Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 280 - Department of Revenue
Chapter 30 - Division of Motor Vehicles
Subchapter 20 - Dealer Licensing and Registration
Part 1 - Dealers, Manufacturers, and Rental Licenses
Section 280-RICR-30-20-1.15 - Department Investigation and Action

1. The Department, pursuant to its own authority, may initiate an investigation and take regulatory action against a dealer, against an applicant for a dealer's license or applicant for renewal of a dealer's license, against any person who is required to be licensed as a dealer but is not, and against any person who is otherwise subject to the regulatory or statutory authority of the Department. All such regulatory actions shall be pursuant to applicable law and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.

1. In the event the Department receives a written complaint regarding a dealer or manufacturer, the Department shall forward a copy of the written complaint to the Dealer or manufacturer. The Dealer or manufacturer shall have ten days from receipt of the complaint to file a written response to the complaint with the Department.

1. The Department shall give written notice to the dealer or manufacturer of the initiation of a hearing. The notice shall be designed to afford an opportunity for hearing pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-35-9 or as otherwise provided by law. The notice of hearing shall inform the dealer that: it shall be his/her or its sole responsibility (or his/her or its representative) to present a defense at hearing; and specify the statutory cause of action under which the hearing is convened and potential penalty or penalties resulting therefrom. The notice of hearing shall comply with R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-35-9(b) and/or any other statutory requirements.