470 R.I. Code R. 470-RICR-00-00-1.17

Current through December 3, 2024

Section 470-RICR-00-00-1.17 - Notice of Arbitration Decision

A. The panel's decision shall be rendered within ten (10) days following the close of the arbitration hearing The decision shall be rendered by the agreement of the majority of the Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board.

B. The decision shall be written by the Director and shall be signed by the agreeing majority of arbitrators. In the event that the Director dissents from the majority decision, he or she shall designate one of the agreeing arbitrators to write the decision in his or her seat. Said decision shall be filed with the Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board. The Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board shall thereupon forward copies of said decision to the consumer, the manufacturer and arbitrators by first class mail.

a. Forwarded copies shall not disclose how each individual panel member voted.

C. The consumer and manufacturer shall each receive official written notice of the panel's decision by first class mail.

D. The effective date of the decision shall be the date the written decision is signed by the Director or his or her designated representative.

E. The arbitration decision shall contain the following:

1. The panel's finding of fact and the reason for its decision;

2. The specific terms of the award, if applicable;

3. The date for performance, if applicable;

4. A statement to the consumer that the decision to accept or reject must be made within five (5) days;

5. A notice to the manufacturer that the manufacturer must within thirty (30) days after acceptance by the consumer comply with the terms of the decision of the panel; and

6. Notice of other legal remedies available to both parties under applicable state or federal law.

F. Included with the copy of the arbitration decision sent to the consumer shall be a form to be completed by said consumer, indicating his or her acceptance or rejection of the decision. The consumer shall return said form to the Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board within five (5) days from the date of the consumer's receipt of said notice, certified mail, return receipt requested.

1. If the consumer does not return his or her acceptance or rejection of the decision within the five (5) day period, the panel's decision will be vacated.

470 R.I. Code R. 470-RICR-00-00-1.17