State Codes and Statutes
Statutes > Rhode-island > Title-31 > Chapter-31-5-2 > 31-5-2-7SECTION 31-5.2-7
§ 31-5.2-7 Informal dispute settlementprocedures. – If a manufacturer has established an informal dispute settlement procedurewhich complies in all respects with the provisions of 16 CFR Part 703, or whichhas been approved by the federal trade commission or by the attorney general ofthis state, the provisions of § 31-5.2-3 concerning refunds or replacementshall not apply to any consumer or lessee who has not first resorted to thatmanufacturer's procedure or to the procedure set forth in § 31-5.2-7.1.This section shall not apply unless the manufacturer, its agents, or itsauthorized dealer or lessor shall have provided the consumer or lessee withclear and conspicuous written notice of the procedure at the time of deliveryof the motor vehicle. A decision resulting from an informal dispute settlementprocedure shall be binding upon the manufacturer if the consumer or lesseeelects to accept the decision. The manufacturer shall perform its obligationsas set forth in the decision within a reasonable period of time not to exceedthirty (30) calendar days from the rendering of the decision. In no event shalla consumer or lessee who has resorted to an informal dispute settlementprocedure be precluded from seeking the rights and/or remedies provided by thischapter. Any applicable statute of limitation including, but not limited to,that set forth in § 31-5.2-12 shall be tolled during the period from theinitiation of a dispute settlement procedure until thirty (30) days followingthe rendering of a final decision in the process.
