Nebraska’s new recreational vehicle (RV) franchise law took effect Oct. 1, establishing requirements governing relationships between RV manufacturers and dealers following its passage by the state legislature earlier this year.
According to a News and Insights report of RVIA, the legislation passed by a 48-1 vote and establishes a framework specifically for Nebraska’s RV industry based on model legislation supported by the RV Industry Association (RVIA) and the RV Dealers Association (RVDA).
The law addresses several aspects of manufacturer-dealer relationships, including written agreements, contract termination and repurchase obligations, business transfers and succession, warranty responsibilities, pre-delivery inspections, indemnification, mediation and penalties.
Nebraska RV manufacturers and dealers are expected to review their existing agreements and business practices to ensure compliance with the law’s requirements now that it is in effect.
The legislation also includes provisions tailored to the RV industry, defining the types of recreational vehicles covered and changing specific vehicle classifications and standards referenced under state law.
Among those changes, the law increases the maximum allowable length of fifth-wheel trailers to 46 feet and removes van conversions from the definition of an RV. It also updates the law’s reference to the 2025 ANSI A119.5 Park Model RV Standard.
The changes establish specific parameters for the vehicles covered by the legislation and update the standards referenced in Nebraska’s RV franchise framework.
The law was developed through collaboration among RVIA, Nebraska RV dealers and the Nebraska New Car and Truck Dealers Association. The groups worked together on legislation intended to establish a framework for manufacturer-dealer relationships within the state’s RV industry.
With the law now effective, industry participants will need to account for its provisions when managing agreements, warranty obligations, vehicle classifications and other aspects of their business relationships.
