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RS 32:1254

§1254. Application for license; requirements for licensure; contents; licenses; franchise filings; exceptions

A. The following persons shall be licensed by the commission in order to engage in business in the state of Louisiana, regardless of whether or not said person maintains or has a place or places of business in this state, and it is a violation of this Chapter to operate without first obtaining a license:

(1) Manufacturers.

(2) Motor vehicle dealers.

(3) Factory branches.

(4) Distributors or wholesalers.

(5) Distributor branches.

(6) Used motor vehicle facilities operated by new motor vehicles dealers, motor vehicle lessors, specialty vehicles dealers, or recreational products dealers.

(7) Satellite warranty and repair centers.

(8) Brokers.

(9) Motor vehicle lessor franchisors.

(10) Motor vehicle lessors.

(11) Motor vehicle lease facilitators.

(12) Converters or secondary manufacturers.

(13) Specialty vehicle dealers.

(14) Factory representatives.

(15) Distributor representatives.

(16) Motor vehicle salesmen.

(17) Motor vehicle lessor agents.

(18) Recreational products dealers.

(19) Auto shows, trade shows, and exhibitions, including promoters.

B.(1)(a) All applications for license or licenses shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee or fees in accordance with the schedule set out in R.S. 32:1255. All such fees shall be nonrefundable. Except as provided in Subparagraph (b) of this Paragraph and Paragraph (2) of this Subsection, all licenses issued under the provisions of this Chapter in accordance with the geographical location of the licensee will be for the year beginning and ending as follows:

(i) 1st Commission District--April 1 through March 31.

(ii) 2nd Commission District--May 1 through April 30.

(iii) 3rd Commission District--June 1 through May 31.

(iv) 4th Commission District--July 1 through June 30.

(v) 5th Commission District--August 1 through July 31.

(vi) 6th Commission District--September 1 through August 31.

(vii) 7th Commission District--October 1 through September 30.

(viii) 8th Commission District--November 1 through October 31.

(b) Commencing January 1, 2011, licenses shall be issued for a term of two years initially staggering the two-year license so Commission Districts 1, 3, 5, and 7 will be issued a one-year license in 2011 and a two-year license thereafter. Recreational product license fees shall be prorated to cover the period from December 31, 2010, until license renewal.

(2) The license of any recreational products dealer shall expire December 31, 2010, and the license of any licensee who does not maintain a place of business in this state shall expire on December thirty-first of each year.

C. General licensing and compliance requirements for all license applicants and holders:

(1) All applications for licenses required to be obtained under provisions of this Chapter shall be verified by the oath or affirmation of the applicant and shall be on forms prescribed by the commission and furnished to such applicants, and shall contain such information as the commission deems necessary to enable it to fully determine the qualifications and eligibility of the several applicants to receive the license or licenses applied for.

(2) The commission shall require, in such application or otherwise, information relating to the applicant's business integrity, whether the applicant is primarily engaged in the pursuit, avocation, or business for which a license or licenses is applied, the particular qualifications and requirements pertaining to the license or licenses sought, and whether the applicant is able to properly conduct the business for which a license or licenses is applied, and such other pertinent information consistent with the safeguarding of the public interest and public welfare.

(3) In the performance of its duties under this Section, the commission shall have the authority to obtain from the Department of Public Safety and Corrections and other governmental agencies information relating to the criminal records of applicants for licenses under this Chapter. The information in such records shall be kept confidential by the commission.

(4) All licensees must operate from an established place of business properly zoned in the municipality in which the licensee operates.

(5) All licenses and renewals are issued subject to all provisions of this Chapter and rules of the commission in effect upon date of issuance, as well as any subsequent amendments to, enactments of, or repeals of any provisions in this Chapter and rules which may become effective during the term of the license.

(6) Any person serving in more than one capacity or having more than one place where such business is carried on or conducted shall be required to obtain and hold a current license for each capacity and place of business.

(7) The license issued to any licensee shall specify the location of the licensee's established place of business.

(8) In determining whether or not to issue a license to any applicant, the commission shall consider the information provided above, the declaration of public policy set forth in R.S. 32:1251, as well as all of the following:

(a) Business integrity of the applicant.

(b) Ability of the applicant to conduct properly the business for which the license is sought.

(c) Effect on the business for which the license is sought and the effect on the consuming public in the community or territory and the state of Louisiana.

(9) All applications for license pursuant to this Chapter shall include evidence the applicant has insurance covering its place of business and its operation that complies with the financial responsibility laws of this state and as determined by the applicant and its insurance agent, that is necessary to provide coverage to the place and nature of the business sought to be licensed to protect the applicant and the consumers of this state. Failure to maintain such insurance shall result in the immediate suspension of license, which suspension shall be effective as of the date of the failure to maintain insurance coverage or until proof of the required insurance is furnished to the commission. If no proof is furnished to the commission within thirty days, the license of such licensee shall be revoked.

(10) All foreign persons seeking or maintaining a license under this Chapter must be registered to do business in this state with the secretary of state. Evidence showing such registration shall be furnished by such applicant or licensee.

(11) No license issued under this Chapter shall be transferable.

(12) At least sixty days prior to the receipt by the commission of an application by a licensee for the establishment of new location required to be licensed under the provisions of this Chapter, for a change of location, change in corporate ownership or majority ownership, change in the name of licensee, change in the makes, models, or classifications of vehicles designated in the franchise or any addendum thereto and manufactured, distributed, or sold, the addition of makes, models, or classifications of vehicles designated in the franchise or any addendum thereto and manufactured, converted, distributed, or sold, or a change in the identity of the designated dealer-operator of a licensee the commission must receive a written notice from the person seeking to effect such change. This sixty-day notice shall provide such information as the commission in its discretion may require. The sixty-day notice may be waived by the commission, when, in its discretion, the commission feels that such waiver would be in the best interest of the public welfare.

D. Additional licensing and compliance requirements for manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, converters or secondary manufacturers, distributors or wholesalers, factory branches and distributor branches:

(1) The commission shall require, in all manufacturer, converter or secondary manufacturer, distributor or wholesaler, factory branch and distributor branch applications or otherwise, information relating to the applicant's financial standing and whether the applicant has an established place of business.

(2) All manufacturers, converters or secondary manufacturers, distributors or wholesalers, factory branches and distributor branches must provide a suitable office and have a permanently affixed sign in front of the establishment.

(3) All manufacturers, converters or secondary manufacturers, distributors or wholesalers, factory branches and distributor branches must have a usable telephone at the place of business, the number of which should be listed on the application for license, and also listed in a local directory accessible to the public, where applicable. The commission must be notified of any change in the telephone number.

(4)(a) The license issued to each manufacturer, converter or secondary manufacturer, distributor or wholesaler, factory branch or distributor branch shall specify the location of the office or factory, or branch thereof, and the makes, models, or classifications of motor vehicles, recreational products, or specialty vehicles to be manufactured, distributed, or converted. The license issued to any manufacturer, converter or secondary manufacturer, distributor, or wholesaler, factory branch or distributor branch shall specify the location of such manufacturer's established place of business.

(b) A change of location, or a change in corporate ownership or majority ownership, or a change in the name of a licensee, or a change by a licensee in the makes, models, or classifications, requiring an addendum to a franchise agreement, of motor vehicles, recreational products, or specialty vehicles manufactured, distributed, or converted, or the addition of a make of motor vehicle or recreational product manufactured, distributed, or converted shall require a new license and application therefor.

(5) In determining whether or not to issue a license to a manufacturer, converter or secondary manufacturer, distributor or wholesaler, factory branch and distributor branch, the commission shall also consider the financial standing of the applicant and the adequacy of the applicant's established place of business for the purpose for which a license is sought.

(6) Repealed by Acts 2013, No. 61, §2.

(7) Upon execution of a franchise, or addendum thereto, with a motor vehicle dealer, recreational products dealer, or specialty vehicle dealer, the manufacturer, distributor, wholesaler, or a convertor or secondary manufacturer shall immediately file with the commission a copy of the franchise or addendum.

E. Additional licensing and compliance requirements for motor vehicle and recreational products dealers.

(1) The commission shall also require, in all motor vehicle and recreational products dealer applications or otherwise, information relating to the applicant's financial standing and established place of business.

(2) All motor vehicle and recreational products dealers must provide a suitable office and have a permanently affixed sign in front of the establishment of offices which denotes that vehicles are offered for sale, lease or rent at the location to which the sign is affixed.

(3) All motor vehicle and recreational products dealers must have a usable telephone at the place of business, the number of which should be listed on the application for license and in a local directory accessible to the public. The commission must be notified of any change in the telephone number.

(4)(a) Applications for license as motor vehicle and recreational products dealer must, in addition to the foregoing, also be accompanied by the filing with the commission of a bona fide contract or franchise in effect between the applicant and a manufacturer or distributor of the new motor vehicle or vehicles or recreational product or products proposed to be dealt in for a specific location in the state of Louisiana.

(b) However, if such contract or franchise has already been filed with the commission in connection with a previous application made by such applicant, in which event the applicant shall, in lieu of again filing the contract or franchise, identify same by appropriate reference and file all revisions and additions, if any, which have been made to said contract or franchise.

(5)(a) The applicant must also furnish satisfactory evidence that the applicant maintains adequate space in the building or structure wherein the applicant's established business is conducted for the display of new motor vehicles or recreational products, together with adequate facilities for the repair and servicing of motor vehicles or recreational products and the storage of new parts and accessories for the repair and servicing.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph and subject to written approval by the franchisor, adequate facilities for the repair and servicing of motor vehicles may be physically located in a building directly across a dedicated municipal street, but not more than one thousand feet from the applicant's established place of business.

(6) The application shall also identify the individual named as dealer-operator, and shall contain such information as the commission deems necessary to enable it to fully determine his qualifications and eligibility to serve in that capacity.

(7) All motor vehicle or recreational products dealer applications for license pursuant to this Chapter shall include evidence the applicant has insurance covering its place of business and its operation that complies with the financial responsibility laws of this state and as determined by the applicant and its insurance agent, that is necessary to provide coverage to the place and nature of the business sought to be licensed to protect the applicant and the consumers of this state. Such insurance shall be maintained throughout the period of licensure. Failure to maintain such insurance shall result in the immediate suspension of license, which suspension shall be effective as of the date of the failure to maintain such insurance coverage until proof of the required insurance is furnished to the commission. Should no proof of insurance be furnished to the commission within thirty days, the license of such licensee shall be revoked.

(8) In determining whether or not to issue a license to a motor vehicle or recreational products dealer, the commission shall also consider the financial standing of the motor vehicle or recreational products dealer, the adequacy of the motor vehicle or recreational products dealer's established place of business for the purpose for which a license is sought, and the effect on the motor vehicle or recreational products sale or leasing/rental business and the consuming public in the state of Louisiana.

(9)(a) The license issued to each motor vehicle or recreational products dealer shall specify the location of the office and the makes, models, or classifications of motor vehicles or recreational products to be sold, and the name of the dealer-operator. The license issued to a motor vehicle dealer shall specify the licensee's established place of business.

(b) A change of location, or a change in corporate ownership or majority ownership, or a change in the name of a licensee, or a change by a licensee in the makes, models, or classifications, requiring an addendum to a franchise agreement, of motor vehicles or recreational products sold, or the addition of a make of motor vehicles or recreational products sold or a change in the designation of the dealer-operator shall require a new license and application therefor.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of Subparagraph (b) of this Paragraph, a licensed motor vehicle or recreational products dealer shall not be required to submit an application for and obtain a new license if ownership interests in the dealership changes among existing family member owners, as long as the identity of the majority owner does not change, no additional persons are added as owners, and all changes in ownership interest are declared in the renewal application. For the purposes of this Subparagraph, "family member owners" shall include the majority owner's children, the spouses of his children, his brothers and their spouses, his sisters and their spouses, parents, his spouse, the parents of his spouse, and his grandchildren.

(d) Notwithstanding any other provisions of law to the contrary, any motor vehicle or recreational products dealer holding a license hereunder shall not be required to obtain a license as a motor vehicle lessor, used motor vehicle dealer, or specialty vehicle dealer or converter, when modifying or selling those vehicles or products he is duly franchised and licensed to sell, provided such operations are conducted from the location from which such motor vehicle or recreational products dealer is licensed to do business.

(10)(a) Before any motor vehicle or recreational products dealer license is issued to an applicant under the provisions of this Chapter, a good and sufficient surety bond, executed by the applicant as principal and by a surety company qualified to do business in Louisiana as surety, in the sum of twenty thousand dollars, shall be delivered to the commission.

(b) Such bond shall be in a form to be approved by the commission and shall be conditioned so that the licensee shall comply with the conditions of any written contract made by such licensee and shall not violate any of the provisions of this Chapter or any other law of Louisiana in the conduct of the business for which he is licensed. Such bond shall be made payable to the secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections or to his successor in office, for the use, benefit, and indemnity of any persons who shall suffer any loss as a result of any violation of the conditions hereinabove contained. Such bond shall be for the license period and a new bond or a proper continuation certificate shall be delivered to the commission at the beginning of each license period. However, the aggregate liability of the surety in any one year shall in no event exceed the sum of such bond. Failure to maintain such bond shall result in the immediate suspension of the license, which suspension shall be effective as of the date of the failure to maintain the bond until proof of the required bond is furnished to the commission. Should no proof of a bond be furnished to the commission within thirty days, the license shall be revoked.

(11) Upon execution of a franchise, or addendum thereto, the motor vehicle or recreational product dealer shall immediately file with the commission a copy of the franchise or addendum.

F. Additional licensing and compliance requirements for used motor vehicle facilities operated by new motor vehicle dealers, motor vehicle lessors and specialty vehicle dealers:

(1) The commission shall also require, in all used motor vehicle facility applications or otherwise, information relating to the applicant's financial standing and whether the applicant has an established place of business.

(2) All used motor vehicle facilities licensed by the commission must provide a suitable office and have a permanently affixed sign in front of the establishment, which denotes that vehicles are offered for sale at the location to which the sign is affixed.

(3) All used motor vehicle facilities licensed by the commission must have a useable telephone at the place of business, the number of which should be listed on the application for license and in a local directory accessible to the public. The commission must be notified of any change in the telephone number.

(4) All used motor vehicle facilities licensed by the commission shall furnish, in their application for license pursuant to this Chapter, evidence the applicant has insurance covering its place of business and its operation that complies with the financial responsibility laws of this state and as determined by the applicant and its insurance agent, that is necessary to provide coverage to the place and nature of the business sought to be licensed to protect the applicant and the consumers of this state. Such insurance shall be maintained throughout the period of licensure. Failure to maintain such insurance shall result in the immediate suspension of license, which suspension shall be effective as of the date of the failure to maintain such insurance coverage until proof of the required insurance is furnished to the commission. Should no proof of insurance be furnished to the commission within thirty days, the license of such licensee shall be revoked.

(5) In determining whether or not to issue a license to a used motor vehicle facility licensed by the commission, the commission shall also consider the financial standing of the used motor vehicle facility and the adequacy of the used motor vehicle facility's established place of business for the purpose for which a license is sought, the effect on the used motor vehicle sales business and the consuming public in the state of Louisiana.

(6)(a) The license issued to any used motor vehicle facility licensed by the commission shall specify the location of such licensee's established place of business.

(b) A change of location, or a change in corporate ownership or majority ownership, or a change in the name of a used motor vehicle facility licensed by the commission shall require a new license and application therefor.

(7) Applicants for and holders of used motor vehicle dealer licenses shall obtain and maintain bonds in accordance with the following provisions:

(a) Before any used motor vehicle dealer license is issued to an applicant under the provisions of this Chapter, a good and sufficient surety bond, executed by the applicant as principal and by a surety company qualified to do business in Louisiana as surety, in the sum of ten thousand dollars, shall be delivered to the commission. If a used motor vehicle dealer operates from more than one location, a bond in the amount of ten thousand dollars shall be required for each location.

G. Additional licensing and compliance requirements for satellite warranty and repair centers.

(1) The commission shall require, in all satellite warranty and repair center applications or otherwise, information relating to the applicant's financial standing and whether the applicant has an established place of business.

(2) All satellite warranty and repair centers must provide a suitable office and have a permanently affixed sign in front of the establishment.

(3) All satellite warranty and repair centers must have a usable telephone at the place of business, the number of which should be listed on the application for license and in a local directory accessible to the public. The commission must be notified of any change in the telephone number.

(4)(a) All satellite warranty and repair centers shall, within the contents of their application for a license pursuant to this Chapter, furnish evidence that the applicant maintains an insurance policy, which complies with the financial responsibility laws of Louisiana, that covers both its place of business and its operation and that the applicant maintains any additional insurance policy determined to be necessary, either relative to the place of business or relative to the nature of the operation sought to be licensed, to protect both the applicant and relevant consumers.

(b) The insurance required pursuant to this Paragraph shall be maintained throughout the period of licensure.

(c) Any failure to maintain the insurance required pursuant to this Paragraph shall result in the immediate suspension of license. The suspension shall be effective as of the date of the failure to maintain the insurance coverage and remains effective until proof of the required insurance is furnished to the commission. If no proof of insurance is furnished to the commission within thirty days, the license of the licensee shall be revoked.

(5)(a) The license issued to any satellite warranty and repair center shall specify the location of such satellite warranty and repair center's established place of business.

(b) A change of location, or a change in corporate ownership or majority ownership, or a change in the name of a satellite warranty and repair center shall require a new license and application therefor.

(6) In determining whether or not to issue a license to a satellite warranty and repair center, the commission shall also consider the adequacy of the satellite warranty and repair center's established place of business for the purpose for which a license is sought.

(7) Applicants for and holders of satellite warranty and repair center licenses shall obtain and maintain bonds in accordance with the following provisions:

(a) Before any satellite warranty and repair center license is issued to an applicant under the provisions of this Chapter, a good and sufficient surety bond, executed by the applicant as principal and by a surety company qualified to do business in Louisiana as surety, in the sum of twenty thousand dollars, shall be delivered to the commission.

H. Additional licensing and compliance requirements for brokers.

(1) The commission shall require, in all broker applications or otherwise, information relating to the applicant's financial standing and whether the applicant has an established place of business.

(2) All brokers must provide a suitable office and have a permanently affixed sign in front of the establishment.

(3) All brokers must have a usable telephone at the place of business, the number of which should be listed on the application for license, and also in a local directory accessible to the public, where applicable. The commission must be notified of any change in the telephone number.

(4)(a) The license issued to any broker shall specify the location of such broker's established place of business.

(b) A change of location, or a change in corporate ownership or majority ownership, or a change in the name of a broker shall require a new license and application therefor.

(5) In determining whether or not to issue a license to a broker, the commission shall also consider the financial standing of the broker and the adequacy of the broker's established place of business for the purpose for which a license is sought, the effect on the motor vehicle brokerage business and the consuming public in the state of Louisiana.

(6) Applicants for and holders of broker licenses shall obtain and maintain bonds in accordance with the following provisions:

(a) Before any broker license is issued to an applicant under the provisions of this Chapter, a good and sufficient surety bond, executed by the applicant as principal and by a surety company qualified to do business in Louisiana as surety, in the sum of twenty thousand dollars, shall be delivered to the commission.

(b) Such bond shall be in a form to be approved by the commission and shall be conditioned so that the licensee shall comply with the conditions of any written contract made by such licensee and shall not violate any of the provisions of this Chapter or any other law of Louisiana in the conduct of the business for which he is licensed. Such bond shall be made payable to the secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections or to his successor in office, for the use, benefit, and indemnity of any persons who shall suffer any loss as a result of any violation of the conditions hereinabove contained. Such bond shall be for the license period and a new bond or a proper continuation certificate shall be delivered to the commission at the beginning of each license period; however, the aggregate liability of the surety in any one year shall in no event exceed the sum of such bond. Failure to maintain such bond shall result in the immediate suspension of the license, which suspension shall be effective as of the date of the failure to maintain the bond until proof of the required bond is furnished to the commission. Should no proof of a bond be furnished to the commission within thirty days, the license shall be revoked.

(7) A person acting as a broker in a transaction involving the sale for purposes other than resale, of a used motor vehicle must be licensed and regulated under the provisions of Chapter 4-B of Title 32 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.

I. Additional licensing and compliance requirements for motor vehicle lessor franchisors.

(1) The commission shall require, in all motor vehicle lessor franchisor applications or otherwise, information relating to the applicant's financial standing and whether the applicant has an established place of business.

(2) All motor vehicle lessor franchisors must provide a suitable office and have a permanently affixed sign in front of the establishment.

(3) All motor vehicle lessor franchisors must have a usable telephone at the place of business, the number of which should be listed on the application for license, and listed in a local directory accessible to the public, where applicable. The commission must be notified of any change in the telephone number.

(4)(a) The license issued to any motor vehicle lessor franchisor shall specify the location of such motor vehicle lessor franchisor's established place of business.

(b) A change of location, or a change in corporate ownership or majority ownership, or a change in the name of a motor vehicle lessor franchisor shall require a new license and application therefor.

(5) In determining whether or not to issue a license to a motor vehicle lessor franchisor, the commission shall also consider the financial standing of the motor vehicle lessor franchisor and the adequacy of the motor vehicle lessor franchisor's established place of business for the purpose for which a license is sought.

(6) Upon execution of a franchise, or addendum thereto, with a motor vehicle lessor, the motor vehicle lessor franchisor shall immediately file with the commission a copy of the franchise or addendum.

J. Additional licensing and compliance requirements for motor vehicle lessors:

(1) The commission shall also require, in all motor vehicle lessor applications or otherwise, information relating to the applicant's financial standing and whether the applicant has an established place of business.

(2) All motor vehicle lessors must provide a suitable office and have a permanently affixed sign in front of the establishment of offices which denotes that vehicles are offered for lease or rent at the location to which the sign is affixed.

(3) All motor vehicle lessors must have a usable telephone at the place of business, the number of which should be listed on the application for license, and listed in a local directory accessible to the public, where applicable. The commission must be notified of any change in the telephone number.

(4)(a) Applications for license as motor vehicle lessor must, in addition to the foregoing, also be accompanied by the filing with the commission of any bona fide contract or franchise in effect between the applicant and a motor vehicle lessor franchisor of the new motor vehicle or vehicles proposed to be dealt in for a specific location in the state of Louisiana.

(5) All motor vehicle lessors, in their application for license pursuant to this Chapter, shall include evidence the applicant has insurance covering its place of business and its operation that complies with the financial responsibility laws of this state and as determined by the applicant and its insurance agent, that is necessary to provide coverage to the place and nature of the business sought to be licensed to protect the applicant and the consumers of this state. Such insurance must be maintained throughout the period of licensure. Failure to maintain such insurance shall result in the immediate suspension of license, which suspension shall be effective as of the date of the failure to maintain such insurance coverage until proof of the required insurance is furnished to the commission. Should no proof of insurance be furnished to the commission within thirty days, the license of such licensee shall be revoked.

(6)(a) The license issued to a motor vehicle lessor shall specify the licensee's established place of business.

(b) A change of location, or a change in corporate ownership or majority ownership, or a change in the name of a motor vehicle lessor shall require a new license and application therefor.

(7) In determining whether or not to issue a license to a motor vehicle lessor, the commission shall also consider the financial standing of the motor vehicle lessor, the adequacy of the motor vehicle lessor's established place of business for the purpose for which a license is sought, and the effect on the motor vehicle leasing/rental business and the consuming public in the state of Louisiana.

K. Additional licensing and compliance requirements for motor vehicle lease facilitators.

(1) The commission shall also require, in all motor vehicle lease facilitator applications or otherwise, information relating to the applicant's financial standing and whether the applicant has an established place of business.

(2) All motor vehicle lease facilitators must provide a suitable office and have a permanently affixed sign in front of the establishment.

(3) All motor vehicle lease facilitators must have a useable telephone at the place of business, the number of which should be listed on the application for license, and also in a local directory accessible to the public, where applicable. The commission must be notified of any change in the telephone number.

(4) In determining whether or not to issue a license to a motor vehicle lease facilitator, the commission shall also consider the financial standing of the motor vehicle lease facilitator and the adequacy of the motor vehicle lease facilitator's established place of business for the purpose for which a license is sought.

(5)(a) The motor vehicle lease facilitators shall specify the location of such motor vehicle lease facilitator's established place of business.

(b) A change of location, or a change in corporate ownership or majority ownership, or a change in the name of a motor vehicle lease facilitator, shall require a new license and application therefor.

L. Additional licensing and compliance requirements for specialty vehicle dealers: (1) The commission shall also require, in all specialty vehicle dealer applications or otherwise, information relating to the applicant's financial standing and whether the applicant has an established place of business.

(2) All specialty vehicle dealers must provide a suitable office and have a permanently affixed sign in front of the establishment of offices which denotes that vehicles are offered for sale at the location to which the sign is affixed.

(3) All specialty vehicle dealers must have a usable telephone at the place of business, the number of which should be listed on the application for license, and also in a local directory accessible to the public, where applicable. The commission must be notified of any change in the telephone number.

(4)(a) Applications for license as a specialty vehicle dealer must, in addition to the foregoing, also be accompanied by the filing with the commission of a bona fide contract or franchise in effect between the applicant and a converter or secondary manufacturer of the specialty vehicle or vehicles proposed to be dealt in for a specific location.

(5) All specialty vehicle dealers, in their application for license pursuant to this Chapter, shall include evidence the applicant has insurance covering its place of business and its operation that complies with the financial responsibility laws of this state and as determined by the applicant and its insurance agent, that is necessary to provide coverage to the place and nature of the business sought to be licensed to protect the applicant and the consumers of this state. Such insurance must be maintained throughout the period of licensure. Failure to maintain such insurance shall result in the immediate suspension of license, which suspension shall be effective as of the date of the failure to maintain such insurance coverage until proof of the required insurance is furnished to the commission. If no proof of insurance is furnished to the commission within thirty days, the license of such licensee shall be revoked.

(6)(a) The license issued to each specialty vehicle dealer shall specify the location of the office and the makes, models, or classifications of specialty vehicles to be sold. The license issued to a specialty vehicle dealer shall specify the licensee's established place of business.

(b) A change of location, or a change in corporate ownership or majority ownership, or a change in the name of a licensee, or a change by a licensee in the makes, models or classifications, requiring an addendum to a franchise agreement of specialty vehicles sold, or the addition of a make of motor vehicle sold shall require a new license and application therefor.

(7) In determining whether or not to issue a license to a specialty vehicle dealer, the commission shall also consider the financial standing of the specialty vehicle dealer and the adequacy of the specialty vehicle dealer's established place of business for the purpose for which a license is sought.

(8) Applicants for and holders of specialty vehicle dealer licenses shall obtain and maintain bonds in accordance with the following provisions:

(a) Before any specialty vehicle dealer license is issued to an applicant under the provisions of this Chapter, a good and sufficient surety bond, executed by the applicant as principal and by a surety company qualified to do business in Louisiana as surety, in the sum of twenty thousand dollars, shall be delivered to the commission.

M. Additional licensing and compliance requirements for motor vehicle salesmen, motor vehicle lessor agents, factory representatives, and distributor representatives.

(1) Every motor vehicle salesman, factory representative, distributor representative, and motor vehicle lessor agent shall have his license upon his person when engaged in his business and shall display same upon request. The name of said licensee's employer shall be stated in said license.

(2) In determining whether or not to issue a license to any motor vehicle salesman or motor vehicle lessor agent, the commission shall also consider the effect of such licensure on the motor vehicle leasing/rental business and the consuming public.

N. Any person who sells or offers to sell new motor vehicles, recreational products, or specialty vehicles, or leases, rents, or offers to lease or rent new motor vehicles, recreational products, or specialty vehicles, or conducts and designs advertising or participates in special sales events on behalf of licensees, and which is not a licensee of the commission shall, nonetheless, be subject to the provisions of Chapter 6 of Title 32 and the rules and regulations of the commission.

O. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Chapter and the provisions of Subsection N of this Section to the contrary, this Chapter shall not apply to specialty vehicle dealers who manufacture wheeled, armored personnel carriers for sale to law enforcement agencies and who do not maintain or have a place of business in this state. The provisions of this Subsection shall expire on July 1, 2018.

P. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary and the provisions of Subsection N of this Section, this Chapter shall not apply to the procurement or sale of towable equipment as defined in this Chapter.

Acts 1985, No. 911, §1; Acts 1985, No. 422, §1, eff. July 10, 1985; Acts 1987, No. 450, §1; Acts 1987, No. 775, §§1, 2; Acts 1989, No. 262, §1; Acts 1989, No. 477, §1; Acts 1989, No. 634, §1; Acts 1990, No. 124, §1; Acts 1990, No. 283, §1, eff. July 5, 1990; Acts 1991, No. 296, §1, eff. July 2, 1991; Acts 1992, No. 258, §1, eff. June 10, 1992; Acts 1993, No. 536, §§1, 2; Acts 1995, No. 51, §1, 2, eff. June 9, 1995; Acts 1997, No. 87, §1; Acts 1997, No. 211, §1; Acts 1999, No. 785, §1; Acts 1999, No. 981, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1100, §1; Acts 2001, No. 1054, §1; Acts 2001, No. 1067, §1; Acts 2001, No. 1154, §1; Acts 2003, No. 251, §1; Acts 2003, No. 917, §1; Acts 2004, No. 250, §1; Acts 2004, No. 276, §1; Acts 2004, No. 348, §1; Acts 2004, No. 409, §1; Acts 2004, No. 670, §1; Acts 2005, No. 500, §1, eff. July 12, 2005; Acts 2006, No. 352, §1; Acts 2007, No. 27, §1, eff. June 18, 2007; Acts 2008, No. 415, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 2009; Acts 2009, No. 403, §1, eff. July 7, 2009; Acts 2010, No. 1036, §1; Acts 2011, No. 89, §1; Acts 2013, No. 61, §2; Acts 2015, No. 435, §1; Acts 2017, No. 45, §1, eff. June 3, 2017; Acts 2018, No. 142, §1; Acts 2018, No. 487, §1.