PROPOSED RULES
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 02-06-046.
Title of Rule: Chapter 44-10 WAC, Arbitration and the arbitration process.
Subject: Definitions, procedures, activities, of the Lemon Law Administration, the New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board, consumers, manufacturers, arbitrators and expert motor vehicle technicians pursuant to chapter 19.118 RCW, the Motor Vehicle Warranties Act, generally known as the Lemon Law.
Purpose: (1) Amend definition of "Settlement" to include the category of vehicle reacquired by manufacturers through dispute resolution program other than that established by statute when the program uses standards equivalent to chapter 19.118 RCW; (2) and (3) make editorial and procedural revisions to reflect procedural changes regarding activities of the New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board and the Lemon Law Administration.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 19.118.080(2), 19.118.061.
Statute Being Implemented: Chapter 19.118 RCW.
Summary: (1) Amend chapter 44-10 WAC to modify definition of "Settlement" to include vehicles reacquired by a manufacturer resulting from an award of a manufacturer sponsored dispute resolution program based on standards equivalent to or directly taken from chapter 19.118 RCW and to require title notations and written resale disclosure to a subsequent retail purchaser/lessee; (2) make procedural revisions to provide for the Attorney General's Office to prepare and distribute various correspondence and notices for the Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board; (3) make procedural revisions to special master arbitrator procedures.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: (1) Clarification of vehicle title notation and resale requirements for some manufacturer reacquired vehicles reacquired under manufacturer-sponsored dispute programs using equivalent standards as chapter 19.118 RCW; (2) and (3) the changes will clarify, establish greater efficiency and result in cost savings in activities of the Lemon Law Administration and the New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board relating to consumer and manufacturer contacts, correspondence, notices and records maintenance.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Paul N. Corning, 900 4th Avenue, Suite 2000, Seattle, WA 98164-1012, (206) 464-6372.
Name of Proponent: Washington Attorney General, governmental.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: The rule making proposal's specific provisions include the following:
WAC 44-10-010 Definitions, add definition of agency unit, "Lemon Law Administration," add clarification of "settlement" to include, in some instances, a consumer's acceptance of a decision or award for repurchase or replacement of a vehicle from a manufacturer sponsored dispute resolution program which results in the manufacturer reacquiring the defective vehicle.
WAC 44-10-050 Assignment to board, procedural modification for efficiency and cost effectiveness.
WAC 44-10-060 Powers and duties of arbitration special master, procedural modification for efficiency and cost effectiveness.
WAC 44-10-070 Manufacturer's statement, procedural modification for efficiency and cost effectiveness.
WAC 44-10-080 Manufacturer's option to request a viewing of motor vehicle, procedural modification for efficiency and cost effectiveness.
WAC 44-10-100 Subpoenas, procedural modification for efficiency and cost effectiveness.
WAC 44-10-110 Scheduling of arbitration hearings, procedural modification for efficiency and cost effectiveness.
WAC 44-10-120 Withdrawal, procedural modification for efficiency and cost effectiveness.
WAC 44-10-130 Defaults, procedural modification for efficiency and cost effectiveness.
WAC 44-10-140 Representation of parties, procedural modification for efficiency and cost effectiveness.
WAC 44-10-150 Settlement of dispute, procedural modification for efficiency and cost effectiveness.
WAC 44-10-160 Use of technical expert, procedural modification for efficiency and cost effectiveness.
WAC 44-10-170 Powers and duties of arbitrators, procedural modification for efficiency and cost effectiveness.
WAC 44-10-180 The arbitration hearing, procedural modification for efficiency and cost effectiveness.
WAC 44-10-200 The arbitration decision, procedural modification for efficiency and cost effectiveness.
WAC 44-10-210 Technical corrections, procedural modification for efficiency and cost effectiveness.
WAC 44-10-221 Resale documents -- Attorney general procedures, procedural modification for efficiency and cost effectiveness.
WAC 44-10-222 Manufacturer duties upon receipt of a returned vehicle, procedural modification for efficiency and cost effectiveness.
WAC 44-10-300 Imposition of fine for manufacturer noncompliance with an arbitration decision, procedural modification for efficiency and cost effectiveness.
WAC 44-10-310 Request for review of imposition of fine, procedural modification for efficiency and cost effectiveness.
Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: See Explanation of Rule above.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. Because the changes are designed to increase clarity and procedural efficiencies, or do not apply to small businesses, the agency expects this rule to have no negative small business impact. For a copy of the complete economic compliance document or summary, please contact Paul N. Corning, Lemon Law Administrator, 900 4th Avenue, Suite 2000, Seattle, WA 98164-1012.
RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption. RCW 34.05.328, section 201, chapter 403, Laws of 1995, does not apply to this rule adoption. This agency is not required to comply with this subsection. RCW 34.05.328(5).
Hearing Location: Training Center, Attorney General's Office, 900 4th Avenue, Suite 2000, Seattle, WA 98164-1012, on June 4, 2002, at 9:30 a.m.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Paul Corning by June 3, 2002, TDD contact through relay at (206) 464-6372 or e-mail paulc@atg.wa.gov.
Submit Written Comments to: Paul N. Corning, Lemon Law Administration, Attorney General's Office, 900 4th Avenue, Suite 2000, Seattle, WA 98164-1012, e-mail paulc@atg.wa.gov, fax (206) 464-6451, by June 3, 2002.
Date of Intended Adoption: June 4, 2002.
April 26, 2002
Paul N. Corning, Administrator
Lemon Law Administration
OTS-5526.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 00-08-068, filed 4/3/00,
effective 5/4/00)
WAC 44-10-010
Definitions.
Terms, when used in this
chapter, shall have the same meaning as terms used in chapter 19.118 RCW. The following definitions shall supplement or aid in
the interpretation of the definitions set forth in chapter 19.118 RCW.
"Arbitration special master" means the individual or group of individuals selected by the board to hear and decide special issues timely brought before the board.
"Attorney general" or "attorney general's office" means the person duly elected to serve as attorney general of the state of Washington and delegates authorized to act on his or her behalf.
"Intervening transferor" means any person or entity which receives, buys or otherwise transfers the returned new motor vehicle prior to the first retail transfer, sale or lease subsequent to being repurchased or replaced by the manufacturer.
"Lemon Law administration" means the section within the attorney general's office, consumer protection division, designated by the attorney general to be responsible for the implementation of chapter 19.118 RCW and related rules.
"Lemon Law resale documents" refers to the following:
(1) "Lemon Law resale windshield display" means a document created and provided by the attorney general which identifies that: (a) The vehicle was reacquired by the manufacturer after a determination, settlement or adjudication of a dispute; (b) the vehicle has one or more nonconformities or serious safety defects, or was out-of-service thirty or more days due to diagnosis or repair of one or more nonconformities; and (c) the defects or conditions causing the vehicle to be reacquired by the manufacturer.
(2) "Lemon Law resale disclosure": Means a document created and provided by the attorney general which identifies that: (a) The vehicle was reacquired by the manufacturer after a settlement, determination or adjudication of a dispute; (b) the vehicle has one or more nonconformities or serious safety defects, or was out-of-service thirty or more days due to diagnosis or repair of one or more nonconformities; and (c) the defects or conditions causing the vehicle to be reacquired by the manufacturer. The document will provide space for the manufacturer to indicate if each nonconformity or serious safety defect has been corrected and is warranted by the manufacturer.
(3) "Notice of out-of-state disposition of a reacquired
vehicle" refers to a document created and provided by the
((attorney general)) Lemon Law administration which requires the
manufacturer, agent or dealer to identify the destination state
and the dealer, auction, other person or entity to whom the
manufacturer sells or otherwise transfers the reacquired vehicle
when the vehicle is taken to another state for any disposition,
including: resale, transfer or destruction.
"Person" includes every natural person, firm, partnership, corporation, association, or organization.
"Settlement" means the resolution of a dispute, under chapter 19.118 RCW, between the consumer and manufacturer after the new motor vehicle arbitration board has accepted the consumer's request for arbitration and which results in the manufacturer reacquiring the new motor vehicle directly or indirectly through an agent or a motor vehicle dealer. Settlement includes a consumer's acceptance of a decision or award for repurchase or replacement of a vehicle issued by a manufacturer sponsored dispute resolution program where the basis of the program's standards decision making are specifically related to, or identified as, some or all of the provisions of chapter 19.118 RCW and which results in the manufacturer reacquiring the new motor vehicle directly, through an agent or a motor vehicle dealer.
"Similar law of another state" refers to the law of another state which creates remedies for a manufacturer's failure to conform a vehicle to its warranty and under which the vehicle was reacquired by the manufacturer.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.808(2), 19.118.061, and 1998 c 298 § 6. 00-08-068, § 44-10-010, filed 4/3/00, effective 5/4/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7), 19.118.061 and 1995 c 254 § 4. 96-03-155, § 44-10-010, filed 1/24/96, effective 2/24/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 and 19.118.090. 92-11-037, § 44-10-010, filed 5/18/92, effective 6/18/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7). 88-01-093 (Order 87-4), § 44-10-010, filed 12/22/87.]
(2) The board must determine if it will accept the request for arbitration or reject the request for arbitration, for the reasons set forth in RCW 19.118.090, within three business days after the attorney general has forwarded the request for arbitration to the board.
(3) The board shall record the date of acceptance or rejection of the request for arbitration. The acceptance of the request shall commence the running of the forty-five calendar day period in which a hearing must be conducted.
(4) Upon acceptance of a request, the board shall
immediately ((send)) notify the Lemon Law administration. A
notice of acceptance for arbitration will be sent to the consumer
and manufacturer by certified mail/return receipt requested and
shall inform the parties that a hearing shall be held within
forty-five calendar days. The parties shall be sent formal
notice of the actual hearing date by certified mail/return
receipt requested, at least ten calendar days before the hearing.
The designated manufacturer contact shall be sent a copy of the
consumer's request and a manufacturer's statement form with the
notice of acceptance.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7), 19.118.061 and 1995 c 254 § 4. 96-03-155, § 44-10-050, filed 1/24/96, effective 2/24/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.061, 19.118.080 and 19.118.090. 89-16-024 (Order 89-4), § 44-10-050, filed 7/24/89, effective 8/24/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7). 88-04-081 (Order 88-2), § 44-10-050, filed 2/3/88; 88-01-093 (Order 87-4), § 44-10-050, filed 12/22/87.]
(2) Issues which may be decided by the arbitration special
master include but are not limited to: Motions to quash
subpoenas, disputes related to requests to view the vehicle,
((requests to set aside default determinations,)) disputes
relating to an arbitration award including specification of the
award amounts which could not have been or were not resolved at
the arbitration hearing or matters necessary for compliance with
the arbitration decision such as: time and place for compliance,
condition of the vehicle to be returned, clarification or
recalculation of refund amounts or a determination that an
offered vehicle is reasonably equivalent to the vehicle being
replaced. The arbitration special master may conduct telephonic
conferences with a party or parties, as appropriate, and may
request additional written information in order to rule on
issues.
(3) An arbitration special master shall not extend the forty day period during which the manufacturer must comply with the arbitration decision except where the arbitration special master makes a finding that:
(a) The dispute could not have been brought to the board allowing sufficient time to conclude compliance within the forty day compliance period; and
(b) The manufacturer's position in the dispute is supported by the special master's decision.
(4) Arbitration special masters shall sign a written oath prior to their appointment as arbitration special master attesting to their impartiality. There shall be no ex parte communication initiated by a party with an arbitration special master.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7), 19.118.061 and 1995 c 254 § 4. 96-03-155, § 44-10-060, filed 1/24/96, effective 2/24/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 and 19.118.090. 92-11-037, § 44-10-060, filed 5/18/92, effective 6/18/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.061, 19.118.080 and 19.118.090. 89-16-024 (Order 89-4), § 44-10-060, filed 7/24/89, effective 8/24/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7). 88-04-081 (Order 88-2), § 44-10-060, filed 2/3/88.]
(a) A statement of any affirmative defenses, and any legal or factual issues to be raised at the hearing. Any issues or affirmative defenses not raised in documents filed prior to the hearing may be excluded or limited by the arbitrator at the hearing; except as provided in WAC 44-10-080(6).
(b) The name, title, and business address of any person(s) the manufacturer plans to call as witnesses or from whom affidavits or written testimony will be presented;
(c) A statement identifying the year, make, model, options, color and any other significant information pertaining to the vehicle or vehicles it intends to offer as a reasonably equivalent replacement vehicle if the consumer prevails and requests replacement. If the manufacturer believes in good faith that replacement is impossible, or unreasonable, or cannot be provided timely pursuant to compliance requirements the manufacturer must raise such issue in its statement.
(2) The manufacturer must exercise its option to request a viewing of the consumer's motor vehicle by including a request to view the vehicle in the manufacturer's statement.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7), 19.118.061 and 1995 c 254 § 4. 96-03-155, § 44-10-070, filed 1/24/96, effective 2/24/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7). 88-04-081 (Order 88-2), § 44-10-070, filed 2/3/88.]
(2) The manufacturer and the consumer shall attempt to
arrange a mutually agreeable time and location for such viewing. If after reasonable good faith attempts to arrange a viewing, a
mutually agreeable time and location is not established, the
manufacturer may request ((from)) the ((board that a arbitration
special master)) Lemon Law administration program manager to set
a time and location for viewing.
(3) ((The arbitration special master, upon such request,))
Upon receipt of a request to set a viewing, the Lemon Law
administration program manager shall establish a time and
location for viewing that is reasonably convenient for the
parties. The location may be the consumer's residence if other
locations are not reasonably convenient for the parties, The
consumer must be present during the viewing, unless the consumer
expressly waives in writing the right to be present.
(4) The viewing is not meant to be another attempt to repair the vehicle and no repair procedures shall be conducted.
(5) The manufacturer may perform limited nonrepair diagnostic examinations and inspection procedures, such as test driving the vehicle or attaching a testing device to the vehicle. The results of any diagnostic procedures or data gathered as a result of such procedures shall be supplied to the consumer as soon as it is available.
(6) If the viewing of the vehicle reveals any affirmative defenses or legal or factual issues not previously raised in the manufacturer's statement or consumer's request for arbitration, either party may file amendments with the Lemon Law administration within three business days of the viewing, or, no later than three business days prior to the hearing date, whichever is earlier.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7), 19.118.061 and 1995 c 254 § 4. 96-03-155, § 44-10-080, filed 1/24/96, effective 2/24/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7). 88-04-081 (Order 88-2), § 44-10-080, filed 2/3/88.]
(2) A subpoena issued by the attorney general shall identify the party causing the issuance of the subpoena, designate that the subpoena is issued by the attorney general pursuant to RCW 19.118.080, state the purpose of the proceeding, and command the person to whom it is directed to produce at the time and place set in the subpoena the designated documents or records under his or her control.
(3) Service of the subpoena may be made be certified mail, return receipt requested or by overnight express delivery.
(4) A person to whom a subpoena is directed may submit a
written request to suspend or limit the terms of the subpoena to
the ((board before the time specified in the subpoena for
compliance)) Lemon Law administration within five business days
of receipt of the subpoena and shall notify the party who
requested the subpoena, of the request to suspend or limit it. The request must be accompanied by a short statement setting
forth the basis for the request. ((Upon requests made to the
board, the board shall notify the party who requested the
subpoena.)) The ((board)) Lemon Law administration program
manager may suspend or modify the subpoena or shall
((immediately)) assign the request to be heard at the arbitration
hearing ((or before an arbitration special master who may suspend
or modify the subpoena)).
(5) ((A party or nonparty subject to the subpoena must
comply or submit a request to suspend or limit the subpoena
within five business days of receipt of the subpoena. The
request shall be heard within five business days to hear and rule
on the request.
(6))) Where the ((arbitration special master)) Lemon Law
administration program manager upholds or modifies the subpoena,
the responding person or party shall comply with the date set in
the subpoena or within five business days, whichever is greater.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7), 19.118.061 and 1995 c 254 § 4. 96-03-155, § 44-10-100, filed 1/24/96, effective 2/24/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.061, 19.118.080 and 19.118.090. 89-16-024 (Order 89-4), § 44-10-100, filed 7/24/89, effective 8/24/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7). 88-01-093 (Order 87-4), § 44-10-100, filed 12/22/87.]
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7), 19.118.061 and 1995 c 254 § 4. 96-03-155, § 44-10-110, filed 1/24/96, effective 2/24/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.061, 19.118.080 and 19.118.090. 89-16-024 (Order 89-4), § 44-10-110, filed 7/24/89, effective 8/24/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7). 88-04-081 (Order 88-2), § 44-10-110, filed 2/3/88.]
A withdrawal shall be granted without prejudice, although
upon notice to the ((board)) Lemon Law administration of
withdrawal, the thirty month period in which the consumer must
submit a request for arbitration shall resume running. A
consumer who has withdrawn may resubmit the claim for
arbitration. However, if the consumer withdraws the second
request, the withdrawal shall be considered a withdrawal with
prejudice and the consumer shall not be allowed to resubmit the
claim for arbitration.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7), 19.118.061 and 1995 c 254 § 4. 96-03-155, § 44-10-120, filed 1/24/96, effective 2/24/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080. 89-06-026 (Order 89-2), § 44-10-120, filed 2/24/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7). 88-01-093 (Order 87-4), § 44-10-120, filed 12/22/87.]
(2) If a manufacturer defaults the arbitrator shall hold the hearing. The arbitrator shall make a decision based on the evidence presented by the consumer, and any files or documentation contained in the record including the manufacturer's statement and other evidence or documentation submitted by the manufacturer.
(3) If the consumer defaults it shall be considered a withdrawal with prejudice of the request for arbitration. The hearing shall be canceled if the consumer defaults.
(4) The default shall be final unless within twenty-four
hours of the hearing time, the manufacturer or consumer contacts
the ((board)) Lemon Law administration to request that the
default be set aside. The request shall include evidence of an
unforeseeable circumstance that resulted in the failure of the
party to appear. Such request shall be considered by the
((arbitration special master)) Lemon Law administration program
manager who will hear arguments from both parties on the request
to set aside the default which may be conducted via telephone
conference call. If the ((arbitration special master sets aside
the)) default is set aside, a new hearing shall be scheduled
within ten calendar days of the original hearing date, and the
parties shall be informed of the new date and time at least five
business days prior to the hearing date when possible.
(5) If both parties default, the disposition of the case shall be handled as if only the consumer defaulted pursuant to WAC 44-10-130(3).
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7), 19.118.061 and 1995 c 254 § 4. 96-03-155, § 44-10-130, filed 1/24/96, effective 2/24/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.061, 19.118.080 and 19.118.090. 89-16-024 (Order 89-4), § 44-10-130, filed 7/24/89, effective 8/24/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7). 88-04-081 (Order 88-2), § 44-10-130, filed 2/3/88.]
(2) The consumer may be represented by himself or herself or by legal counsel, but may not be represented by a nonattorney. However, a person, acting as an interpreter, may assist a party in the presentation of the case if such assistance is necessary because of a mental or physical handicap or language barrier which would preclude the party from adequately representing himself or herself.
(3) A manufacturer may be represented by legal counsel, authorized employee or agent.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7), 19.118.061 and 1995 c 254 § 4. 96-03-155, § 44-10-140, filed 1/24/96, effective 2/24/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.061, 19.118.080 and 19.118.090. 89-16-024 (Order 89-4), § 44-10-140, filed 7/24/89, effective 8/24/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7). 88-01-093 (Order 87-4), § 44-10-140, filed 12/22/87.]
(2) Notice of settlement or agreement to resolve the dispute shall be treated procedurally as if the consumer had withdrawn from the arbitration process, as set forth in WAC 44-10-120.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7), 19.118.061 and 1995 c 254 § 4. 96-03-155, § 44-10-150, filed 1/24/96, effective 2/24/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.061, 19.118.080 and 19.118.090. 89-16-024 (Order 89-4), § 44-10-150, filed 7/24/89, effective 8/24/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7). 88-01-093 (Order 87-4), § 44-10-150, filed 12/22/87.]
(2) Either party may request that a technical expert be assigned to a dispute. Such assignment, however, shall be at the discretion of the board. The board may upon their own volition assign a technical expert to a dispute.
(3) If a technical expert is assigned to a dispute, and is requested by the arbitrator to perform an inspection of the vehicle, other than as part of the arbitration hearing, a notice of the time, date and location of the technical expert's inspection of the vehicle will be provided to both parties. This section does not confer a right, for either party, to be present during the inspection of the vehicle, however, either party may be present. Any written report or results of the expert's inspection shall be supplied to the parties as soon as it is available. The technical expert shall be present at the hearing or shall be available by telephone at the time of hearing, and may be examined by either party or the arbitrator.
(4) The expert shall sign a written oath attesting to his or her impartiality prior to the commencement of each arbitration hearing to which he or she has been assigned.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7), 19.118.061 and 1995 c 254 § 4. 96-03-155, § 44-10-160, filed 1/24/96, effective 2/24/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 and 19.118.090. 90-19-024, § 44-10-160, filed 9/11/90, effective 10/12/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.061, 19.118.080 and 19.118.090. 89-16-024 (Order 89-4), § 44-10-160, filed 7/24/89, effective 8/24/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7). 88-04-081 (Order 88-2), § 44-10-160, filed 2/3/88.]
(a) To consider any and all evidence offered by the parties which the arbitrator deems necessary to an understanding and determination of the dispute;
(b) To regulate the course of the hearings and the conduct of the parties, their representatives and witnesses;
(c) To schedule vehicle inspection by the technical experts, if deemed necessary, at such time and place as the arbitrator determines;
(d) To continue the arbitration hearing to a subsequent date if, at the initial hearing, the arbitrator determines that additional information is necessary in order to render a fair and accurate decision. Such continuance shall be held within ten calendar days of the initial hearing;
(e) To impose sanctions for failure of a party to comply with a subpoena pursuant to RCW 19.118.080 (2)(b);
(f) To calculate and order the joint liability for compliance obligations of motor home manufacturers, when applicable, as part of an arbitration decision when ordering repurchase or replacement of a new motor vehicle.
(2) The board ((shall maintain an adequate pool of trained
arbitrators and)) is responsible for the assignment of
arbitrators to arbitration hearings. The selection and
assignment of arbitrators is not subject to the approval of
either party.
(3) Arbitrators must not have a personal interest in the outcome of any hearing, nor be acquainted with any of the participants except as such acquaintance may occur in the hearing process, nor hold any prejudice toward any party. Arbitrators shall not be directly involved in the manufacture, distribution, sale, or warranty service of any motor vehicle. Arbitrators shall maintain their impartiality throughout the course of the arbitration proceedings.
(a) An arbitrator shall sign a written oath prior to the commencement of each arbitration hearing to which he or she has been assigned, attesting to his or her impartiality in that case.
(b) There shall be no direct communication between the parties and the arbitrators other than at the arbitration hearing. Any other oral or written communications between the parties and the arbitrators shall be channeled through the board. Any prohibited contact shall be reported by the arbitrators to the board and noted in the case record.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.808(2), 19.118.061, and 1998 c 298 § 6. 00-08-068, § 44-10-170, filed 4/3/00, effective 5/4/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7), 19.118.061 and 1995 c 254 § 4. 96-03-155, § 44-10-170, filed 1/24/96, effective 2/24/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.061, 19.118.080 and 19.118.090. 89-16-024 (Order 89-4), § 44-10-170, filed 7/24/89, effective 8/24/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7). 88-01-093 (Order 87-4), § 44-10-170, filed 12/22/87.]
(a) All decisions shall be written, in a form to be provided
by the ((attorney general)) Lemon Law administration, dated and
signed by the arbitrator, and sent by certified mail to the
parties;
(b) The date ((of mailing of)) on which the board provides
the arbitration decision to the Lemon Law administration shall
determine compliance with the sixty day requirement to issue an
arbitration decision;
(c) The written decision shall contain findings of fact and conclusions of law as to whether the motor vehicle meets the statutory standards for refund or replacement;
(i) If the consumer prevails and has elected repurchase of the vehicle, the decision shall include the statutory calculations used to determine the monetary award;
(ii) If the consumer prevails and has elected replacement of the vehicle, the decision shall identify or describe a reasonably equivalent replacement vehicle and any refundable incidental costs;
(iii) If the consumer prevails and the manufacturer is represented by counsel, the decision shall include a description of the awarded reasonable costs and attorneys' fees incurred by the consumer in connection with board proceedings.
Reasonable costs and attorneys' fees shall be determined by
the arbitrator based on an affidavit of costs and fees prepared
by the consumer's attorney and submitted no later than the
conclusion of the arbitration hearing. The affidavit may be
amended for post-hearing costs and fees. The amended affidavit
of costs and fees must be delivered to the manufacturer's
designated representative by certified mail or personal service
and a copy submitted to the ((arbitration board)) Lemon Law
administration by the consumer's attorney within thirty days of
the consumer's acceptance of the decision but in no case after a
manufacturer's compliance with a decision;
(d) Upon receipt of the board's decision, the Lemon Law administration will distribute it to the parties by certified mail.
(2) Upon request of a party, an arbitrator shall make factual findings and modify the offset total where the wear and tear on those portions of the motor home designated, used, or maintained primarily as a mobile dwelling, office, or commercial space is significantly greater or significantly less than that which could be reasonably expected based on the mileage attributable to the consumer's use of the motor home in an arbitration decision awarding repurchase or replacement of a new motor vehicle originally purchased or leased at retail after June 30, 1998. An arbitrator will consider the actual amount of time that portions of the motor home were in use as dwelling, office or commercial space. The arbitrator shall not consider wear and tear resulting from:
(a) Defects in materials or workmanship in the manufacture of the motor home including the dwelling, office or commercial space;
(b) Damage due to removal of equipment pursuant to RCW 19.118.095 (1)(a); or
(c) Repairs.
The modification to the reasonable offset for use may not result in the addition or reduction of the offset for use calculation by more than one-third. The modification shall be specified as a percentage for reduction or addition to the offset calculation. The modification to the reasonable offset for use shall apply to the offset calculation at the time of repurchase or replacement of the motor home.
(3)(a) If a motor home manufacturer:
(i) Has met or exceeded the reasonable number of attempts to diagnose or repair the vehicle as set forth in RCW 19.118.041 (3)(a) or (b); or
(ii) Is responsible for sixty or more applicable days out of service by reason of diagnosis or repair as set forth in RCW 19.118.041 (3)(c), the motor home manufacturer is independently liable for compliance with a decision awarding repurchase or replacement of the motor home.
(b) If a motor home manufacturer has not met the criteria set forth in (a)(i) and (ii) of this subsection, but has contributed to the combined total of sixty or more days out of service by reason of diagnosis or repair as set forth in RCW 19.118.041 (3)(c), the manufacturer is jointly liable with the other liable motor home manufacturers for compliance with a decision awarding repurchase or replacement of the motor home.
(c) If a motor home manufacturer has met or exceeded the reasonable number of attempts to diagnose or repair the vehicle as set forth in RCW 19.118.041 (3)(a) or (b), and the manufacturer, together with one or more other motor home manufacturers, contributed to a combined total of sixty or more days out of service by reason of diagnosis or repair as set forth in RCW 19.118.041 (3)(c), the motor home manufacturer is jointly and severally liable for compliance with a decision awarding repurchase or replacement of the motor home.
(d) In a decision awarding repurchase or replacement of a motor home, and that allocates compliance liability, an arbitrator will identify the motor home manufacturer's minimum percentage of contribution to compliance with the award. In determining the allocation of liability among jointly liable motor home manufacturers, the arbitrator will consider a motor home manufacturer's contribution to the total number of applicable days out of service as a factor.
(e) When applicable as set forth in RCW 19.118.090(5), the arbitrator must allocate liability for the consumer's costs and attorneys' fees among the liable motor home manufacturers represented by counsel. The arbitrator will specify the liable motor home manufacturer's minimum percentage of contribution to compliance with the award. The motor home manufacturer's minimum percentage of contribution for the consumer's costs and attorneys' fees may be different from the minimum percentage of contribution of the motor home manufacturer's compliance obligation due to other liable motor home manufacturers' lack of representation by counsel.
(f) An arbitrator must specify in the decision that the lack of compliance, late or delayed compliance, or the filing of an appeal by another liable motor home manufacturer will not affect a motor home manufacturer's independent liability for compliance with a decision awarding repurchase or replacement of the motor home.
(g) At the conclusion of the arbitration hearing regarding a motor home purchased or leased after June 30, 1998, a motor home manufacturer may present testimony and other evidence regarding the allocation of liability for compliance with arbitration decisions awarding repurchase or replacement of the motor home. If the motor home manufacturers agree amongst themselves to terms for the allocation of liability for compliance obligations, the arbitrator must include the terms in the arbitration decisions awarding repurchase or replacement of the motor home if the terms are consistent with the arbitration decisions, specific, complete and not otherwise contrary to chapter 19.118 RCW.
(4) Included with the copy of the arbitration decision sent
to the consumer shall be a form to be completed by the consumer,
indicating acceptance or rejection of the decision((. The board
shall forward)) and general information to the consumer
explaining the consumer's right to appeal the decision to
superior court. The consumer must return the form to the
((board)) Lemon Law administration within sixty calendar days
from the date of the consumer's receipt of the decision or the
decision will be deemed to have been rejected as of the
sixty-first day.
(5) The consumer shall have one hundred twenty calendar days from the date of the rejection of the decision to file a petition of appeal in superior court. At the time of filing an appeal, the consumer shall deliver by certified mail or by personal service a conformed copy of the petition to the attorney general.
(6) If the consumer accepts a decision which awards
repurchase or replacement, the ((board)) Lemon Law administration
shall send a copy of the form completed by the consumer
indicating acceptance by certified mail for the board to the
manufacturer and shall include a manufacturer's intent form.
A verification of compliance form shall be sent to the
consumer by the ((attorney general's office)) Lemon Law
administration. The verification of compliance form shall be
completed and returned to the ((attorney general)) Lemon Law
administration by the consumer upon the manufacturer's compliance
with the decision.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.808(2), 19.118.061, and 1998 c 298 § 6. 00-08-068, § 44-10-200, filed 4/3/00, effective 5/4/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7), 19.118.061 and 1995 c 254 § 4. 96-03-155, § 44-10-200, filed 1/24/96, effective 2/24/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 and 19.118.090. 90-19-024, § 44-10-200, filed 9/11/90, effective 10/12/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.061, 19.118.080 and 19.118.090. 89-16-024 (Order 89-4), § 44-10-200, filed 7/24/89, effective 8/24/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7). 88-04-081 (Order 88-2), § 44-10-200, filed 2/3/88.]
(2) A party may submit ((to the board)) a written request
for technical corrections to the Lemon Law administration setting
forth the requested correction(s) and reason(s). Such request
must be received ((by the board)) within ten calendar days of the
((mailing)) party's receipt of the ((arbitrator's written))
decision.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7), 19.118.061 and 1995 c 254 § 4. 96-03-155, § 44-10-210, filed 1/24/96, effective 2/24/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7). 88-04-081 (Order 88-2), § 44-10-210, filed 2/3/88.]
(a) The ((attorney general)) Lemon Law administration will
provide the manufacturer with the "Lemon Law resale documents"
necessary to resell or otherwise transfer the vehicle together
with instructions regarding compliance with RCW 19.118.061 and
applicable rules;
(b) The ((attorney general)) Lemon Law administration will
provide the manufacturer with the required documents by certified
mail at the conclusion of the period pursuant to RCW 19.118.090(9) for a manufacturer to file an appeal or upon notice
from the manufacturer of receipt of the vehicle, whichever occurs
first.
(2) When a vehicle is the subject of a "settlement" under chapter 19.118 RCW:
(a) The ((attorney general)) Lemon Law administration will
provide the manufacturer with the "Lemon Law resale documents"
necessary to resell or otherwise transfer the vehicle together
with instructions regarding compliance with the RCW 19.118.061
and applicable rules;
(b) The ((attorney general)) Lemon Law administration will
provide the manufacturer with the required documents by certified
mail upon notice of the settlement by the parties or upon receipt
from a manufacturer sponsored dispute resolution program of a
decision or award, and notice of the consumer's acceptance of the
award for repurchase or replacement of a vehicle where the basis
of the program's decision-making standards are specifically
related to or identified as some or all of the provisions of
chapter 19.118 RCW and which will result in the manufacturer
reacquiring the new motor vehicle directly, through an agent or a
motor vehicle dealer.
(3) When a vehicle is the subject of final determination, adjudication or settlement under a "similar law of another state":
(a) The ((attorney general)) Lemon Law administration will
provide the manufacturer, agent, motor vehicle dealer or other
transferor with the resale documents necessary to resell or
otherwise transfer the vehicle together with instructions
regarding compliance with this section;
(b) The ((attorney general)) Lemon Law administration will
provide the manufacturer, agent, motor vehicle dealer or other
transferor with the resale documents by certified mail upon
receiving a written request for Lemon Law resale documents, which
includes a description of the defects or conditions causing the
vehicle to be reacquired by the manufacturer.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7), 19.118.061 and 1995 c 254 § 4. 96-03-155, § 44-10-221, filed 1/24/96, effective 2/24/96.]
(1) Notify the ((attorney general's office)) Lemon Law
administration and the department of licensing upon receipt of
the vehicle from the consumer due to a determination,
adjudication or settlement pursuant to chapter 19.118 RCW and
chapter 44-10 WAC.
(2) Attach the "Lemon law resale windshield display," as
provided by the ((attorney general)) Lemon Law administration, to
the lower center of the front windshield of the vehicle in a
manner so as to be readily visible from the exterior of the
vehicle.
(3) Correct and warrant a serious safety defect.
(4) Notify the ((attorney general's office)) Lemon Law
administration and the department of licensing of correction of a
nonconformity or serious safety defect and execute ((a "notice of
correction and warranty" as provided by the attorney general))
the appropriate section of the Lemon Law resale documents.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7), 19.118.061 and 1995 c 254 § 4. 96-03-155, § 44-10-222, filed 1/24/96, effective 2/24/96.]
(2) ((The attorney general may impose)) A fine against the
manufacturer for noncompliance may be imposed according to the
following schedule for each day after the forty day calendar
period:
DAYS 1 THROUGH 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 300.00 PER DAY
DAYS 11 THROUGH 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 500.00 PER DAY
DAYS 21 THROUGH 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 700.00 PER DAY
DAYS 31 AND ON . . . . . . . . . . . . $1000.00 PER DAY
The foregoing fines shall accrue until the manufacturer
complies or until one hundred thousand dollars has accrued,
whichever occurs first.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7), 19.118.061 and 1995 c 254 § 4. 96-03-155, § 44-10-300, filed 1/24/96, effective 2/24/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 and 19.118.090(7). 91-02-080, § 44-10-300, filed 12/31/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.061 and 19.118.080. 89-06-025 (Order 89-1), § 44-10-300, filed 2/24/89.]
(2) Upon receipt of a request for review of imposition of
fine, the ((attorney general)) Lemon Law administration shall
have ten days to conduct a review or request additional
information from the parties or other persons regarding
manufacturer noncompliance.
(3) The review shall be limited to determining whether the manufacturer has shown by clear and convincing evidence that any delay or failure of the manufacturer to comply within forty calendar days following the manufacturer's receipt of notice of consumer's acceptance was beyond the manufacturer's control or was acceptable to the consumer as evidenced by a written statement signed by the consumer. No other issues shall be considered in the review.
(4) The ((attorney general)) Lemon Law administration shall
issue a written review determination which shall be delivered to
the manufacturer by certified mail or personal service.
(5) If ((the attorney general determines)) it is determined
that the manufacturer's noncompliance was beyond the
manufacturer's control or was acceptable to the consumer as
evidenced by a written statement from the consumer, the
imposition of fine shall be rescinded. The imposition of fine
shall be affirmed ((by the attorney general)) where the
manufacturer has failed to show clear and convincing evidence as
required by WAC 44-10-310(3). If the imposition of fine is
affirmed, the manufacturer shall be liable for a fine according
to the schedule specified in WAC 44-10-300(2) including all days
during the pendency of review under this section and until
compliance with the arbitrator's decision or until one hundred
thousand dollars has accrued, whichever comes first.
(6) If a fine is rescinded under WAC 44-10-310(5) the
((attorney general)) Lemon Law administration program manager may
impose a fine against the manufacturer where the manufacturer
fails to comply with the agreement between the manufacturer and
the consumer, or when the manufacturer fails to comply
immediately after the circumstances no longer exist which made
compliance beyond the control of the manufacturer. Notice of
such fine shall be by certified mail or personnel service to the
manufacturer and shall be imposed according to the schedule in
WAC 44-10-300(2), and imposition of such fine is subject to
review by the ((attorney general)) Lemon Law administration upon
request of the manufacturer under WAC 44-10-310.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 (2) and (7), 19.118.061 and 1995 c 254 § 4. 96-03-155, § 44-10-310, filed 1/24/96, effective 2/24/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.080 and 19.118.090(7). 91-02-080, § 44-10-310, filed 12/31/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.118.061 and 19.118.080. 89-06-025 (Order 89-1), § 44-10-310, filed 2/24/89.]