The Governor’s office has issued a Guidance Bulletin dated March 31, 2020 which includes important guidance for automotive dealers.
Per the Guidance Bulletin, limited sales and leasing activities are deemed essential only in the following circumstances: in order to close a pending transaction as of March 23rd, the date that the Proclamation was issued; or in order to replace a totaled vehicle, damaged vehicle if impractical to repair, extend an expiring lease, or provide necessary transportation to essential workers (refer to the Proclamation) if the essential worker has no other means of transportation. Such sale or lease activity must be by appointment only as scheduled remotely and only 1 dealership employee may be present in the dealership (showroom or office) at any one time and only for the duration of the sale. In addition, the customer must certify that the purchase is essential for one of the reasons listed. Of course, and quite important, the dealership must comply with the social distancing and sanitation measures required.
For sales transactions that qualify, the customer must sign a statement certifying that the transaction qualifies pursuant to the language of the Governor’s Guidance Bulletin and Proclamation. Such document should be required as part of the customer car deal file. We still suggest that management and/or the dealer operator continue to oversee these transactions to ensure compliance.
If you have any questions or need assistance with drafting the necessary documentation, please do not hesitate to contact Kari Brotherton at [email protected].
Additional Resources For Washington State automobile dealers
Local & Federal Resources:
- Governor Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” Order
- Governor Inslee’s additional Guidance Bulletin – Proclamation 20-25
- Washington State’s Official COVID-19 site, maintained by the state Joint Information Center
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Questions and Answers, U.S. Department of Labor, Wage & Hour Division
- COVID-19 or Other Public Health Emergencies and the Fair Labor Standards Act Questions and Answers, U.S. Department of Labor, Wage & Hour Division
- COVID-19: Information for workers and employers, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- COVID-19: Workplace and Employer Resources & Recommendations, Washington State Department of Health
- Washington State Employment Security Department: for workers and businesses affected by COVID-19
- King County Public Health Recommendations
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Guidance from the EEOC created during the 2009 H1N1 situation
Ryan Swanson Alerts:
- COVID-19: CARES Act – Key Provisions for Small to Mid-Sized American Businesses, Ryan Swanson Business Alert
- COVID-19: Resources for Washington Businesses, Ryan Swanson Business Alert
- Employer Obligations Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Ryan Swanson Employment Law Alert
- Premium Processing for All I-129 and I-140 Petitions Temporarily Suspended Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, Ryan Swanson Immigration Alert
- DHS Provides COVID-19 Exceptions to I-9 Compliance, Ryan Swanson Immigration Alert
- U.S. Embassies and Consulates Cancel Visa Appointments Due to COVID-19 Outbreak, Ryan Swanson Immigration Alert
- USCIS Suspends In-person Services, Ryan Swanson Immigration Alert
- Canada Cancels All Routine Nonimmigrant Visa Appointments and Restricts International Travel, Ryan Swanson Immigration Alert
- COVID-19 Travel Ban Impacting Travel from Europe, Ryan Swanson Immigration Alert
- Impact of Coronavirus on Travel from China to U.S., Ryan Swanson Immigration Alert
- COVID-19: Options for Distressed Small Businesses in Washington, Oregon, and California, Ryan Swanson Bankruptcy, Finance, & Restructuring Alert
This webpage is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
