Section 331 Of Division 1. Words And Phrases Defined From California Vehicle Code >> Division 1.
331
. (a) A "franchise" is a written agreement between two or more
persons having all of the following conditions:
(1) A commercial relationship of definite duration or continuing
indefinite duration.
(2) The franchisee is granted the right to offer for sale or
lease, or to sell or lease at retail new motor vehicles or new
trailers subject to identification pursuant to Section 5014.1
manufactured or distributed by the franchisor or the right to perform
authorized warranty repairs and service, or the right to perform any
combination of these activities.
(3) The franchisee constitutes a component of the franchisor's
distribution system.
(4) The operation of the franchisee's business is substantially
associated with the franchisor's trademark, trade name, advertising,
or other commercial symbol designating the franchisor.
(5) The operation of a portion of the franchisee's business is
substantially reliant on the franchisor for a continued supply of new
vehicles, parts, or accessories.
(b) The term "franchise" does not include an agreement entered
into by a manufacturer or distributor and a person where all the
following apply:
(1) The person is authorized to perform warranty repairs and
service on vehicles manufactured or distributed by the manufacturer
or distributor.
(2) The person is not a new motor vehicle dealer franchisee of the
manufacturer or distributor.
(3) The person's repair and service facility is not located within
the relevant market area of a new motor vehicle dealer franchisee of
the manufacturer or distributor.