Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 470 - Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board
Chapter 00 - N/A
Subchapter 00 - N/A
Part 1 - Regulations Governing the Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board
Section 470-RICR-00-00-1.8 - Notification and Schedule of Hearings

A. Within thirty (30) days after the effective date of adoption of these regulations, each manufacturer of motor vehicles sold or leased in Rhode Island shall forward to the Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board the name, address, and telephone number of the individual designated by the manufacturer to receive notices under this automotive dispute settlement process. It shall be the duty of the manufacturer to update this information, as necessary.

B. Within ten (10) days that an application is accepted for resolution, a notice shall be mailed certified mail, return receipt requested, by the Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board to the consumer and the manufacturer's designee. General information about the arbitration process shall be included. A copy of the consumer's request for arbitration and any other pertinent information shall be sent to the manufacturer or its designee. If the manufacturer had not been given a previous opportunity by the consumer under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-5.2-5, it shall have one final opportunity to cure the nonconformities within seven (7) calendar days of receipt of the notice, or within a reasonable period of time as agreed upon by the consumer and the manufacturer.

C. Within forty-five (45) days of acceptance of the request for arbitration, the Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board shall schedule a hearing date.

D. The Director or his designee shall observe all arbitration hearings.

E. Panel members shall receive a copy of the case file at least seven (7) days prior to the scheduled hearing.

F. The consumer and the manufacturer shall be notified by certified mail, return receipt requested, as to the date, time and place of the hearing.