Relative to consumer protection on online automobile franchise transactions

This bill amends existing consumer protection laws to exempt certain online car sales from specific regulations. If a licensed car dealer sells a new or used car to a buyer who signs the contract electronically from a location away from the dealership, the usual consumer protection rules outlined in Section 48 of Chapter 93 do not apply. The dealer must inform the buyer of this exemption at the time of sale.

Supporters of the bill might say it modernizes consumer protection laws to reflect current online buying trends. By allowing electronic signatures for car sales conducted remotely, it promotes convenience and efficiency for both consumers and dealers, while maintaining transparency as sellers are required to disclose the regulatory changes to buyers.

Critics might argue that this bill reduces consumer protections for remote car buyers by exempting certain transactions from existing laws. They may claim it gives too much leeway to dealers at the potential expense of consumers, who might be disadvantaged without the usual safeguards.