# RCW 46.96.040: RCW 46.96.040: Determination of good cause, good faith—Petition, notice, decision, appeal

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C96_S040

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 46.96.040
- **Heading:** RCW 46.96.040: Determination of good cause, good faith—Petition, notice, decision, appeal
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 46 / Chapter 96 / Section 040

## Text

A new motor vehicle dealer who has received written notification from the manufacturer of the manufacturer's intent to terminate, cancel, or not renew the franchise may file a petition with the department for a determination as to the existence of good cause and good faith for the termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal of a franchise. The petition shall contain a short statement setting forth the reasons for the dealer's objection to the termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal of the franchise. Upon the filing of the petition and the receipt of the filing fee, the department shall promptly notify the manufacturer that a timely petition has been filed and shall request the appointment of an administrative law judge under chapter 34.12 RCW to conduct a hearing. The franchise in question shall continue in full force and effect pending the administrative law judge's decision. If the decision of the administrative law judge terminating, canceling, or failing to renew a dealer's franchise is appealed by a dealer, the franchise in question shall continue in full force and effect until the appeal to superior court is finally determined or until the expiration of one hundred eighty days from the date of issuance of the administrative law judge's written decision, whichever is less. Nothing in this section precludes a manufacturer or dealer from petitioning the superior court for a stay or other relief pending judicial review.

## Nearby sections

- [RCW 46.96.010 RCW 46.96.010: Legislative findings.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C96_S010.md)
- [RCW 46.96.020 RCW 46.96.020: Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C96_S020.md)
- [RCW 46.96.030 RCW 46.96.030: Termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal of franchise restricted.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C96_S030.md)
- [RCW 46.96.035 RCW 46.96.035: Payment of fair market value of dealer goodwill upon request and termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal of franchise.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C96_S035.md)
- [RCW 46.96.040 RCW 46.96.040: Determination of good cause, good faith—Petition, notice, decision, appeal.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C96_S040.md)
- [RCW 46.96.050 RCW 46.96.050: Determination of good cause, good faith—Hearing, decision, procedures—Judicial review.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C96_S050.md)
- [RCW 46.96.060 RCW 46.96.060: Good cause, what constitutes—Burden of proof.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C96_S060.md)
- [RCW 46.96.070 RCW 46.96.070: Notice of termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C96_S070.md)
- [RCW 46.96.080 RCW 46.96.080: Payments by manufacturer to dealer for inventory, equipment, etc.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C96_S080.md)
- [RCW 46.96.090 RCW 46.96.090: Payments by manufacturer for dealership facilities.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C96_S090.md)
- [RCW 46.96.095 RCW 46.96.095: Compensation by manufacturer for labor and parts required to perform recall repairs—Applicability to certain used vehicles—Reimbursement claims—Recovery of costs—Remedy, exclusive.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C96_S095.md)
- [RCW 46.96.100 RCW 46.96.100: Mitigation of damages.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C96_S100.md)
- [RCW 46.96.105 RCW 46.96.105: Warranty work.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C96_S105.md)
- [RCW 46.96.110 RCW 46.96.110: Designated successor to franchise ownership.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C96_S110.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C96_S040. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.