplinary hearings, orders, or judgments issued
27 or obtained by the administrator, and suspensions or revocations of
1 registrations or licenses. A motor vehicle repair facility shall
2 inform the mechanics in its employ of these actions.
3 (g) Establish procedures for receiving complaints relating to
4 alleged violations of this act or rules promulgated pursuant to
5 under this act.
6 (h) Establish and collect fees for certification examinations
7 administered by the administrator.
8 (i) Promulgate any rules pursuant to Act No. 306 of the Public
9 Acts of 1969, as amended, being sections 24.201 to 24.315 of the
10 Michigan Compiled Laws.that
are necessary to implement this act
11 under the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL
12 24.201 to 24.328.
13 The rules shall include but not be limited to:
14 (i)
Definitions of unfair and deceptive practices.
15 (ii)
Definitions of minor repair services.
16 (iii)
Criteria for determining the competency of specialty and
17 master mechanics, as a prerequisite to continued certification
18 under this act.
19 (iv)
Definition of repair categories for the certification of
20 specialty and master mechanics.
21 (v) Other
rules as are necessary to implement this act.
22 (j) Issue declaratory rulings to implement this act. All of
23 the following apply to a declaratory ruling under this subdivision:
24 (i) The administrator may issue a declaratory ruling
25 concerning the applicability of this act or rules promulgated under
26 this act to an actual statement of facts if the administrator
27 receives a request for a declaratory ruling from an interested
1 person and the interested person submits a clear and concise
2 statement of facts to the administrator. The interested person may
3 submit to the administrator a brief or other reference to legal
4 authorities on which the interested person relies concerning the
5 applicability of this act or rules promulgated under this act to
6 the statement of facts.
7 (ii) If he or she decides to issue a declaratory ruling, the
8 administrator shall provide the interested person that requested
9 the ruling a statement that he or she will issue a declaratory
10 ruling and the date by which the administrator will issue the
11 ruling.
12 (iii) A declaratory ruling shall include the actual statement
13 of facts provided by the interested person that requested the
14 ruling, the legal authority on which the administrator relies for
15 his or her ruling, if any, and the ruling of the administrator.
16 (iv) After it is issued, a declaratory ruling is binding on
17 the administrator and he or she may not retroactively change the
18 ruling. However, this subdivision does not prohibit the
19 administrator from prospectively changing a declaratory ruling.
20 Sec. 10. (1) A person Subject to section 10a(3) and (4), an
21 individual may become certified as a specialty mechanic in 1 or
22 more repair categories if
that person has passed an examination,
23 individual takes 1 or more examinations, developed or approved by
24 the administrator, or developed by a private entity and adopted by
25 the administrator, that the administrator determines is an adequate
26 test of a person's ability to perform certain types of motor
27 vehicle repair. The repair categories for which certification is
1 required include the following and others that may be specified by
2 rule:and received
scores, as determined by the administrator, that
3 indicate competency to perform motor vehicle repairs in the repair
4 category or categories.
5 (a) Engine repair.
6 (b) Automatic transmission.
7 (c) Manual transmission and rear axle.
8 (d) Front end.
9 (e) Brakes.
10 (f) Electrical systems.
11 (g) Heating and air conditioning.
12 (h) Engine tune-up.
13 (i) Pre-1973 motor vehicle, subject to subsection (3).
14 (2) A person An
individual may apply for a specialty
15 mechanic's certificate in any or all repair categories but shall be
16 is only required to pay only
1 certification fee if the person
17 makes the applications individual
applies for more than 1 category
18 at 1 time.
19 (3) Within 90 days after the effective date of the amendatory
20 act that added this subsection, the administrator shall develop or
21 adopt an examination for specialty mechanic certification in the
22 repair category described in subsection (1)(i) for an individual
23 engaged, for compensation, in the repair of a motor vehicle
24 manufactured before 1973 or the reconditioning, replacement,
25 adjustment, or alteration of the operating condition of any
26 component or subassembly of a motor vehicle manufactured before
27 1973.
1 (3) (4) A person An individual may apply for
and receive a
2 certificate as a master mechanic's
certificate mechanic for
3 automobiles or light trucks
if that person individual is qualified
4 as a specialty mechanic in all
repair categories of motor vehicle
5 repair described in
section 10a(1), except that certification in
6 the specialty repair
category described in subsection
(1)(i)
7 section 10a(1)(k) is not necessary for a master mechanic's
8 certificate described in this subsection.
9 (4) An individual may apply for and receive a certificate as a
10 master mechanic for heavy-duty trucks if that individual is
11 qualified as a specialty mechanic in all repair categories
12 described in section 10a(2), except that certification in the
13 repair category described in section 10a(2)(h) is not necessary for
14 a master mechanic's certificate described in this subsection.
15 Sec. 10a. (1) The administrator may issue a certification to
16 perform repair work as a specialty or master mechanic for
17 automobiles and light trucks in 1 or more of the following repair
18 categories:
19 (a) Engine repair.
20 (b) Automatic transmission.
21 (c) Manual transmission, front and rear drive axle.
22 (d) Front end, suspension, and steering systems.
23 (e) Brakes and braking systems.
24 (f) Electrical systems.
25 (g) Heating and air-conditioning.
26 (h) Engine tune-up and performance.
27 (i) Collision-related mechanical repair.
1 (j) Unitized body structural repair.
2 (k) Pre-1973 automobile or light truck repair. As used in this
3 subdivision, "pre-1973 automobile or light truck repair" means the
4 repair of an automobile or light truck manufactured before 1973 or
5 the reconditioning, replacement, adjustment, or alteration of the
6 operating condition of any component or subassembly of an
7 automobile or light truck manufactured before 1973.
8 (2) The administrator may issue a certification to perform
9 repair work as a specialty or master mechanic for heavy-duty trucks
10 in 1 or more of the following repair categories:
11 (a) Engine repair, gasoline.
12 (b) Engine repair, diesel.
13 (c) Drivetrains.
14 (d) Brakes and braking systems.
15 (e) Suspension and steering systems.
16 (f) Electrical systems.
17 (g) Collision-related mechanical repair.
18 (h) Pre-1973 heavy-duty truck repair. As used in this
19 subdivision, "pre-1973 heavy-duty truck repair" means the repair of
20 a heavy-duty truck manufactured before 1973 or the reconditioning,
21 replacement, adjustment, or alteration of the operating condition
22 of any component or subassembly of a heavy-duty truck manufactured
23 before 1973.
24 (3) An individual who is applying for certification as a
25 specialty automobile or light truck mechanic is eligible for that
26 certification if he or she passes an examination in the repair
27 category that relates to that specialty. An individual who is
1 applying for certification as a master automobile or light truck
2 mechanic is eligible for that certification if he or she passes the
3 examinations in all repair categories listed in subsection (1)(a)
4 to (h).
5 (4) An individual who is applying for certification as a
6 specialty heavy-duty truck mechanic is eligible for that
7 certification if he or she passes an examination in the repair
8 category that relates to that specialty. An individual who is
9 applying for certification as a master heavy-duty truck mechanic is
10 eligible for that certification if he or she passes the
11 examinations in all repair categories listed in subsection (2)(a)
12 to (f).
13 (5) An individual who is applying for certification as a
14 master motorcycle mechanic is eligible for that certification if he
15 or she passes an examination pertaining to all mechanical aspects
16 of motorcycle repair.
17 (6) An individual who is applying for certification as a
18 recreational trailer mechanic is eligible for that certification if
19 he or she passes an examination pertaining to all mechanical
20 aspects of the installation, service, and repair of recreational
21 trailer equipment. As used in this subsection, "recreational
22 trailer equipment" includes recreational trailer brakes,
23 suspension, wheels, or axles; adaptations and alterations made to
24 towing vehicles; and other items of equipment on a recreational
25 trailer required under sections 683 to 711 of the Michigan vehicle
26 code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.683 to 257.711.
27 Sec. 11. (1) Before a person offers to engage in or engages An
1 individual shall not engage or offer to engage in employment as a
2 specialty or master mechanic
, that person shall apply for and
3 receive if he or she
has not applied for and received a
certificate
4 for that employment from the department. Application An applicant
5 for a specialty or master mechanic's certificate shall be made
6 submit to the administrator, on a form provided by the department,
7 and shall include:all
of the following information and the results
8 of the required examinations:
9 (a) The name and home address of the applicant.
10 (b) The repair category or categories for which the applicant
11 is applying. and the results of the required examinations.
12 (c) The number of years the applicant has worked as a motor
13 vehicle mechanic for compensation and the education or training he
14 has had to prepare him for work as a motor vehicle mechanic,
15 specialty mechanic, or master mechanic.
16 (d) The states or jurisdictions in which the applicant is
17 licensed or certified to work as a motor vehicle mechanic,
18 specialty mechanic, or master mechanic.
19 (e) A copy of an irrevocable appointment of the secretary of
20 state as the applicant's agent for service of process.
21 (f) Other relevant information as required by the
22 administrator. shall require.
23 (2) The term of a master mechanic's certificate is 1 year. An
24 individual may renew a master mechanic's certificate by providing
25 all of the information described in subsection (1)(a) to (f), on a
26 form provided by the administrator, and paying the renewal fee
27 described in section 30.
1 (3) The term of a specialty certificate is 1 year. The
2 administrator may only renew a specialty certificate if the
3 individual who is applying for renewal provides all of the
4 information described in subsection (1)(a) to (f), on a form
5 provided by the administrator, pays the renewal fee described in
6 section 30, and, if applicable, meets 1 of the following:
7 (a) If he or she is seeking to renew a certification as a
8 mechanic in the area of automobile and light truck engine tune-up
9 and performance, in the 1998 calendar year or in any fifth calendar
10 year after 1998, does 1 of the following:
11 (i) Takes and passes a test given or approved by the
12 administrator.
13 (ii) Presents proof that he or she has successfully completed
14 an acceptable course of training in automobile and light truck
15 engine tune-up and performance provided by an approved educational
16 institution, motor vehicle manufacturer, or distributor.
17 (iii) Presents a valid, current certification in automobile
18 and light truck engine tune-up and performance, or a comparable
19 category, from the National Institute for Automotive Service
20 Excellence or another mechanic certification organization approved
21 by the administrator.
22 (b) If he or she is seeking to renew a certification as a
23 mechanic in the area of automobile and light truck electrical
24 systems, in the 1999 calendar year or in any fifth calendar year
25 after 1999, does 1 of the following:
26 (i) Takes and passes a test given or approved by the
27 administrator.
1 (ii) Presents proof that he or she has successfully completed
2 an acceptable course of training in automobile and light truck
3 engine electrical systems provided by an approved educational
4 institution, motor vehicle manufacturer, or distributor.
5 (iii) Presents a valid, current certification in automobile
6 and light truck engine electrical systems, or a comparable
7 category, from the National Institute for Automotive Service
8 Excellence or another mechanic certification organization approved
9 by the administrator.
10 (c) If he or she is seeking to renew a certification as a
11 mechanic in the area of automobile and light truck brakes and
12 braking systems, in the 2000 calendar year or in any fifth calendar
13 year after 2000, does 1 of the following:
14 (i) Takes and passes a test given or approved by the
15 administrator.
16 (ii) Presents proof that he or she has successfully completed
17 an acceptable course of training in automobile and light truck
18 engine brakes and braking systems provided by an approved
19 educational institution, motor vehicle manufacturer, or
20 distributor.
21 (iii) Presents a valid, current certification in automobile
22 and light truck brakes and braking systems, or a comparable
23 category, from the National Institute for Automotive Service
24 Excellence or another mechanic certification organization approved
25 by the administrator.
26 Sec. 12. An applicant shall be required to have passed an
27 examination which is designed to test the competency to correctly
1 diagnose and repair motor vehicles in the specific category for
2 which the applicant is applying. The examination shall be written
3 or oral or practical.All
of the following apply to a certification
4 examination under this act:
5 (a) An examination shall be written, except that the
6 administrator may allow an individual to take an oral or practical
7 examination if the administrator determines that the individual
8 meets 1 of the following:
9 (i) He or she has special language problems that preclude the
10 possibility of passing a standard English language examination.
11 (ii) He or she was unsuccessful on the written examination.
12 (b) The administrator shall review examinations that are being
13 given by private or public agencies, including the department of
14 education. If the administrator approves an agency for the purposes
15 of administering examinations, the prospective an
applicant may
16 take the an examination
administered by that agency, and the
17 testing agency shall forward the results to the administrator for
18 review and verification, or the prospective applicant may take such
19 the examination as may be
developed and given by the administrator,
20 if any.
21 (c) An examination shall be given at places and times
22 determined by the administrator.
23 (d) The results of an examination are not final until approved
24 by the administrator. The administrator shall forward the results
25 of an examination to the applicant or to the applicant's authorized
26 representative.
27 Sec. 13. (1) If a person an individual is unable to
obtain a
1 certificate as a specialty or master mechanic as provided in under
2 this act, and that person individual desires to become
a specialty
3 or master mechanic, he or
she may make application apply
for a
4 mechanic trainee permit on the a form prescribed or
approved by the
5 administrator. The administrator shall issue or approve a mechanic
6 trainee permit to an applicant who qualifies under the rules
7 promulgated for that purpose. A person
8 (2) If an individual is unable to renew a specialty
9 certification as a mechanic in the area of automobile and light
10 truck engine tune-up and performance, automobile and light truck
11 electrical systems, or automobile and light truck brakes and
12 braking systems because he or she does not meet the requirements of
13 section 11(3)(a), (b), or (c), he or she may apply for a mechanic
14 trainee permit, on a form prescribed or approved by the
15 administrator, if he or she meets all legal requirements for the
16 permit and was not issued a mechanic trainee permit by the
17 administrator in the 3-year period before the administrator
18 receives his or her application for the mechanic trainee permit
19 under this subsection.
20 (3) All of the following apply to a mechanic trainee described
21 in this section:
22 (a) An individual who qualifies as a mechanic trainee may
23 retain that status for a period of not more than 2 years.
24 (b) A mechanic trainee who is employed by a motor vehicle
25 repair facility shall be is required to work under
the direct
26 supervision of a specialty or master mechanic during the full time
27 of his or her employment.
1 (c) The administrator
shall by rule establish and operate a
2 mechanic trainee training program designed to provide the training
3 necessary to become certified under this act. Instead of
4 establishing and operating the program, the administrator may
5 appoint schools, academies, or other similar establishments select
6 1 or more approved educational institutions to engage in mechanic
7 trainee training. if those establishments, schools, or academies
8 meet the criteria established by the administrator, after
9 consultation with the department of education and the United States
10 department of labor, bureau of apprenticeship and training. The
11 establishments may be designated by the administrator to engage in
12 a continuing education and training program for specialty and
13 master mechanics.
14 Sec. 13a. (1) The administrator shall evaluate and may approve
15 a school, academy, or other similar establishment that intends to
16 provide training to mechanics or mechanic trainees under this act.
17 (2) All of the following apply to the approval of a school,
18 academy, or similar establishment by the administrator under
19 subsection (1):
20 (a) An establishment seeking approval shall submit an
21 application for approval to the administrator. The administrator
22 shall determine the form and content of the application. The
23 application shall include supporting materials required by the
24 administrator.
25 (b) The administrator shall review an application and
26 supporting materials submitted under subdivision (a) and shall
27 approve, deny approval of, or withdraw approval from the training
1 program offered to mechanics and mechanic trainees by the
2 establishment.
3 (c) In evaluating an establishment for approval, the
4 administrator shall consider all of the following factors:
5 (i) Accreditation or lack of accreditation by a recognized
6 accreditation agency.
7 (ii) Quantity and quality of classroom training provided.
8 (iii) Course objectives.
9 (iv) Number, quality, and age of tools, equipment, and
10 materials made available to students.
11 (v) Percentage of class time spent in hands-on training.
12 (vi) Qualifications of instructors and other staff.
13 (vii) Quality, quantity, and accessibility of records
14 maintained by the establishment.
15 (viii) Class size and location.
16 (ix) Quality of testing administered.
17 (x) Other related factors the administrator considers
18 relevant.
19 (3) The administrator may contract with approved educational
20 institutions to provide training or testing required under this
21 act.
22 Sec. 13b. (1) A certified specialty or master mechanic shall
23 display, in a conspicuous location in the place of business where
24 he or she is employed or engaged to perform repairs, a current and
25 valid certificate issued by the administrator.
26 (2) If a certified mechanic works on, inspects and approves,
27 or supervises a repair, he or she shall affix his or her name and
1 certification number, as assigned by the administrator, to the
2 written statement of repairs given the customer under section 34.
3 (3) A certified specialty or master mechanic or mechanic
4 trainee shall not depart from, or disregard in any material
5 respect, accepted motor vehicle repair industry standards.
6 Compliance with published vehicle manufacturer, parts manufacturer,
7 equipment manufacturer, or recognized aftermarket repair manual
8 specifications creates a presumption that the mechanic or mechanic
9 trainee has followed accepted motor vehicle repair industry
10 standards.
11 (4) If the administrator, after notice and a hearing,
12 determines that a specialty or master mechanic or mechanic trainee
13 has violated subsection (3), the administrator may, under section
14 21, require that the specialty or master mechanic or mechanic
15 trainee do both of the following:
16 (a) Successfully complete a designated training course or
17 program as a prerequisite to continued certification.
18 (b) Only perform specific motor vehicle repairs or repair
19 procedures identified by the administrator until the training
20 course or program described in subdivision (a) is completed.
21 Sec. 14. A The
owner of a motor vehicle repair
facility shall
22 be registered by the owner register
the facility by providing all
23 of the following information to the administrator, on a
24 registration form provided by the administrator, which shall
25 disclose the following information:accompanied by a registration
26 fee in an amount determined under section 30:
27 (a) The name, address, and form of ownership of the facility,
1 and for if the
owner is a corporation, the date and
place of
2 incorporation.
3 (b) The name and address of each of its the owner's resident
4 agents, officers, directors, and partners in the this state, as
5 applicable.
6 (c) The principal occupation or business for the past 5 years
7 of every officer, director, and partner, and each owner of 10% or
8 more of the facility, and any person occupying a similar status or
9 performing similar functions.all of the following, as applicable:
10 (i) Each person that owns 10% or more of the facility.
11 (ii) For each owner described in subparagraph (i), every
12 officer and director if the owner is a corporation; every partner
13 if the owner is a partnership; and any other person that occupies a
14 similar status or performs similar functions.
15 (d) A description of the repair facility to be
registered as
16 specified by rule.that
includes all of the following:
17 (i) The type of service business the facility operates.
18 (ii) The type of repairs the facility performs.
19 (iii) The type of vehicles the facility services.
20 (iv) The number of mechanics the facility employs who perform
21 repairs.
22 (v) The range of gross revenue received by the facility from
23 performing repairs, including revenue from parts and goods sold in
24 conjunction with repairs, for the most recent federal income tax
25 year.
26 (vi) Measured in square feet, the size of that part of the
27 facility utilized for performing repairs.
1 (e) An irrevocable appointment of the secretary of state as
2 the agent for the facility for service of process.
3 (f) A copy of the documents, instruments, forms, contracts, or
4 other papers known to be each
instrument, form, contract, or other
5 document used by the applicant in dealing with the public in the
6 repair of motor vehicles, as specified by rule.including, but not
7 limited to, all of the following:
8 (i) Any document on which the facility routinely requires the
9 customer's signature.
10 (ii) Any document used by the facility in connection with
11 providing estimates, diagnoses, or repairs.
12 (iii) Any invoices, warranties, or waivers.
13 (iv) Any other document used by the facility to comply with
14 this act or rules promulgated under this act.
15 (g) Other Any
other relevant information as required by the
16 administrator. shall require.
17 Sec. 15. (1) A motor vehicle repair facility registration
18 under this act takes effect on the date it is approved by the
19 administrator and expires 1 year after that date. The owner of a
20 motor vehicle repair facility shall renew its registration annually
21 and shall submit an application for renewal of the registration,
22 accompanied by a registration fee in an amount determined under
23 section 30, with the administrator at least 30 days before the
24 expiration of its then-current registration.
25 (2) A motor vehicle repair facility may continue to operate
26 after the expiration date of its then-current registration, pending
27 approval of the renewal application by the administrator, if the
1 renewal application and renewal fee are received by the
2 administrator on or before the expiration date. If a renewal
3 application and renewal fee are filed after the expiration date,
4 the facility may operate from the day on which the application and
5 appropriate fee are received by the administrator, pending approval
6 of the renewal application. The administrator shall charge a fee of
7 1-1/2 times the normal registration fee if the renewal application
8 is received by the administrator after the expiration date.
9 (3) A business
maintaining person that owns more than 1 motor
10 vehicle repair facility shall file a single registration form for
11 all of those facilities annually,
which that along with the other
12 information required by under
this act, clearly indicates the
13 location of and the individual in charge of each facility, .
Fees
14 shall be paid separately for each location.and shall pay a separate
15 registration fee for each of those facilities.
16 Sec. 16. (1) If there is a change in ownership of a motor
17 vehicle repair facility, a new registration and payment of a new
18 registration fee is required and the facility shall not operate
19 until its registration application is approved by the administrator
20 and the fee is paid. If a name or address of the motor vehicle
21 repair facility changes, not involving a change of ownership, and
22 there is not a change of ownership, the facility shall notify the
23 administrator in writing of the change . Appropriate and shall make
24 the appropriate changes should
be made on the next renewal
25 registration when due.
26 (2) If the owner of a motor vehicle repair facility is a
27 corporation, and 10% or more of the stock of the corporation is
1 sold or transferred, the owner shall notify the administrator of
2 that change within 30 days of the sale or transfer.
3 (3) As used in this section, "change of ownership" means a
4 sale of all or part of a facility to a new owner. The term includes
5 a sale or transfer of a partnership interest in the owner of a
6 facility if the owner is a partnership. The term does not include
7 the sale or transfer of stock in the owner of a facility if the
8 owner is a corporation.
9 Sec. 17. (1) The owner of a facility that is registered
10 facility or a facility or
is required to be registered register
11 under this act shall be ensure
that the facility is open to
12 inspection by the administrator and other law enforcement officials
13 during reasonable business hours. During reasonable business hours,
14 the administrator and other law enforcement officials may make
15 periodic unannounced inspections of the premises, parts records,
16 and parts inventories of facilities.a facility.
17 (2) A person who hinders, obstructs, or otherwise prevents an
18 inspection is in violation of this act.shall not hinder, obstruct,
19 or otherwise prevent an inspection under this section or section 18
20 or 18a.
21 (3) As used in this section, "reasonable business hours"
22 includes any posted or advertised business hours of a facility.
23 Sec. 18. (1) A The
owner of a motor vehicle repair facility
24 shall maintain reasonable
business records as are required by
rules
25 promulgated to carry out this act. The records shall be for the
26 facility and ensure that those records are open for reasonable
27 inspection by the administrator or other law enforcement officials.
1 and shall be maintained by the facility for not less than 5
2 years.As used in this
subsection, "reasonable business records"
3 includes those documents and records described in subsection (2)(a)
4 to (c).
5 (2) The owner of a motor vehicle repair facility shall retain
6 the records of the facility for the following time periods:
7 (a) The owner shall retain copies of each instrument, form,
8 contract, or other document used in connection with a repair
9 transaction, including, but not limited to, all of the following
10 for at least 1 year after completion of the repair transaction:
11 (i) Any document on which the facility required the customer's
12 signature.
13 (ii) Any document used by the facility in connection with
14 providing an estimate, diagnosis, or repair.
15 (iii) Any invoice, warranty, or waiver.
16 (iv) Any other document used by the facility to record or
17 convey the terms of the transaction.
18 (v) Any other document required under this act or rules
19 promulgated under this act in connection with a repair transaction.
20 (b) If a facility is advised by the administrator that he or
21 she has received a complaint about a repair transaction performed
22 by the facility, and the facility is under investigation by the
23 administrator, the owner shall retain records relating to the
24 transaction or otherwise relevant to the complaint until the date
25 the administrator advises the facility in writing that the
26 complaint is closed, or for 1 year after the completion of the
27 repair transaction, whichever is later.
1 (c) If a repair transaction involves the assumption by the
2 facility of an obligation extending beyond 1 year, the owner shall
3 retain records or documents relating to that obligation for at
4 least the term of the obligation.
5 (d) For any other document or record than those described in
6 subdivision (a), (b), or (c), the owner shall retain that document
7 or record for at least 3 years.
8 (3) (2) A
facility that engages in vehicle body work shall
9 maintain records in a form prescribed by the administrator. The
10 records shall contain the date of purchase or acquisition of each
11 distressed vehicle, a description of the vehicle, and the name and
12 address of the person from whom which the vehicle was
acquired. If
13 the vehicle is sold, the record shall contain the date of sale and
14 the name and address of the purchaser. The record shall indicate
15 whether a certificate of title or salvage certificate of title was
16 obtained by the facility
for the vehicle. In the case of If the
17 vehicle is a late model vehicle, the facility shall maintain a
18 record of the purchase or sale of each major component part
19 purchased or acquired shall be maintained by the facility for the
20 vehicle. The record shall contain the date of purchase or
21 acquisition of the part, a description of the part, the
22 identification number assigned to the part, and the name and
23 address of the person to or from whom which the
part was purchased,
24 acquired, or sold. The
25 (4) A facility shall maintain or attach the record of the a
26 sale, purchase, or acquisition of a major component part shall be
27 maintained in or attached to
a police book as described in section
1 251 of the Michigan vehicle code, Act No. 300 of the Public Acts of
2 1949, being section 257.251 of the Michigan Compiled Laws. The
3 facility's 1949 PA
300, MCL 257.251. A facility shall make its
4 police book and the its
records of vehicle part sales,
purchases,
5 or acquisitions shall immediately be made immediately available for
6 inspection by the administrator and other law enforcement officials
7 after if a request for inspection is made.
8 (5) (3) Nothing in this section shall This section does not
9 authorize a facility to engage in the business of dealing in
10 vehicles or salvageable parts without a dealer's license under the
11 Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.1 to 257.923.
12 Sec. 19. In the event of loss, destruction, or mutilation of a
13 registration, certificate, or
trainee permit, the person to whom
14 which it was issued may
obtain a duplicate copy upon replacement
by
15 furnishing satisfactory proof of the loss, destruction, or
16 mutilation and paying the fee as determined by rule.required under
17 section 30. An application for a replacement registration,
18 certificate, or trainee permit shall include all of the following
19 information:
20 (a) The name and address of the applicant.
21 (b) An explanation of the loss, destruction, or mutilation of
22 the original registration, certificate, or permit.
23 Sec. 20. (1) Registrations and certificates including
mechanic
24 trainee permits shall be renewed as determined by rule.A
25 certification as a specialty or master mechanic under this act
26 takes effect on the date it is approved by the administrator and
27 expires 1 year after that date. A specialty or master mechanic may
1 annually renew his or her certification by submitting an
2 application for renewal, accompanied by the certification fee
3 described in section 30, with the administrator on or before the
4 expiration date of his or her then-current certification.
5 (2) A mechanic may continue to function as a certified
6 mechanic after the expiration date of his or her then-current
7 certification, pending approval of the renewal application by the
8 administrator, if the renewal application and renewal fee are
9 received by the administrator on or before the expiration date. If
10 a renewal application and renewal fee are filed after the
11 expiration date, the mechanic may temporarily engage in repairs
12 without a certificate from the day on which the application and
13 appropriate fee are received by the administrator, pending approval
14 of the renewal application. The administrator shall charge a fee of
15 1-1/2 times the normal renewal fee if the renewal application is
16 received by the administrator after the expiration date.
17 Sec. 21. (1) If the administrator determines after notice and
18 a hearing that a person has violated this act or a rule promulgated
19 pursuant to it, or engaged in an unfair or deceptive method, act,
20 or practice, under
this act, directly or through an agent
or
21 employee, he or she may issue an order requiring the person to
22 cease and desist from the unlawful act or practice violation or to
23 take such an affirmative action as that in
the judgment of the
24 administrator will would
carry out the purposes of this act.
25 (2) If the department administrator makes a
finding of fact in
26 writing that the public interest will be irreparably harmed by
27 delay in issuing an order, it he or she may issue a
temporary cease
1 and desist order. Prior to Before issuing the temporary
cease and
2 desist order, the administrator when possible by telephone or
3 otherwise shall give notice of the proposal to issue a temporary
4 cease and desist order to the facility. A temporary cease and
5 desist order shall include in its terms a provision that upon on
6 request the administrator
shall hold a hearing shall be held within
7 30 days to determine whether or not the order shall become
8 permanent.
9 Sec. 22. (1) The administrator may deny, suspend, or revoke a
10 registration, certificate, or mechanic trainee permit after notice
11 and opportunity for a hearing take any administrative action
12 described in subsection (2) if the administrator determines that
13 the a facility, mechanic, or trainee, did
or a stockholder,
14 officer, director, or partner of a facility that is a corporation
15 or partnership, does 1 or more of the following:
16 (a) Engaged in a method, act, or practice that is unfair or
17 deceptive or made Makes
an untrue statement of a material fact.
18 (b) Violated Violates
this act or a rule promulgated under
19 this act.
20 (c) Violated Violates
a condition of probation.
21 (d) Made Makes
unnecessary repairs or repairs not
authorized
22 by the customer.
23 (e) Refused Refuses
to honor warranties made by a facility.
24 (f) Caused or allowed Causes or allows a customer
to sign a
25 document in blank relating to the repair of a motor vehicle.
26 (g) Was Is enjoined by a court of competent jurisdiction from
27 engaging in the trade or business of repairing motor vehicles or
1 from a violation of this act or a rule promulgated under this act.
2 (h) If the applicant is a corporation or partnership, a
3 stockholder, officer, director, or partner of the applicant was
4 guilty of an act or omission that would be a cause for refusing,
5 revoking, or suspending a license issued to the officer, director,
6 or partner as an individual.
7 (h) (i) Failed Fails to comply with the
terms of a final cease
8 and desist order.
9 (i) (j) Was Is
convicted of a violation of this act.
10 (j) (k) Used Uses the waiver of liability
provision in an
11 attempt to evade this act.
12 (k) (l) Was Is convicted
of a violation of Act No. 119 of the
13 Public Acts of 1986, being sections 257.1351 to 257.1355 of the
14 Michigan Compiled Laws.1986
PA 119, MCL 257.1351 to 257.1355.
15 (l) (m) Was Is convicted
under section 413, 415, 535, 535a, or
16 536a of the Michigan penal code, Act No. 328 of the Public Acts of
17 1931, being sections 750.413, 750.415, 750.535, 750.535a, and
18 750.536a of the Michigan Compiled Laws, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.413,
19 750.415, 750.535, 750.535a, and 750.536a, or has been convicted in
20 another state of a violation of a law substantially corresponding
21 to 1 of those sections 413, 415, 535, 535a, 536, and 536a of
the
22 Michigan penal code. , Act No. 328 of the Public Acts of 1931.
23 (2) After notice and opportunity for a hearing, the
24 administrator may do 1 or more of the following if he or she
25 determines that a facility, mechanic, or trainee, or a stockholder,
26 officer, director, or partner of a facility that is a corporation
27 or partnership, violates subsection (1):
1 (a) Place a limitation on a registration, certificate, or
2 mechanic trainee permit.
3 (b) Suspend a registration, certificate, or mechanic trainee
4 permit.
5 (c) Deny a registration, certificate, or mechanic trainee
6 permit or renewal of a registration, certificate, or mechanic
7 trainee permit.
8 (d) Revoke a registration, certificate, or mechanic trainee
9 permit.
10 (e) Censure the person that holds a registration, certificate,
11 or mechanic trainee permit.
12 (3) As an alternative or in addition to administrative action
13 under subsection (2) for a violation or alleged violation of
14 subsection (1), the director may, by written agreement with a
15 person that holds a registration, certificate, or mechanic trainee
16 permit, place a registration, certificate, or mechanic trainee
17 permit on probation and include conditions of probation in the
18 agreement.
19 (4) The remedies and sanctions under this act are independent
20 and cumulative. The use of a remedy or sanction under this act,
21 including, but not limited to, administrative action by the
22 director under subsection (2) or an agreement for probation under
23 subsection (3), does not bar other lawful remedies and sanctions
24 against a person and does not limit a person's criminal or civil
25 liability under law.
26 Sec. 30. (1) The registration fee for the registration of a
27 facility shall be is
determined by a sliding fee scale that is
1 based upon on the gross annual revenue of the facility, as
follows:
2 GROSS ANNUAL REVENUE FEE
3 under $5,000.00................................ $ 25.00
4 $5,001.00 to $15,000.00........................ 50.00
5 $15,001.00 to $25,000.00....................... 75.00
6 $25,001.00 to $40,000.00....................... 100.00
7 $40,001.00 to $60,000.00....................... 125.00
8 $60,001.00 to $80,000.00....................... 150.00
9 $80,001.00 to $100,000.00...................... 175.00
10 $100,001.00 to 120,000.00...................... 200.00
11 $120,001.00 to 140,000.00...................... 225.00
12 $140,001.00 to $160,000.00..................... 250.00
13 $160,001.00 to $180,000.00..................... 275.00
14 $180,001.00 to $200,000.00..................... 300.00
15 $200,001.00 to $220,000.00..................... 325.00
16 $220,001.00 to $240,000.00..................... 350.00
17 $240,001.00 to $260,000.00..................... 375.00
18 $260,001.00 to $280,000.00..................... 400.00
19 $280,001.00 to $300,000.00..................... 425.00
20 $300,001.00 to $320,000.00..................... 450.00
21 $320,001.00 to $340,000.00..................... 475.00
22 over $340,000.00............................... 500.00
23 (2) The certificate fee for the certification of specialty and
24 master mechanics and the permit fee of mechanic trainees shall be
25 set by rule.
26 (3) The fee for the renewal of the registration of a facility,
1 certification of a specialty or master mechanic, including a permit
2 of a mechanic trainee shall be set by rule. The effective length of
3 original and renewal registrations, certificates, and permits shall
4 be set by rule and shall not be less than 1 year in duration. The
5 renewal fee for a registration, certificate, or permit that has
6 expired shall be 1-1/2 times the fee for the renewal of a
7 registration, certificate, or permit that has not expired.
8 (2) The examination, application, certificate, and renewal
9 fees for the certification of mechanics are as follows:
10 (a) Each certification examination administered by the
11 administrator, $6.00.
12 (b) Application for original certificate, $25.00. However, any
13 of the following may apply for an original specialty or master
14 mechanic certificate without paying a fee under this subdivision:
15 (i) An individual who is currently certified by the
16 administrator in at least 1 repair category may apply for
17 certification in 1 or more additional repair categories without
18 paying a fee under this subdivision.
19 (ii) A mechanic trainee who presents proof that he or she has
20 successfully completed 30 or more hours of continuing mechanic
21 education courses given by an approved educational institution
22 during the 5-year period immediately preceding the date the trainee
23 submits the application for certification.
24 (iii) An individual who served in the armed forces; was
25 separated from that service; and provides to the administrator a
26 form DD214, a form DD215, or any other form that is satisfactory to
27 the administrator that demonstrates that the individual was
1 separated from that service, with an honorable character of service
2 or under honorable conditions (general) character of service.
3 (c) Application for renewal certificate, $20.00.
4 (d) Replacement certificate, $5.00.
5 (3) The permit fees for a mechanic trainee are as follows:
6 (a) Application for a mechanic trainee permit, $20.00.
7 However, either of the following may apply for a mechanic trainee
8 permit without paying a fee under this subdivision:
9 (i) An individual who is currently certified by the
10 administrator in at least 1 repair category.
11 (ii) A student who is currently enrolled in a vocational
12 education or special education program that includes employment by
13 a motor vehicle repair facility; that is approved by the department
14 of education; and for which the student receives credit toward the
15 award of a high school or special education diploma.
16 (b) Replacement of trainee permit, $5.00.
17 (4) As used in this section:
18 (a) "Armed forces" means that term as defined in section 2 of
19 the veteran right to employment services act, 1994 PA 39, MCL
20 35.1092.
21 (b) "Gross annual revenue" means a facility's gross revenue
22 from performing repairs, including parts and goods sold in
23 conjunction with repairs, in its most recently completed federal
24 income tax year, or, if the facility has not been in business for a
25 complete federal income tax year, the facility's reasonably
26 anticipated gross revenue for its first full federal income tax
27 year of operation.
1 Sec. 32. (1) A Before
beginning repair work, a motor vehicle
2 repair facility shall give to the customer a written estimate ,
3 itemizing that
itemizes as closely as possible the
price for labor
4 and parts necessary for a specific job prior to the commencement of
5 the work. A facility shall not charge for work done or parts
6 supplied in excess of the estimated price, or in excess of the
7 limit stated by the customer in the waiver provided for described
8 in subsection (3), without the knowing written or oral consent of
9 the customer, which shall be obtained at some time after it
is
10 determined the facility
determines that the estimated price or
11 stated limit is insufficient and before any work that is not
12 estimated or is in excess of the limit is done or the parts that
13 are not estimated or are in excess of the limit are supplied. If a
14 waiver is not signed as provided in under subsection
(3) and the
15 estimated price is exceeded by not more than 10% or $10.00 $50.00,
16 whichever is lesser, the facility is not required to obtain the
17 written or oral consent of the customer for the excess charge need
18 not be obtained unless
specifically requested by the customer. This
19 section shall not be construed as requiring a motor vehicle repair
20 facility, mechanic, or mechanic trainee to give a written estimated
21 price if he the
facility, mechanic, or trainee agrees
not to
22 perform the requested repair. If the actual cost of a repair is
23 less than the agreed upon on estimated cost, the
customer shall pay
24 only the actual cost.
25 (2) If the a
facility or mechanic informs the
customer that
26 the price for repair will exceed the written estimate or the stated
27 limit in the waiver and the customer does not want the repair work
1 performed, then the customer is liable responsible for all
2 reasonable costs to return the vehicle to the condition it was when
3 in at the time it entered
the facility. These The
facility shall
4 indicate those costs should
be indicated in written form, itemizing
5 the costs as closely as possible with a copy given to the customer.
6 The cost of a diagnosis to be made by the facility, whether or
not
7 the customer authorizes the
facility to perform those repairs, to
8 be performed, shall be contained
included in the written estimate
9 before the diagnosis is undertaken.
10 (3) If a customer initiates a request for service or parts for
11 the repair of a motor vehicle without receiving a written estimate
12 and voluntarily agrees to pay all reasonable costs of repair up to
13 an amount stated by the customer, a repair facility may obtain
from
14 the customer a waiver of his or her right to receive a prior
15 estimate of repair costs. The waiver shall be in 14 point or larger
16 bold capital type face and executed with 1 copy to the customer who
17 is requesting the repairs. and
The waiver shall read as follows:
18 "I, __________, voluntarily request authorize __________ to
19 provide services or parts in the repair of the below described
20 motor vehicle without receiving an estimate of repair costs. By
21 signing this form, I understand that I will give up my right to:
22 1. Receive a written estimate of the cost for repairs;
23 2. Approve in advance any repairs or costs with a total cost
24 under $ __________; and
25 3. Refuse to pay for repairs with a total cost less than the
26 amount stated above.
27 The facility may exceed the amount stated above only after I
1 give my written or oral approval.
2 Motor vehicle description:
3 Customer signature _______________
4 Date __________
5 Time __________".
6 (4) This waiver shall not be effective unless A waiver
7 described in subsection (3) is not effective unless it is given by
8 the customer voluntarily and with full knowledge of the
9 implications of the waiver. A motor vehicle repair facility or
10 anyone in its employ shall not make use of the a waiver described
11 in subsection (3) in an attempt to evade this act.
12 (5) A motor vehicle repair facility shall at all times
13 display, in a place and manner conspicuous to its customers, a
14 current and valid certificate of repair facility registration
15 issued by the administrator.
16 (6) A motor vehicle repair facility shall include its
17 registration number, as assigned by the administrator, on each copy
18 of any instrument, form, contract, or other document used by the
19 applicant in dealing with the public in the repair of motor
20 vehicles, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
21 (a) Any document on which the facility routinely requires the
22 customer's signature.
23 (b) Any document used by the facility in connection with
24 providing estimates, diagnoses, or repairs.
25 (c) Any invoices, warranties, or waivers.
26 (d) Any other document used by the facility to comply with
27 this act or rules promulgated under this act.
1 Sec. 32a. (1) A motor vehicle repair facility shall display a
2 consumer information sign. The sign shall contain 11 lines of
3 lettering worded substantially as follows:
4 THIS ESTABLISHMENT IS REGISTERED WITH THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF
5 STATE AND IS REQUIRED BY LAW TO FURNISH A CUSTOMER WITH A:
6 (1) WRITTEN ESTIMATE IF REPAIRS WILL BE $50 OR MORE OR ON REQUEST
7 IF REPAIRS WILL BE LESS THAN $50.
8 (2) DETAILED STATEMENT OF LABOR AND PARTS SUPPLIED. QUESTIONS
9 REGARDING SERVICE WORK SHOULD BE DIRECTED FIRST TO THE MANAGER OF
10 THIS REPAIR FACILITY.
11 MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF STATE
12 P.O. BOX ________, LANSING, MI 489____
13 TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE: 800 _________________
14 MON.-FRI., 8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.
15 (2) All of the following apply to a sign required under
16 subsection (1):
17 (a) It shall be rectangular in shape and at least 28 inches
18 high by 24 inches wide.
19 (b) It shall be constructed of durable material.
20 (c) The background of the sign shall be white.
21 (d) Print and other markings on the sign shall be black.
22 (e) The wording of the sign shall be printed in bold, block,
23 capital letters that are 1-inch high and 1/2-inch wide in lines 1,
24 2, 8, 9, and 10; 3/4-inch high and 1/2-inch wide in line 11; and
25 1/2-inch high and 3/8-inch wide in lines 3 to 7.
26 (f) The sign shall be laid out in a clearly legible fashion,
27 with the lettering arranged so that there is at least a 1/8-inch
1 space between any 2 letters within a line and at least a 1/2-inch
2 space between any 2 lines.
3 (g) The sign shall include the address and telephone numbers
4 of the department of state in lines 9 and 10, as provided by the
5 administrator.
6 (3) All of the following apply to the display of a sign
7 required under subsection (1) by a motor vehicle repair facility:
8 (a) The facility shall display the sign at each entrance to
9 the facility and at each cashier station. As used in this
10 subsection, "entrance to the facility" means each location in or
11 about the facility where customer repair service orders are
12 initially executed.
13 (b) The facility shall ensure that the sign is unobstructed
14 and clearly and readily visible to customers.
15 (c) If the facility is not enclosed or is a mobile facility,
16 the facility shall ensure that it is placed in an area where it is
17 easily noticeable to customers who are transacting business with
18 the facility.
19 (4) The administrator may require that a facility replace any
20 sign that does not meet all of the requirements of this section or
21 is no longer readily legible, or that the facility reposition any
22 sign that is improperly displayed.
23 Sec. 33. (1) The administrator shall determine by rule the
24 time and manner in which the A motor vehicle repair
facility shall
25 return replaced parts to the customer at the time of the completion
26 of the work. This requirement does not apply to parts exempted the
27 repair work is completed. All of the following apply to the
1 obligation to return replaced parts under this subsection:
2 (a) A facility is not required to return any of the following
3 replaced parts to the customer:
4 (i) Parts that are exempted from the return requirement by the
5 administrator because of size, weight, or similar factors. from
6 this requirement, and except for parts However, a facility shall
7 not prevent a customer from removing any heavy or large part, by
8 the customer's own means and at his or her expense.
9 (ii) Subject to subsection (3), parts that the motor vehicle
10 repair facility or mechanic is required to return to the
11 manufacturer or distributor under a warranty or exchange
12 arrangement. If the parts must be returned to the manufacturer or
13 distributor, the facility or mechanic shall offer to show and upon
14 acceptance of the offer or upon request shall show the parts to the
15 customer upon completion of the work, except the facility shall not
16 be required to show a replacement part when a charge is not being
17 made for the replacement thereof.
18 (iii) For reasons of safety, a gasoline tank or any other
19 container-type part that was filled with or was otherwise in
20 appreciable contact with flammable fuels, unless that part is
21 rendered nonflammable.
22 (b) If any returned part presents an actual danger of
23 flammability or explosiveness, the facility shall clearly inform
24 the customer of that danger.
25 (c) When the repair work is completed, if requested by the
26 customer, the facility shall reasonably clean the replaced parts
27 that are to be returned or inspected by the customer. The facility
1 shall place portable parts in a suitable container. The facility
2 shall store any parts that it identifies as not portable in a
3 suitable place in the facility for the customer's inspection.
4 (d) If a facility charges a fee to a customer in connection
5 with the return of replaced parts, the facility must disclose that
6 fee to the customer in writing before the customer engages the
7 facility to replace the part.
8 (2) A customer shall be informed of his right to receive or
9 see inspect replaced parts as provided in this section prior
to the
10 customer executing any document or engaging before the customer
11 executes any document or engages the facility or mechanic for the
12 work. The information shall be given Subject to subsection (5), the
13 facility shall provide this information to the customer by
14 providing the following notice to the customer, printed or
15 displayed on the face of any
contract, work order form, or sign, or
16 other document evidencing that evidences the
engagement of the
17 facility or mechanic or by separate written document, in at
least
18 12 point boldface type 12-point
boldfaced letters that are at least
19 4 points larger that the principal size of the letters in that
20 document, or providing the notice in a separate written document in
21 at least 12-point, boldfaced, capital letters, as follows:
22 YOU ARE ENTITLED BY LAW TO THE RETURN OF ALL PARTS REPLACED,
23 EXCEPT THOSE WHICH ARE TOO HEAVY OR LARGE, AND THOSE REQUIRED TO BE
24 SENT BACK TO THE MANUFACTURER OR DISTRIBUTOR BECAUSE OF WARRANTY
25 WORK OR AN EXCHANGE AGREEMENT. YOU ARE ENTITLED TO INSPECT THE
26 PARTS WHICH CANNOT BE RETURNED TO YOU.
27 (3) If a facility is obligated to return a replaced part to
1 the manufacturer or a distributor under a warranty agreement, or,
2 subject to subsection (4), under an exchange agreement, the
3 facility is not required to return that part to the customer.
4 However, the facility or mechanic shall offer the customer an
5 opportunity to inspect the replaced part. If the customer accepts
6 the offer to inspect the part, or otherwise requests to inspect the
7 part, the facility or mechanic shall allow the customer to inspect
8 the part when the repair work is completed. A facility is not
9 required to show a replacement part to a customer if the
10 replacement is made without charge to the customer.
11 (4) If replacement of a part is contingent on the facility
12 keeping the part under an exchange agreement, the facility shall
13 explain, in a manner understandable to the customer, the precise
14 terms of the exchange agreement, including if applicable a
15 disclosure of the price to the customer if he or she wishes to
16 reclaim the part. If a customer raises a question or dispute with
17 the facility within 2 business days after the delivery of the
18 repaired vehicle to the customer and the dispute involves an
19 exchange part for which the facility required the customer pay a
20 deposit in the amount of the facility's obligation, the facility
21 shall refund the deposit to the customer if he or she returns the
22 part to the facility.
23 (5) A facility that displays the notice described in
24 subsection (2) on a clearly legible sign with lettering at least 1
25 inch high, conspicuously displayed in the part of the facility
26 where customers routinely contract for repairs, is not required to
27 provide the notice to a customer in the form of a document
1 described in subsection (2).
2 (6) All of the following apply to the disposition of replaced
3 parts that are not returned to the customer:
4 (a) Unless subdivision (b) applies, the facility shall not
5 dispose of the parts for at least 2 business days after the
6 customer takes possession of the repaired vehicle, unless the
7 customer has specifically authorized immediate disposition of the
8 parts.
9 (b) If a customer questions or disputes repairs performed by a
10 facility or the charges for those repairs within 2 days after the
11 customer takes possession of the repaired vehicle, the facility
12 shall not dispose of the replaced parts until the question or
13 dispute is resolved. If the dispute involves the replaced part, the
14 facility shall, in the presence of the customer, immediately affix
15 to the part a permanent mark sufficient to identify the part.
16 (7) If requested by a customer, a facility shall explain
17 exactly why a replaced part is defective or nonfunctional, or
18 otherwise why it was replaced.
19 (8) (3) The
motor vehicle repair facility shall display a
20 clearly legible sign in a conspicuous place at the entrance of the
21 facility indicating that
indicates that customers may make
22 inquiries concerning repair service or complaints may be made to
23 the administrator and shall contain states the
address and
24 telephone number of the department.
25 Sec. 34a. Unless otherwise requested by the customer, the
26 requirement to furnish a written estimate shall under section 32
27 does not apply to repair work performed by a motor vehicle repair
1 facility when if the total cost for services and parts is less than
2 $20.00. Nothing in this, or any other $50.00. This section , shall
3 cause any repair facility to fail does not apply to or limit a
4 facility's obligation to
furnish to the customer a final invoice
5 for the repairs performed and the parts supplied.written statement
6 under section 34 that includes the actual cost of repairs.
7 Sec. 36. A facility that violates this act or who, in a course
8 of dealing as set forth in this act or rules, engages in an unfair
9 or deceptive method, act, or practice, is liable as provided in
10 this act, to a person who that suffers
damage or injury as a result
11 thereof of that
violation, in an amount equal to the
damages plus
12 reasonable attorney fees and costs. If the damage or injury to the
13 person occurs as the result of a wilful and flagrant violation of
14 this act, the person shall recover double the damages plus
15 reasonable attorney fees and costs from the facility.
16 Sec. 39. The department shall promulgate the rules to
17 implement this act within 6 months after the effective date of this
18 act. The remaining portions of this act, except as provided in
19 section 5, shall become effective 6 months after the rules are
20 promulgated.R 257.101
to 257.173 of the Michigan administrative
21 code are rescinded.
22 Enacting section 1. This amendatory act takes effect 90 days
23 after the date it is enacted into law.