TITLE XXXI
TRADE AND COMMERCE

CHAPTER 358-D
REGULATION OF MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR FACILITIES

Section 358-D:1

358-D:1 Definitions. – As used in this chapter:
I.  "Motor vehicle repair facility' means any person who performs services or repair work on any motor vehicle.
II. "Motor vehicle' means any vehicle defined by RSA 259:60, I except "motor trucks,'  "motorcycles' and "motor-driven cycles' as defined by RSA 259.
III. "Person' means any person defined by RSA 358-A:1, I.
IV. "Customer' means any person, or representative thereof, who is seeking to  have performed, is having performed, or has had performed, any service or repair work on a motor vehicle.

Source. 1977, 295:1. 1981, 146:5, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.

Section 358-D:2

358-D:2 When Written Estimate Required. – Upon the request of any customer, a motor vehicle repair facility shall provide a written estimate to the customer in advance of performing any service or repair work. The written estimate shall contain:
I. An itemization of the service or repair work to be performed;
II. An estimated price for labor and parts necessary to complete the work; and
III. An estimated completion date.

Source. 1977, 295:1, eff. Aug. 26, 1977.

Section 358-D:3

358-D:3 Authorization to Proceed. – A motor vehicle repair facility shall not perform any service or repair work set forth in the written estimate unless it receives the written permission of the customer to proceed; provided, however, that if it is impracticable to give the customer a written estimate or obtain his written permission to proceed, the motor vehicle repair facility may orally advise the customer of the items contained in the written estimate and obtain his oral permission to proceed.

Source. 1977, 295:1, eff. Aug. 26, 1977.

Section 358-D:4

358-D:4 Additional Service or Repair Work. – If additional service or repair work of an unrelated and different nature from the work originally itemized in the written estimate becomes necessary, a motor vehicle repair facility shall notify the customer of the estimated cost of such additional work and receive his written or oral permission to proceed before performing the work.

Source. 1977, 295:1, eff. Aug. 26, 1977.

Section 358-D:5

358-D:5 Effect of Exceeding the Estimate. – Upon the completion of any service or repair work for which an estimate has been given, a motor vehicle repair facility shall not charge the customer any amount which exceeds the estimate by 10 percent without his written consent.

Source. 1977, 295:1, eff. Aug. 26, 1977

Section 358-D:6

358-D:6 Service or Repair Delay. – A motor vehicle repair facility is not liable for breach of the written estimated completion date for service or repair work if the delay is caused by:
I. An act of God;
II. Strike;
III. Unexpected illness;
IV. Unexpected shortage of labor or parts; or
V. Unavailability of customer to give permission to perform additional service or repair work.

Source. 1977, 295:1, eff. Aug. 26, 1977.