Ind. Code ch. 9-32-13

in effect

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-1 Requiring purchase of equipment, part, or accessory as a condition of sale

Sec. 1. It is an unfair practice for a dealer to require a purchaser of a motor vehicle, as a condition of sale and delivery of the motor vehicle, to purchase any equipment, part, or accessory not ordered by the purchaser unless the equipment, part, or accessory is: (1) already installed on the motor vehicle when the motor vehicle is received by or offered for sale by the dealer; or (2) required by law. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-2 Willful failure of dealer to perform vehicle delivery and preparation obligations

Sec. 2. It is an unfair practice for a dealer to willingly fail to perform the obligations imposed on the dealer in connection with the delivery and preparation of a new motor vehicle for retail sale as provided in the preparation and delivery agreement of the manufacturer or distributor applicable to the motor vehicle. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-3 Willful failure of dealer to perform warranty obligations

Sec. 3. It is an unfair practice for a dealer to willingly fail to perform the obligations imposed on the dealer in connection with the warranty agreement of the manufacturer or distributor applicable to any motor vehicle sold by the dealer. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-4 Sale of motor vehicle having trade name or mark for which dealer lacks franchise

Sec. 4. It is an unfair practice for a dealer to sell a new motor vehicle having a trade name, trade or service mark, or related characteristic for which the dealer does not have a franchise in effect at the time of the sale. However, a motor vehicle having more than one (1) trade name, trade or service mark, or related characteristic as a result of modification or further manufacture by a manufacturer, converter manufacturer, or an automotive mobility dealer licensed under this article may be sold by a franchisee appointed by that manufacturer, converter manufacturer, or automotive mobility dealer. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78. Amended by P.L.174-2016, SEC.98.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-5 Willful failure of dealer to perform fiduciary duty to collect and remit gross retail tax

Sec. 5. It is an unfair practice for a dealer to willingly fail to perform the fiduciary duty imposed on the dealer by IC 6-2.5-2-1 with regard to the collection and remittance of the state gross retail tax. Willful violation of the fiduciary duty includes written or oral agreements between a dealer and a prospective purchaser that would give the appearance that a bona fide trade-in has taken place, when in fact the purpose of the agreement is to reduce the prospective purchaser's state gross retail tax and thereby deprive the state of revenue. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-6 Sale, exchange, or transfer by dealer of rebuilt or salvage vehicle without disclosure that vehicle was rebuilt or salvage

Sec. 6. (a) For purposes of this section, "salvage vehicle" has the meaning set forth in IC 9-13-2-160(2). (b) It is an unfair practice for a dealer to sell, exchange, or transfer a rebuilt or salvage vehicle without disclosing in writing to the purchaser, customer, or transferee the fact that the motor vehicle is a rebuilt or salvage vehicle if the dealer knows or should reasonably know before consummating the sale, exchange, or transfer that the motor vehicle is a rebuilt or salvage vehicle. (c) The purchaser, customer, or transferee must sign a written acknowledgment of receipt of the written disclosure described in subsection (b). (d) The division shall prescribe the form of the written disclosure described in subsection (b). As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78. Amended by P.L.174-2016, SEC.99; P.L.20-2022, SEC.15; P.L.116-2024, SEC.4.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-7 Document preparation fees

Sec. 7. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), it is an unfair practice for a dealer to charge a document preparation fee in excess of two hundred dollars ($200). A document preparation fee of two hundred dollars ($200) or less is permitted and does not constitute an unfair practice under this section. A document preparation fee under this section must be: (1) included in the advertised sale price of a vehicle; and (2) affirmatively disclosed: (A) in writing by the dealer during negotiations for the sale of a vehicle to a potential purchaser that states the dollar amount of the document preparation fee to be charged; and (B) as a separate line item on the purchaser's bill of sale or other purchase contract. (b) A document preparation fee under this section may be adjusted annually by a percentage equal to the annual percentage change in the Consumer Price Index, as published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78. Amended by P.L.245-2019, SEC.4; P.L.211-2023, SEC.73.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-8 Violation of deceptive franchise practices provisions

Sec. 8. (a) It is an unfair practice for a manufacturer or distributor to violate IC 23-2-2.7. (b) It is an unfair practice for a manufacturer or distributor to enter into an agreement in which a dealer is required to waive the provisions of: (1) this chapter; or (2) IC 23-2-2.7. However, this subsection does not apply to a voluntary agreement in which separate consideration is offered and accepted. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-9 Manufacturer or distributor coercing dealers to order

Sec. 9. It is an unfair practice for a manufacturer or distributor to coerce a dealer to order parts, accessories, equipment, machinery, tools, appliances, or any other commodity from a person. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-10 Manufacturer or distributor requiring changes in capital structure or financing

Sec. 10. It is an unfair practice for a manufacturer or distributor to prevent or require, or attempt to prevent or require, by contract or otherwise, a change in the capital structure of a dealer or the means by or through which the dealer finances the dealer's operation, if the dealer at all times meets reasonable capital standards agreed to by the dealer and the manufacturer or distributor. A change in capital structure does not cause a change in the principal management or have the effect of a sale of the franchise without the consent of the manufacturer or distributor. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-11 Manufacturer or distributor requiring changes in dealer management

Sec. 11. It is an unfair practice for a manufacturer or distributor to prevent or require, or attempt to prevent or require, a dealer to change the dealer's executive management, other than the principal dealer operator or operators, if the franchise was granted in reliance upon the personal qualifications of the principal dealer operator or operators. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-12 Restraint by manufacturer or distributor of sale or transfer of interest by dealer

Sec. 12. It is an unfair practice for a manufacturer or distributor to prevent or require, or attempt to prevent or require, by contract or otherwise, a dealer or an officer, a partner, or a stockholder of a dealer to sell or transfer a part of the interest of the officer, partner, or stockholder to any other person. A dealer, an officer, a partner, or a stockholder may not sell, transfer, or assign the franchise or a right under the franchise without the consent of the manufacturer or distributor. This consent may not be withheld unreasonably. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-13 Manufacturer or distributor preventing dealer from fair competition

Sec. 13. It is an unfair practice for a manufacturer or distributor to prevent or attempt to prevent a dealer from receiving fair and reasonable compensation for the value of the franchised business as a going concern. The dealer may not transfer or assign the dealer's franchise without the consent of the manufacturer or distributor, and the manufacturer or distributor may not unreasonably withhold consent. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-14 Employment by manufacturer or distributor of person who is not certified

Sec. 14. It is an unfair practice for a manufacturer or distributor to employ a person as a representative who is not certified under this article. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78. Amended by P.L.174-2016, SEC.100.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-15 Retail rates

Sec. 15. (a) It is an unfair practice for a manufacturer or distributor to fail to compensate a dealer at the dealer's retail rate for the work and services the dealer is required to perform in connection with the dealer's delivery and preparation obligations under any franchise, or fail to compensate a dealer anything less than the dealer's retail rate for labor and parts under the manufacturer's warranty agreements as long as the dealer's retail rate is reasonable. Judgment of the reasonableness includes consideration of charges for similar repairs by similarly situated repair facilities in Indiana. (b) This section does not authorize a manufacturer or distributor and its franchisees in Indiana to establish a uniform hourly labor reimbursement rate effective for the entire state. (c) This section does not apply to manufacturers or distributors of manufactured housing, heavy duty vocational vehicles (as defined in 49 CFR 523.8), or recreational vehicles. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78. Amended by P.L.167-2016, SEC.1.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-15.5 Compensation for warranty services

Sec. 15.5. (a) This section does not apply to manufacturers or distributors of manufactured housing, heavy duty vocational vehicles (as defined in 49 CFR 523.8), or recreational vehicles. (b) Unless otherwise agreed, it is an unfair practice for a manufacturer or distributor to fail to compensate a dealer anything less than the dealer's retail rates for parts or labor the dealer uses in performing the warranty services of the manufacturer or distributor, or for a manufacturer or distributor of a separate vehicle component or major vehicle assembly that is warranted independently of the motor vehicle to fail to compensate a dealer anything less than the dealer's retail rate for the parts or labor the dealer uses in performing the warranty services of the manufacturer or distributor. The dealer's retail rate for parts must be a percentage determined by dividing the total charges for parts used in warranty like repairs by the dealer's total cost for those parts minus one (1) in the lesser of one hundred (100) customer paid sequential repair orders or ninety (90) consecutive days of customer paid repair orders. The dealer's retail rate for labor shall be determined by dividing the total labor sales for warranty like repairs by the number of hours that generated those sales in one hundred (100) customer paid sequential repair orders or ninety (90) consecutive days of customer paid repair orders. A retail rate may be calculated based upon only customer paid repair orders charged within one hundred eighty (180) days before the date the dealer submits the declaration. (c) The dealer's submission for retail rates must include a declaration of the dealer's retail rates for parts or labor along with the supporting service repair orders paid by customers. A manufacturer or distributor may challenge the dealer's declaration by submitting a rebuttal not later than sixty (60) days after the date the declaration was received. If the manufacturer or distributor does not send a timely rebuttal to the dealer, the retail rate is established as reasonable and goes into effect automatically. (d) If a rebuttal in subsection (c) is timely sent, the rebuttal must substantiate how the dealer's declaration is unreasonable or materially inaccurate. The rebuttal must propose an adjusted retail rate and provide written support for the proposed adjustments. If the dealer does not agree with the adjusted retail rate, the dealer may file a complaint with the dealer services division within the office of the secretary of state. (e) A complaint filed under subsection (d) must be filed not later than thirty (30) days after the dealer receives the manufacturer's or distributor's rebuttal. (f) When calculating the retail rate customarily charged by the dealer for parts or labor under this section, the following work may not be included: (1) Repairs for manufacturer or distributor special events, specials, or promotional discounts for retail customer repairs. (2) Parts sold or repairs performed at wholesale. (3) Routine maintenance not covered under a retail customer warranty, such as fluids, filters, and belts not provided in the course of repairs. (4) Nuts, bolts, fasteners, and similar items that do not have an individual part number. (5) Vehicle reconditioning. (6) Accessories. (7) Repairs of damage caused by a collision, a road hazard, the force of the elements, vandalism, or theft. (8) Vehicle emission or safety inspections required by law. (9) Manufacturer or distributor reimbursed goodwill or policy repairs or replacements. (10) Replacement of tires. (g) If a manufacturer or distributor furnishes a part or component to a dealer at no cost to use in performing repairs under a recall, campaign service, or warranty repair, the manufacturer or distributor shall compensate the dealer for the part or component in the same manner as warranty parts compensation under this section by compensating the dealer the average markup on the cost for the part or component as listed in the manufacturer's or distributor's initial or original price schedule minus the cost for the part or component. (h) A manufacturer or distributor may not require a dealer to establish the retail rate customarily charged by the dealer for parts or labor by an unduly burdensome or time consuming method or by requiring information that is unduly burdensome or time consuming to provide, including part by part or transaction by transaction calculations. A dealer may not declare an average percentage parts markup or average labor rate more than once in a twelve (12) month period. A manufacturer or distributor may perform annual audits to verify that a dealer's effective rates have not decreased. If a dealer's effective rates have decreased, a manufacturer or distributor may reduce the warranty reimbursement rate prospectively. A dealer may elect to revert to the nonretail rate reimbursement for parts or labor not more than once in a twelve (12) month period. (i) A manufacturer or distributor may not impose a surcharge on a dealer for the purpose of recovering any of its costs related to the reimbursement of a dealer for parts or labor required under this section. This subsection does not prohibit a manufacturer or distributor from increasing the wholesale price of a vehicle or part in the ordinary course of business. (j) If a dealer files a complaint with the dealer services division within the office of the secretary of state, the warranty reimbursement rate in effect before any mediation or complaint remains in effect until thirty (30) days after: (1) a final decision has been issued by a court with jurisdiction; and (2) all appeals have been exhausted. As added by P.L.167-2016, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.112-2018, SEC.2; P.L.284-2019, SEC.36; P.L.92-2025, SEC.4.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-16 Contract for uniform warranty reimbursement policy

Sec. 16. (a) A manufacturer or distributor and at least thirty percent (30%) of its franchisees in Indiana of the same line make may agree in an express written contract citing this section to a uniform warranty reimbursement policy to be used by franchisees for the performance of warranty repairs. The contract must include reimbursement for parts used in warranty repairs or the use of a uniform time standards manual, or both. The allowance for diagnosis within the uniform time standards manual must be reasonable and adequate for the work and service to be performed. The manufacturer or distributor: (1) may have only one (1) contract with regard to each line make; and (2) must have a reasonable and fair procedure for franchisees to request a modification or adjustment of a standard included in the uniform time standards manual. (b) A contract described in subsection (a) must meet the following criteria: (1) Establish a uniform parts reimbursement rate that must be greater than the manufacturer's or distributor's nationally established parts reimbursement rate in effect at the time the contract becomes effective. A subsequent contract must include a uniform reimbursement rate that is equal to or greater than the rate in the immediately prior contract. (2) Apply to all warranty repair orders written while the agreement is in effect. (3) At any time during the period the contract is in effect: (A) be available to any franchisee of the same line make as the franchisees that entered into the contract with the manufacturer or distributor; and (B) be available to a franchisee of the same line make on the same terms as apply to the franchisees that entered into the contract with the manufacturer or distributor. (4) Be for a term not to exceed three (3) years. (5) Allow any party to the uniform warranty reimbursement policy to terminate the policy with thirty (30) days prior written notice to all parties upon the annual anniversary of the policy, if the policy is for at least one (1) year. (6) Remain in effect for the entire original period if the manufacturer and at least one (1) franchisee remain parties to the policy. (c) A manufacturer or distributor that enters into a contract with its franchisees under subsection (a) shall do the following: (1) Certify to the secretary under oath, in a writing signed by a representative of the manufacturer or distributor, that at the time the contract was entered into at least thirty percent (30%) of the franchisees of the line make were parties to the contract. (2) File a copy of the contract with the secretary at the time of the certification. (3) Maintain a file that contains the information upon which the certification required under subdivision (1) is based for three (3) years after the certification is made. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78. Amended by P.L.174-2016, SEC.101; P.L.284-2019, SEC.37.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-17 Payment or disapproval of dealer claims; basis of disapproval; notice of disapproval; appeals, audits, and chargebacks

Sec. 17. (a) It is an unfair practice for a manufacturer or distributor to: (1) fail to pay a claim made by a dealer for compensation for: (A) delivery and preparation work; (B) warranty work; and (C) incentive payments; not later than thirty (30) days after the claim is approved; (2) fail to approve or disapprove a claim not later than thirty (30) days after receipt of the claim; or (3) disapprove a claim without notice to the dealer in writing of the grounds for disapproval. (b) A manufacturer or distributor may: (1) audit a claim made by a dealer; or (2) charge back to a dealer any amounts paid on a: (A) false or fraudulent claim; (B) claim in which repairs were not properly made; (C) claim involving work that was not necessary to correct a defective condition; or (D) claim that the dealer failed to substantiate in accordance with the manufacturer's written procedures or other reasonable means; for up to twelve (12) months after the date on which the claim is paid. However, the limitations of this subsection do not apply if the manufacturer or distributor can prove fraud on a claim. A manufacturer or distributor shall not discriminate among dealers with regard to auditing or charging back claims. (c) Except as provided in subsection (d), a manufacturer or distributor may not deny a claim based solely on a motor vehicle dealer's incidental failure to comply with a specific claim processing requirement, including a clerical error or other administrative technicality that does not call into question the legitimacy of a claim when the dealer has provided reasonably sufficient documentation of the dealer's good faith attempt to perform necessary work in compliance with the written policies and procedures of the manufacturer. (d) A manufacturer or distributor shall provide a dealer with written notification of the specific grounds upon which a claim is being charged back as a result of an audit. A manufacturer or distributor shall provide a reasonable appeals process allowing the dealer at least thirty (30) days after receipt of the notice of charge back to provide additional supporting documentation or information rebutting the charge back. If the charge back is based upon noncompliance with documentation requirements, material claim submission requirements, or other material clerical errors, the manufacturer or distributor shall allow the dealer thirty (30) days from the receipt of the notice of charge back to cure any material noncompliance. A manufacturer's or distributor's audit or appeals process shall allow a dealer, the dealer's designated agent, officer, or employee to request, in writing, a meeting with the manufacturer or distributor via in-person meeting, video conference, or telephone call or a written explanation of the basis for a charge back. The manufacturer or distributor shall respond with all details and specific information supporting the basis for each charge back. The manufacturer or distributor and the dealer may agree, during the audit or appeals process, to an extension of time for the dealer to cure any material noncompliance as necessitated by the volume of the claim charge backs at issue. (e) A motor vehicle dealer may submit an amended or supplemental claim within the time and manner required by the manufacturer for: (1) sales incentives; (2) service incentives; (3) rebates; or (4) other forms of incentive compensation; for up to sixty (60) days from the date on which such a claim was submitted, could have been submitted, or was charged back. For purposes of this section, a failure to obtain a required signature may not be considered to be a clerical error or administrative technicality. (f) A manufacturer or distributor shall compensate a dealer for assistance requested by a customer whose vehicle is subject to an over-the-air or a remote repair, or an update to a part, system, accessory, or function by a manufacturer or distributor that is performed at a dealership. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78. Amended by P.L.167-2016, SEC.3; P.L.112-2018, SEC.3; P.L.134-2023, SEC.6.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-18 Selling motor vehicle to unlicensed person for resale; adverse action or discrimination against customer when customer intends to resell motor vehicle or export to foreign country

Sec. 18. (a) It is an unfair practice for a distributor to sell a motor vehicle for resale to a person not licensed under this article. (b) This subsection applies if a dealer sells or leases a motor vehicle to a customer that resells the motor vehicle or exports the motor vehicle to a foreign country. A manufacturer or distributor may not take or threaten to take adverse action or otherwise discriminate against the dealer unless the dealer knew or reasonably should have known before the dealer sold or leased the motor vehicle to the customer that the customer intended to resell or export the motor vehicle. Titling and registering a motor vehicle in any state in the name of the customer to whom the dealer sold or leased the motor vehicle establishes a rebuttable presumption that the dealer did not know or should not reasonably have known that the customer intended to resell or export the motor vehicle. (c) For purposes of subsection (b), adverse actions by a manufacturer or distributor include the following conduct by a manufacturer or distributor, whether actual or threatened: (1) Failing or refusing to allocate, sell, or deliver a motor vehicle to the dealer. (2) Discriminating against the dealer in the allocation of motor vehicles. (3) Charging back or withholding payments or other consideration for which a dealer is eligible under a warranty reimbursement, sales promotion, incentive program, or contest. (4) Disqualifying a dealer from participating in a sales promotion, incentive program, or contest. (5) Terminating a franchise. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78. Amended by P.L.152-2013, SEC.1; P.L.151-2015, SEC.74.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-19 Failure to indemnify and hold harmless dealer for losses, costs, and expenses from suit for defect

Sec. 19. It is an unfair practice for a manufacturer or distributor to refuse or fail to indemnify and hold harmless a dealer, upon written notification from the dealer, from all losses, costs, and expenses that result or arise from or are related to a complaint, claim, defense, or suit against the dealer that concerns defects in a motor vehicle or other goods or services that are the responsibility of the manufacturer or distributor. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-20 False, deceptive, or misleading advertising; deceptive acts or practices

Sec. 20. It is an unfair practice for any person required to be licensed under this article, in connection with the person's business, to use false, deceptive, or misleading advertising or to engage in deceptive acts or practices. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78. Amended by P.L.151-2015, SEC.75.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-21 Unfair practices of employees, agents, officers, partners, or representatives

Sec. 21. It is an unfair practice for an employee, an agent, an officer, a partner, or a representative of a licensee to engage in a practice prohibited by this chapter. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-22 Franchise termination; right of first refusal

Sec. 22. (a) It is an unfair practice for a manufacturer to terminate a franchise in violation of IC 23-2-2.7-3. A dealer may not transfer, assign, or sell the business and assets of a dealership or an interest in the dealership to another person under an agreement that contemplates or is conditioned on a continuation of the franchise relationship with the manufacturer or distributor unless the dealer first: (1) notifies the manufacturer or distributor of the dealer's decision to make the transfer, assignment, or sale by written notice; and (2) obtains the approval of the manufacturer or distributor. The dealer must provide the manufacturer or distributor with completed application forms and related information generally used by the manufacturer or distributor to conduct a review of such a proposal and a copy of all agreements regarding the proposed transfer, assignment, or sale. (b) The manufacturer or distributor shall send a letter by certified mail to the dealer not later than sixty (60) days after the manufacturer or distributor receives the information specified in subsection (a). The letter must indicate any disapproval of the transfer, assignment, or sale and must set forth the material reasons for the disapproval. If the manufacturer or distributor does not respond by letter within sixty (60) days after the manufacturer or distributor receives the information under subsection (a), the manufacturer's or distributor's consent to the proposed transfer, assignment, or sale is considered to have been granted. A manufacturer or distributor may not unreasonably withhold approval of a transfer, assignment, or sale under this section. (c) A manufacturer or distributor has a right of first refusal as specified in the franchise agreement to acquire the new motor vehicle dealer's assets or ownership if there is a proposed change of more than fifty percent (50%) of the dealer's ownership or proposed transfer of more than fifty percent (50%) of the new motor vehicle dealer's assets, and all the following are met: (1) The manufacturer or distributor notifies the dealer in writing of the intent of the manufacturer or distributor to exercise the right of first refusal within the sixty (60) day notice period under subsection (b). (2) The exercise of the right of first refusal will result in the dealer and the dealer's owners receiving consideration, terms, and conditions that are either the same as or better than those they have contracted to receive under the proposed change of more than fifty percent (50%) of the dealer's ownership or transfer of more than fifty percent (50%) of the new motor vehicle dealer's assets. (3) The proposed change of the dealership's ownership or transfer of the new motor vehicle dealer's assets does not involve the transfer of assets or the transfer or issuance of stock by the dealer or one (1) or more of the dealer's owners to any of the following: (A) A designated family member or members, including any of the following members of one (1) or more dealer owners: (i) The spouse. (ii) A child. (iii) A grandchild. (iv) The spouse of a child or a grandchild. (v) A sibling. (vi) A parent. (B) A manager: (i) employed by the dealer in the dealership during the previous four (4) years; and (ii) who is otherwise qualified as a dealer operator. (C) A partnership or corporation controlled by any of the family members described in clause (A). (D) A trust arrangement established or to be established: (i) for the purpose of allowing the new motor vehicle dealer to continue to qualify as such under the manufacturer's or distributor's standards; or (ii) to provide for the succession of the franchise agreement to designated family members or qualified management in the event of the death or incapacity of the dealer or the principal owner or owners. (4) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the manufacturer or distributor agrees to pay the reasonable expenses, including reasonable attorney's fees, that do not exceed the usual, customary, and reasonable fees charged for similar work done for other clients, and that are incurred by the proposed owner or transferee before the manufacturer's or distributor's exercise of the right of first refusal in negotiating and implementing the contract for the proposed change of the dealer ownership or the transfer of the new motor vehicle dealer's assets. Payment of expenses and attorney's fees is not required if the dealer has failed to submit an accounting of those expenses not later than twenty (20) days after the dealer receives the manufacturer's or distributor's written request for such an accounting. An expense accounting may be requested by a manufacturer or distributor before exercising the right of first refusal. (d) Violation of this section by a manufacturer or distributor is an unfair practice by the manufacturer or distributor. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78. Amended by P.L.174-2016, SEC.102.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-23 Unfair practices by manufacturer, distributor, officer, or agent

Sec. 23. (a) It is an unfair practice for a manufacturer, distributor, officer, or agent to do any of the following: (1) Require, coerce, or attempt to coerce a new motor vehicle dealer in Indiana to: (A) change the location of the dealership; (B) make any substantial alterations to the use of franchises; or (C) make any substantial alterations to the dealership premises or facilities; if to do so would be unreasonable or would not be justified by current economic conditions or reasonable business considerations. This subdivision does not prevent a manufacturer or distributor from establishing and enforcing reasonable facility requirements. However, a new motor vehicle dealer may elect to use for the facility alteration locally sourced materials or supplies that are substantially similar to those required by the manufacturer or distributor, subject to the approval of the manufacturer or distributor. A manufacturer or distributor may not require a dealer to purchase a product or service from a vendor designated by the manufacturer or distributor if the dealer selects a vendor that provides products or services that are substantially similar to that of the vendor designated by the manufacturer or distributor, meets reasonable program standards or requirements of the manufacturer or distributor, and is subject to the approval of the manufacturer or distributor. (2) Require, coerce, or attempt to coerce a new motor vehicle dealer in Indiana to divest ownership of or management in another line or make of motor vehicles that the dealer has established in its dealership facilities with the prior written approval of the manufacturer or distributor. (3) Establish or acquire wholly or partially a franchisor owned outlet engaged wholly or partially in a substantially identical business to that of the franchisee within the exclusive territory granted the franchisee by the franchise agreement or, if no exclusive territory is designated, competing unfairly with the franchisee within a reasonable market area. A franchisor is not considered to be competing unfairly or in violation of IC 9-32-11-20 if operating: (A) a business for less than two (2) years; (B) in a bona fide retail operation that is for sale to any qualified independent person at a fair and reasonable price; or (C) in a bona fide relationship in which an independent person has made a significant investment subject to loss in the business operation and can reasonably expect to acquire majority ownership or managerial control of the business on reasonable terms and conditions. (4) Require a dealer, as a condition of granting or continuing a franchise, approving the transfer of ownership or assets of a new motor vehicle dealer, or approving a successor to a new motor vehicle dealer to: (A) construct a new dealership facility; (B) modify or change the location of an existing dealership; (C) grant the manufacturer or distributor control rights over any real property owned, leased, controlled, or occupied by the dealer; or (D) unreasonably participate in a facility program sponsored by the manufacturer or distributor that requires fueling or electric vehicle charging fixed assets that are not reasonably necessary for the retail sale and service of new motor vehicles that the dealer is authorized to sell and service. (5) Prohibit a dealer from representing more than one (1) line make of motor vehicles from the same or a modified facility if: (A) reasonable facilities exist for the combined operations; (B) the dealer meets reasonable capitalization requirements for the original line make and complies with the reasonable facilities requirements of the manufacturer or distributor; and (C) the prohibition is not justified by the reasonable business considerations of the manufacturer or distributor. Subdivisions (3) through (5) do not apply to recreational vehicle manufacturer franchisors. (b) This section does not prohibit the enforcement of a voluntary agreement between the manufacturer or distributor and the franchisee where separate and valuable consideration has been offered and accepted. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78. Amended by P.L.152-2013, SEC.2; P.L.2-2014, SEC.48; P.L.167-2016, SEC.4; P.L.174-2016, SEC.103; P.L.182-2021, SEC.22; P.L.134-2023, SEC.7; P.L.9-2024, SEC.312.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-24 Relocation of new motor vehicle dealers

Sec. 24. (a) This section does not apply to the relocation of a new motor vehicle dealer to a location that is not more than two (2) miles from its established place of business. (b) This section does not apply to the reopening or replacement in a relevant market area of a closed dealership that was closed within the preceding three hundred sixty-five (365) days, if the established place of business of the reopened or replacement dealer is within two (2) miles of the established place of business of the closed dealership. (c) This section does not apply to a new motor vehicle dealer located in a county having a population of more than one hundred thousand (100,000) if: (1) the new motor vehicle dealer relocates to a site that is located at a distance greater than the existing distance of another new motor vehicle dealer of the same line make before the relocation; and (2) the site of the relocation is outside an area that is within a radius of four (4) miles from another new motor vehicle dealer of the same line make; but does apply to a new motor vehicle dealer that, before January 1, 2013, had been engaged in the process of relocating but had not physically relocated to the new intended site by January 1, 2013, and to a new motor vehicle dealer that began engaging in the process of relocating on or after January 1, 2013. (d) Before a franchisor enters into a franchise establishing or relocating a new motor vehicle dealer within a relevant market area where the same line make is represented, the franchisor shall give written notice to each new motor vehicle dealer of the same line make in the relevant market area of the franchisor's intention to establish an additional dealer or to relocate an existing dealer within that relevant market area. (e) Not later than thirty (30) days after: (1) receiving the notice provided for in subsection (d); or (2) the end of any appeal procedure provided by the franchisor; a new motor vehicle dealer may bring a declaratory judgment action before the division to determine whether good cause exists for the establishing or relocating of a proposed new motor vehicle dealer. If an action is filed under this section, the franchisor may not establish or relocate the proposed new motor vehicle dealer until the division has rendered a decision on the matter. An action brought under this section shall be given precedence over all other matters pending before the division. (f) In determining whether good cause exists for establishing or relocating an additional new motor vehicle dealer for the same line make, the division shall take into consideration the existing circumstances, including the following: (1) Permanency of the investment. (2) Effect on the retail new motor vehicle business and the consuming public in the relevant market area. (3) Whether it is injurious or beneficial to the public welfare. (4) Whether the new motor vehicle dealers of the same line make in that relevant market area are providing adequate competition and convenient consumer care for the motor vehicles of that line make in that market area, including the adequacy of motor vehicle sales and qualified service personnel. (5) Whether the establishment or relocation of the new motor vehicle dealer would promote competition. (6) Growth or decline of the population and the number of new motor vehicle registrations in the relevant market area. (7) The effect on the relocating dealer of a denial of its relocation into the relevant market area. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-25 Acting, offering to act as, or professing to be a broker of motor vehicles

Sec. 25. It is an unfair practice for a person to: (1) act as; (2) offer to act as; or (3) profess to be; a broker in the advertising, buying, or selling of a motor vehicle. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78. Amended by P.L.174-2016, SEC.104; P.L.120-2020, SEC.69.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-26 Fraud or deceit, untrue statements of material fact or omission

Sec. 26. It is an unfair practice for a dealer to, in connection with the offer, sale, or purchase of a motor vehicle, directly or indirectly: (1) employ a device, scheme, or artifice to defraud; (2) make an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statement made, in light of the circumstances under which the statement was made, not misleading; or (3) engage in an act, practice, or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon another person. As added by P.L.92-2013, SEC.78. Amended by P.L.174-2016, SEC.105.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-27 Canceling, terminating, or refusing to renew franchise; renewal, replacement, or succeeding franchise

Sec. 27. (a) It is an unfair practice for a manufacturer or distributor to do the following: (1) Cancel or terminate a franchise of a franchisee, or fail or refuse to extend or renew a franchise upon the franchise's expiration, without good cause and notice to the franchisee by certified mail, return receipt requested: (A) at least ninety (90) days before the cancellation or termination; or (B) at least ten (10) days before the cancellation or termination if any of the following apply: (i) The franchisee has abandoned business operations or otherwise failed to conduct sales and service operations during regular business hours for at least seven (7) consecutive business days, unless the abandonment or closure is due to an act of God or another act over which the franchisee has no control. (ii) The franchisee or another operator of the franchise has been convicted of or pled guilty to an offense punishable by at least one (1) year of imprisonment. (iii) The dealer files for bankruptcy or enters into receivership. (iv) The license of the dealer is revoked under IC 9-32-11 or IC 9-32-16. (v) The dealer commits fraud. (2) Offer a renewal, replacement, or succeeding franchise that substantially changes or modifies the sales and service obligations, facilities standards, capital requirements, or other terms of the original franchise or agreement of a franchisee without notice to the franchisee by certified mail, return receipt requested, at least ninety (90) days before the expiration or termination of the original franchise or agreement. (3) Terminate a dealer for the dealer's failure to meet a performance standard that is not statistically valid, reliable, and reasonable. Notice provided under this subsection must include a detailed statement setting forth the specific grounds for the proposed action. (b) For purposes of subsection (a)(1), the following do not constitute good cause, provided that no unfair practice is committed under IC 9-32-13-12 and no transfer, sale, or assignment is made in violation of IC 9-32-13-22: (1) A change of ownership or executive management of a dealership. (2) Requiring the appointment of an individual to an executive management position in a dealership. (3) Ownership of, investment in, participation in the management of, or holding a license for the sale of any line make of new motor vehicles by a franchisee or an owner of an interest in a franchise. (c) Good cause exists under subsection (a)(1) with respect to all franchisees of a line make if the manufacturer of the line make permanently discontinues the manufacture or assembly of the line make. (d) Not more than thirty (30) days after a franchisee receives notice under subsection (a), the franchisee may protest the proposed action by filing a petition for review with the office of administrative law proceedings. (e) If a franchisee makes a timely and proper request for review under subsection (d) to protest a proposed action, the office of administrative law proceedings shall appoint an administrative law judge and schedule an administrative hearing. The administrative hearing must comply with IC 4-21.5. The administrative law judge's order must include a determination of whether good cause exists for the proposed action. As added by P.L.152-2013, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.174-2016, SEC.106; P.L.92-2025, SEC.5.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-28 Dealer requesting payment for manufacturer or distributor following termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal of franchise; discontinuance of line make

Sec. 28. (a) This section applies when a dealer requests payment from a manufacturer or distributor following: (1) the termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal by the manufacturer or distributor of a franchise between the dealer and the manufacturer or distributor; or (2) the discontinuance of a line make by the manufacturer or distributor. (b) Not more than ninety (90) days after a manufacturer or distributor receives a request for payment from a dealer described in subsection (a), the manufacturer or distributor shall pay to the dealer the following amounts for items that are in the dealer's inventory or possession at the time of termination, cancellation, nonrenewal, or discontinuance, that the dealer delivers to the manufacturer or distributor, and as to which the dealer conveys clear title to the manufacturer or distributor under subsection (c): (1) For: (A) current model year motor vehicles; or (B) immediately preceding model year motor vehicles with less than three hundred (300) miles; acquired from the manufacturer or distributor in the usual course of business, the cost at acquisition less any discounts or allowances received from the manufacturer or distributor. (2) For all new, unused, and undamaged parts in original packaging that were purchased from the manufacturer or distributor: (A) the cost listed in the manufacturer's or distributor's parts catalog in effect at the time of termination, cancellation, nonrenewal, or discontinuance; minus (B) any allowances authorized by the manufacturer or distributor. (3) For required special tools, equipment, or computer equipment that was used for reporting financial data to the manufacturer or distributor, used solely for the franchise being terminated, and purchased by the dealer during the two (2) years immediately preceding the termination, cancellation, nonrenewal, or discontinuance, fair market value. (4) For signs that bear a trademark or trade name, that the dealer was required by the manufacturer or distributor to purchase, and that the dealer purchased within three (3) years of the termination, cancellation, nonrenewal, or discontinuance, fair market value. For purposes of this subsection, fair market value is determined on the date of termination, cancellation, nonrenewal, or discontinuance. (c) Title to items described in subsection (b) transfers from a dealer to a manufacturer or distributor on the date of termination, cancellation, nonrenewal, or discontinuance. The dealer has an enforceable security interest in the transferred items. (d) It is an unfair practice for a manufacturer or distributor to violate this section. As added by P.L.152-2013, SEC.4.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-29 Manufacturer or distributor terminates, cancels, or fails to renew a franchise between the manufacturer or distributor and dealer; exceptions

Sec. 29. (a) This section applies when a manufacturer or distributor terminates, cancels, or fails to renew a franchise between the manufacturer or distributor and a dealer, unless the termination, cancellation, or failure to renew is due to any of the following: (1) The dealer files for bankruptcy or enters into receivership. (2) The dealer's license is revoked under IC 9-32-11 or IC 9-32-16. (3) The dealer has been convicted of or pled guilty to a felony. (4) The dealer commits fraud. (5) The dealer has abandoned business operations or otherwise failed to conduct sales and service operations during regular business hours for at least seven (7) consecutive days, unless the abandonment or closure is due to an act of God or another act over which the franchise has no control. (b) Except as provided in subsection (c), upon termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal, a manufacturer or distributor shall pay to a dealer the following amounts: (1) If the dealer is leasing the dealership facilities from a person other than the manufacturer or distributor, the lesser of: (A) the total lease payments remaining unpaid on the date of termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal; or (B) the total annual lease payments for one (1) year; subject to damages mitigated by the dealer under the terms of the lease. (2) If the dealer owns the dealership facilities, an amount equal to the reasonable rental value of the facilities for the one (1) year period beginning on the date of termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal, subject to damages mitigated by the dealer. (c) A manufacturer or distributor may discharge the manufacturer's or distributor's obligations under a lease with a dealer by negotiating with the dealer a lease termination payment, a sublease, or a new lease. (d) The manufacturer or distributor is entitled to possession of the dealership facilities during the time period for which the manufacturer or distributor makes any lease payments. (e) It is an unfair practice for a manufacturer or a distributor to violate this section. As added by P.L.152-2013, SEC.5.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-30 Manufacturer or distributor may not require or coerce improvements to dealer's facilities or signs or franchisor image elements; exceptions

Sec. 30. (a) A manufacturer or distributor may not coerce or require a dealer to: (1) make an improvement to the dealer's facilities; or (2) install signs or other franchisor image elements; that would result in replacing or substantially altering improvements or image elements that the dealer made or installed during the immediately preceding ten (10) years as required by the manufacturer or distributor, unless the improvement or installation of signs or visual elements is necessary to comply with the health or safety laws of the state or to sell, service, or display a new motor vehicle due to the unique technology of the new motor vehicle. (b) It is an unfair practice for a manufacturer or distributor to violate this section. (c) This section does not apply to a recreational vehicle manufacturer franchisor. As added by P.L.152-2013, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.134-2023, SEC.8.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-30.1 Unfair practices regarding service contracts, debt cancellation agreements, maintenance agreements, or similar products

Sec. 30.1. (a) It is an unfair practice for a manufacturer or distributor to: (1) require a dealer to; or (2) coerce a dealer into; selling or offering for sale a service contract, a debt cancellation agreement, a maintenance agreement, or any similar product that is approved, endorsed, sponsored, or offered by the manufacturer, distributor, affiliate, or captive finance source. (b) It is an unfair practice for a manufacturer or distributor to consider a dealer's sale of service contracts, debt cancellation agreements, maintenance agreements, or any similar product not approved, endorsed, sponsored, or offered by the manufacturer, distributor, affiliate, or captive finance source when determining the following: (1) The eligibility of a dealer to purchase vehicles, parts, or other products or services from the manufacturer or distributor. (2) The volume of vehicles, parts, or other products or services that a dealer may purchase from the manufacturer or distributor. (3) The price at which a dealer may purchase vehicles, parts, or other products or services from the manufacturer or distributor. (c) It is not an unfair practice for a manufacturer, distributor, affiliate, or captive finance source to: (1) offer discounts, rebates, or other incentives to a dealer who voluntarily sells or offers to sell service contracts, debt cancellation agreements, maintenance agreements, or any similar product approved, endorsed, sponsored, or offered by the manufacturer, distributor, affiliate, or captive finance source; or (2) require a dealer to disclose the sale of a service contract, a debt cancellation agreement, a maintenance agreement, or any similar product that is not approved, endorsed, sponsored, or offered by the manufacturer, distributor, affiliate, or captive finance source. As added by P.L.134-2023, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.9-2024, SEC.313.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-30.2 Sunday transactions prohibited

Sec. 30.2. (a) This section does not apply to the following: (1) A person that holds a special event permit issued under IC 9-32-11-18. (2) The buying, selling, or trading of a motor vehicle that is a motorcycle. (b) A person that engages in the business of buying, selling, or trading of motor vehicles on a Sunday commits a Class B misdemeanor. As added by P.L.88-2025, SEC.4.

Ind. Code § 9-32-13-31 Complaint of unfair practice; investigation

Sec. 31. (a) A dealer that alleges the commission of an unfair practice by a manufacturer or distributor in violation of section 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, or 30 of this chapter may file a complaint with the division under IC 9-32-16-15. (b) Upon receipt of a complaint under subsection (a), the division may conduct an investigation under IC 9-32-16-14. (c) If the division determines that a manufacturer or distributor has committed a violation, including an unfair practice described in subsection (a), the division may take action against the manufacturer or distributor under IC 9-32-16 and IC 9-32-17. (d) A person that performs an act that is an unfair practice under this chapter commits a Class A infraction. (e) This section does not limit the ability of a dealer, manufacturer, or distributor to request a hearing under IC 9-32-16-2. As added by P.L.217-2014, SEC.174. Amended by P.L.174-2016, SEC.107.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/9Fetched: 10/17/2026