Code of Maine Rules
26 - DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
239 - DEPARTMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL - GENERAL
Chapter 105 - TRADE PRACTICES IN THE SALE OF NEW MOTOR VEHICLES
Section 239-105-3 - Disclosure of Extra Charges

It is prima facie evidence of an unfair trade practice for a dealer to fail to disclose the reason for and amount of each service, product or extra charge.

For the dealer to accurately disclose an extra charge, it must post on the vehicle or give in writing to the prospective customer, before any sales document is signed, a clear description of each separate service, product or extra charge. If an extra charge is for services, then each specific service and its price must be disclosed.

Comment

This rule expresses the basic disclosure principle that prospective purchasers should be told the total amount and reason for each charge on a new car.

If a dealer charges extra for vehicle preparation services, he must list each separate service he is charging for (e.g., waxing the vehicle, filling up the gas tank) and its price. If a dealer wishes simply to ask for more than the Monroney sticker price, but is not charging for a specific product or service, then this rule would be satisfied by labeling this higher price with a phrase such as "Dealer's Asking Price."