625 ILCS 5/ Illinois Vehicle Code.

(625 ILCS 5/4-213) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-213)

Sec. 4-213. Liability of law enforcement officers, agencies, and towing services.

(a) A law enforcement officer or agency, a department of municipal government designated under Section 4-212.1 or its officers or employees, or a towing service owner, operator, or employee shall not be held to answer or be liable for damages in any action brought by the registered owner, former registered owner, or his legal representative, lienholder or any other person legally entitled to the possession of a vehicle when the vehicle was processed and sold or disposed of as provided by this Chapter.

(b) A towing service, and any of its officers or employees, that removes or tows a vehicle as a result of being directed to do so by a law enforcement officer or agency or a department of municipal government or its officers or employees shall not be held to answer or be liable for loss of or damages to any real or personal property that occurs in the course of the removal or towing of a vehicle or its contents (i) on a limited access highway in a designated Incident Management Program that uses fast lane clearance techniques as defined by the Department of Transportation or (ii) at the direction of a peace officer, a highway authority official, or a representative of local authorities, under Section 11-402 or 11-404 of this Code.

(Source: P.A. 95-407, eff. 1-1-08.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-214) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-214)

Sec. 4-214. Violations of Section 4-201.

(a) Any person who violates Section 4-201 of this Code or who aids and abets in that violation:

(1) shall be subject to a mandatory fine of $200; and

(2) shall be required by the court to make a disposition on the abandoned or unclaimed vehicle and pay all towing, storage, and processing charges and collection costs pursuant to Section 4-203, subsections (a) and (e).

(b) When a vehicle is abandoned, it shall be presumed that the last registered owner is responsible for the abandonment and shall be liable for all towing, storage, and processing charges and collection costs, less any amounts realized in the disposal of the vehicle. The last registered owner's liability for storage fees may not exceed a maximum of 30 days' storage fees.

The presumption established under this subsection may be rebutted by a showing that, prior to the time of the tow:

(1) a report of vehicle theft was filed with respect to the vehicle; or

(2) the vehicle was sold or transferred and the last registered owner provides the towing service with the correct identity and address of the new owner at the time of the sale or transfer.

If the presumption established under this subsection is rebutted, the person responsible for theft of the vehicle or to whom the vehicle was sold or transferred is liable for all towing, storage, and processing charges and collection costs.

(Source: P.A. 89-433, eff. 12-15-95.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-214.1)

Sec. 4-214.1. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 95-621, eff. 6-1-08. Repealed by P.A. 101-652, eff. 7-1-21.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-215)

Sec. 4-215. Rebuilt vehicles; clean titles. Persons licensed under Section 5-301 of this Code may obtain a certificate of title that does not bear the notation "REBUILT" from a certificate of purchase when the damage to the vehicle is 25% or less of its market value, there has been no structural damage to the vehicle, there is no history of a salvage certificate, and the vehicle has undergone a salvage inspection by the Secretary of State and a safety inspection under Section 13-101 of this Code. The application for a certificate of title shall contain an affirmation under penalty for perjury that the vehicle on the date of the application is not damaged in excess of 25% of its market value, has no structural damage, and has no history of salvage.

(Source: P.A. 89-433, eff. 12-15-95.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-216)

Sec. 4-216. Storage fees; notice to lienholder of record.

(a) Any commercial vehicle relocator or any other private towing service providing removal or towing services pursuant to this Code and seeking to impose fees in connection with the furnishing of storage for a vehicle in the possession of the commercial vehicle relocator or other private towing service must provide written notice within 2 business days after the vehicle is removed or towed, by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the lienholder of record, regardless of whether the commercial vehicle relocator or other private towing service enforces a lien under the Labor and Storage Lien Act or the Labor and Storage Lien (Small Amount) Act. The notice shall be effective upon mailing and include the rate at which fees will be incurred, and shall provide the lienholder with an opportunity to inspect the vehicle on the premises where the vehicle is stored within 2 business days of the lienholder's request. The date on which the assessment and accrual of storage fees may commence is the date of the impoundment of the vehicle, subject to any applicable limitations set forth by a municipality authorizing the vehicle removal. Payment of the storage fees by the lienholder may be made in cash or by cashier's check, certified check, debit card, credit card, or wire transfer, at the option of the lienholder taking possession of the vehicle. The commercial vehicle relocator or other private towing service shall furnish a copy of the certified mail receipt to the lienholder upon request.

(b) The notification requirements in subsection (a) of this Section apply in addition to any lienholder notice requirements under this Code relating to the removal or towing of an abandoned, lost, stolen, or unclaimed vehicle. If the commercial vehicle relocator or other private towing service fails to comply with the notification requirements set forth in subsection (a) of this Section, storage fees shall not be assessed and collected and the lienholder shall be entitled to injunctive relief for possession of the vehicle without the payment of any storage fees.

(c) If the notification required under subsection (a) was not sent and a lienholder discovers its collateral is in the possession of a commercial vehicle relocator or other private towing service by means other than the notification required in subsection (a) of this Section, the lienholder is entitled to recover any storage fees paid to the commercial vehicle relocator or other private towing service to reclaim possession of its collateral.

(d) An action under this Section may be brought by the lienholder against the commercial vehicle locator or other private towing service in the circuit court.

(e) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Code, a commercial vehicle relocator or other private towing service seeking to impose storage fees for a vehicle in its possession may not foreclose or otherwise enforce its claim for payment of storage services or any lien relating to the claim pursuant to this Code or other applicable law unless it first complies with the lienholder notification requirements set forth in subsection (a) of this Section.

(f) If the vehicle that is removed or towed is registered in a state other than Illinois, the assessment and accrual of storage fees may commence on the date that the request for lienholder information is filed by the commercial vehicle relocator or other private towing service with the applicable administrative agency or office in that state if: (i) the commercial vehicle relocator or other private towing service furnishes the lienholder with a copy or proof of filing of the request for lienholder information; (ii) the commercial vehicle relocator or other private towing service provides to the lienholder of record the notification required by this Section within one business day after receiving the requested lienholder information; and (iii) the assessment of storage fees complies with any applicable limitations set forth by a municipality authorizing the vehicle removal.

(Source: P.A. 100-311, eff. 11-23-17; 100-863, eff. 8-14-18.)

(625 ILCS 5/Ch. 4 Art. III heading) ARTICLE III. VEHICLE RECYCLING BOARD

(625 ILCS 5/4-300) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-300)

Sec. 4-300. Definitions.

For the purposes of this Article, the following word shall have the meaning ascribed to it as follows:

Board. The Vehicle Recycling Board of the State of Illinois, acting directly or through its duly authorized officers and agents.

(Source: P.A. 78-857.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-301) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-301)

Sec. 4-301. State policy. The General Assembly finds that abandoned and derelict vehicles: constitute a safety hazard and a public nuisance; are detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the general public by harboring disease, providing breeding places for vermin, inviting plundering, creating fire hazards, and presenting physical dangers to children and others; produce scenic blights which degrade the environment and adversely affect land values and the proper maintenance and continuing development of the State of Illinois and all of its subdivisions; represent a resource out of place and an energy loss to the Illinois economy, and require state and local governmental attention, in conjunction with any federal governmental attention, in order to assure the expeditious removal and recycling of these abandoned and derelict vehicles.

The General Assembly declares therefore, that it is the policy of the State of Illinois, to:

1. Prohibit the abandonment of vehicles and the retention of derelicts, and to enforce such prohibition by law while reminding vehicle owners of their own individual responsibility to dispose of such vehicles;

2. Encourage the development of procedures and techniques to facilitate the expeditious removal of abandoned and derelict vehicles from public or private premises;

3. Encourage the State of Illinois and all of its political subdivisions, in cooperation with the federal government and the private sector of our State, and in cooperation with other states of the United States, to recover and recycle the resource represented by abandoned and derelict vehicles to the fullest extent practicable.

(Source: P.A. 81-653.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-302) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-302)

Sec. 4-302. Vehicle Recycling Board. There is hereby created the Vehicle Recycling Board of the State of Illinois composed of the Secretary of Transportation, the Director of the Illinois State Police, the Director of Public Health, the Director of the Environmental Protection Agency or their designated representatives. The Governor shall designate the Chairman and Secretary of the Board.

The Board shall appoint an advisory committee, of no less than 10 members, to include an official representative of the Office of the Secretary of State as designated by the Secretary; and other appropriate representatives from such sources as: statewide associations of city, county and township governing bodies; knowledgeable successful leaders from the auto recycling private sector; the State associations of chiefs of police, county sheriffs, police officers; and State agencies having a direct or indirect relationship with vehicle recycling.

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-303) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-303)

Sec. 4-303. Tenure, vacancies and expenses. State officers and their designated representatives on the Board and representatives of the State agencies serving on the advisory committee, shall serve without additional compensation and their necessary expenses shall be borne by the State office or agency represented. Members of the advisory committee shall be reimbursed for their necessary expenses in their attendance to meetings and functions as required by the Board.

The Board shall employ such personnel as deemed necessary by the Board to implement and administer this Act and any expenses incurred in its administration may be incurred and expended only within and pursuant to the appropriations made by the General Assembly.

The records of the Board shall be subject to audit by the Auditor General.

(Source: P.A. 81-653.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-304) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-304)

Sec. 4-304. Implementation and administration of policy. The Board shall consider and adopt such programs as are designed to implement and administer the policies hereinbefore expressed and within the appropriations provided for by the General Assembly.

In adopting such programs, the Board shall take into consideration the programs of the federal government in the same field, so as to assure full coordination therewith and that the State of Illinois does not duplicate federal actions and programs. The programs to be considered by the Board shall in addition be designed to:

1. Effect the efficient removal of abandoned vehicles from the highways, streets, roads, other public property, as well as from private property within Illinois.

2. Effect the efficient removal of abandoned and derelict vehicles from private property to be junked, salvaged, recycled, or reclaimed, to wrecking, recycling or salvaging facilities, or to a temporary impoundment or area collection center.

3. Effect efficient recycling or scrap processing of retired vehicles and the salvaging of usable parts.

4. Permit the restoration of antique and historic vehicles by private persons or agencies.

5. Work with other State agencies to effect the efficient and effective recycling of solid and liquid motor vehicle waste, including motor vehicle drain oil, derived in the recycling of a motor vehicle.

6. Recoup the costs of removal and disposal of abandoned and derelict vehicles from vehicle owners, land owners and persons who abandon or discard such vehicles and from other suitable sources.

7. Promote and publicize individual responsibility of vehicle owners for their personal disposal of unwanted and discarded vehicles and develop an effective promotional campaign to show owners how to properly dispose of such vehicles; and the legal consequences of not doing so.

8. Provide State coordination, expertise and assistance to all local units of government, as needed, seeking legislative remedy where appropriate regarding: vehicle detitling procedure; impoundment time periods; the legal restrictions unnecessarily delaying vehicle disposal; and, to promote and advance the technology, growth and development of the legitimate auto recycling industry to the end that this industry can effectively recycle all vehicles annually retired and accumulated in Illinois with a minimum of assistance from the State or its subdivisions.

The Board is empowered to negotiate and enter into reciprocal agreements with other states and State and federal agencies, in furtherance of the provisions of this Act, as amended; provided, however, that no such reciprocal agreement may be entered into without the approval and authorization of the State body legally required to approve such agreements.

The Board shall make rules, regulations and by-laws, not inconsistent with this Act or any other law of this State, as to its own organization and conduct and for the implementation and administration of this Act.

The Board is further empowered to enter into an agreement with any State agency represented on the Board, to carry out the administration of the abandoned and derelict vehicle abatement program of the Board, and to make such funds available as may be found necessary by the Board, as appropriated by the General Assembly.

(Source: P.A. 90-655, eff. 7-30-98; 91-357, eff. 7-29-99.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-305) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-305)

Sec. 4-305. Inventory, collection and disposal facilities. If not otherwise economically practicable, the Board may provide by contract with private persons or agencies, or with political subdivisions of the State of Illinois and all local governmental units of government, for the inventory, collection and disposal or any portion thereof, of abandoned and derelict vehicles to wrecking, salvage or recycling plants, or, provide facilities for the collection and proper disposal of any vehicle under the provisions of this Act, as amended.

The Board may further formulate a program, statewide or within prescribed areas, for the inventory and collection of abandoned and derelict vehicles and to provide for their junking, salvage or recycling. In all cases, the Board shall coordinate such program with each affected State agency, local governmental unit, and local law enforcement agencies.

The Board may further subsidize political subdivisions of this State, local governmental units and local law enforcement agencies for their costs, provable by audit and not otherwise recoverable from any proceeds derived from any sale of abandoned and derelict vehicles, in collecting, storing and disposing of such vehicles during a reimbursement period set by the Board.

Any expenditure of funds hereunder shall be subject to audit by the Auditor General, within the appropriations for this purpose by the General Assembly, and may be made only in the event that cost-analysis and program efficiency show that such reimbursement subsidy is justified. No owner of any abandoned or derelict vehicle shall in any way, receive any funds hereunder. This shall not, however, prohibit the Board from examining the strategy of paying owners of discarded vehicles a limited sum for delivering their vehicles to a collection point when scrap prices are depressed; and bringing emergency measures such as this to the attention of the General Assembly for its consideration at a later time.

(Source: P.A. 81-653.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-306) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-306)

Sec. 4-306. Federal aid. The Board is authorized and empowered to do all things necessary and proper to fully cooperate with any agency of the United States in the administration of any federal act relating to abandoned and derelict vehicles or the recycling or scrapping of vehicles now in effect or hereafter enacted for the purpose of appropriation of funds for the payment to or toward the junking, salvaging, recycling or scrapping of retired and discarded vehicles.

Whenever federal funds are expended to provide for the payment to or toward the junking, salvaging, recycling or scrapping of such vehicles, the amount received as reimbursement therefor shall be paid into the fund or trust fund in the State Treasury from which such expenditure was made.

(Source: P.A. 81-653.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-307) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-307)

Sec. 4-307. Funding and fees. (a) The programs initiated by the Board shall be funded by appropriations by the General Assembly to the Board. In addition to any fees enacted by the General Assembly, the Board shall recommend additional and optional methods of financing such programs to the end that the programs shall become self-sufficient.

(b) In addition to any provisions made by the General Assembly, the Board shall recommend incentives to induce the junking of abandoned and derelict vehicles not suitable for rebuilding or restoring as antiques or historic vehicles. The Board may further recommend a subsidy to implement Section 4-305.

(Source: P.A. 84-470.)

(625 ILCS 5/Ch. 5 heading) CHAPTER 5. DEALERS, TRANSPORTERS, WRECKERS AND REBUILDERS

(625 ILCS 5/Ch. 5 Art. I heading) ARTICLE I. DEALERS

(625 ILCS 5/5-100) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 5-100)

Sec. 5-100. Definitions. For the purposes of this Chapter, the following words shall have the meanings ascribed to them as follows:

"Additional place of business" means a place owned or leased and occupied by the dealer in addition to its established place of business, at which the dealer conducts or intends to conduct business on a permanent or long term basis. The term does not include an area where an off site sale or exhibition is conducted. The Secretary of State shall adopt guidelines for the administration and enforcement of this definition by rule.

"Display exhibition" means a temporary display of vehicles by a dealer licensed under Section 5-101 or 5-102, at a location at which no vehicles are offered for sale, that is conducted at a place other than the dealer's established and additional places of business.

"Established place of business" means the place owned or leased and occupied by any person duly licensed or required to be licensed as a dealer for the purpose of engaging in selling, buying, bartering, displaying, exchanging or dealing in, on consignment or otherwise, vehicles and their essential parts and for such other ancillary purposes as may be permitted by the Secretary by rule. It shall include an office in which the dealer's records shall be separate and distinct from any other business or tenant which may occupy space in the same building except as provided in Section 5-101.1. This office shall not be located in a house trailer, residence, tent, temporary stand, temporary address, room or rooms in a hotel or rooming house, nor the premises occupied by a single or multiple unit residence. "Established place of business" only includes a place with an outdoor lot capable of parking at least 5 vehicles or an indoor lot with space for a minimum of one vehicle to be parked in its indoor showroom. The established place of business of a scrap processor shall be the fixed location where the scrap processor maintains its principal place of business. The Secretary of State shall, by rule and regulation, adopt guidelines for the administration and enforcement of this definition, such as, but not limited to issues concerning the required hours of operation, describing where vehicles are displayed and offered for sale, where books and records are maintained and requirements for the fulfillment of warranties. A dealer may have an additional place of business as defined under this Section.

"Motor vehicle financing affiliate" means a business organization registered to do business in Illinois that, pursuant to a written contract with either (1) a single new or used motor vehicle dealer or (2) a single group of new or used motor vehicle dealers that share a common ownership within the group, purchases new or used motor vehicles on behalf of the dealer or group of dealers and then sells, transfers, or assigns those motor vehicles to the dealer or group of dealers. The motor vehicle financing affiliate must be incorporated or organized solely to purchase new or used vehicles on behalf of the new or used motor vehicle dealer or group of dealers with which it has contracted, shall not sell motor vehicles at retail, shall perform only those business functions related to the purchasing of motor vehicles and selling, transferring, or assigning those motor vehicles to the dealer or group of dealers. The motor vehicle financing affiliate must be licensed under the provisions of Section 5-101.1 and must not be licensed as a new or used motor vehicle dealer.

"Off site sale" means the temporary display and sale of vehicles, for a period of not more than 7 calendar days (excluding Sundays), by a dealer licensed under Section 5-101 or 5-102 at a place other than the dealer's established and additional places of business.

"Relevant market area", for a new vehicle dealer licensed under Section 5-101 and for a used vehicle dealer licensed under Section 5-102, means the area within 10 miles of the established or additional place of business of the dealer located in a county with a population of 300,000 or more, or within 15 miles if the established place of business is located in a county with a population of less than 300,000.

"Trade show exhibition" means a temporary display of vehicles, by dealers licensed under Section 5-101 or 5-102, or any other person as defined in subsection (c) of Section 5-102.1, at a location at which no vehicles are offered for sale that is conducted at a place other than the dealer's established and additional places of business. In order for a display exhibition to be considered a trade show exhibition, it must be participated in by at least 3 dealers, 2 of which must be licensed under Section 5-101 or 5-102; and a trade show exhibition of new vehicles shall only be participated in by licensed new vehicle dealers at least 2 of which must be licensed under Section 5-101.

(Source: P.A. 102-154, eff. 1-1-22.)

(625 ILCS 5/5-100-1) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 5-100-1)

Sec. 5-100-1. Findings and Purpose. The General Assembly finds that: (1) crimes involving the theft of vehicles and their parts have risen steadily over the past years, with a resulting loss of millions of dollars to the residents of this State; (2) essential to the criminal enterprise of vehicle theft operations is the ability of thieves to transfer or sell stolen vehicles or their parts through legitimate commercial channels, making them available for sale to the automotive industry; (3) vehicle dealers, scrap processors, automotive parts recyclers, repairers and rebuilders who comprise the vast majority of the persons engaged in the automotive business in this State are frequently exposed to pressures and influences from motor vehicle thieves; (4) elements of organized crime are constantly attempting to influence businessmen engaged in the sale and repair of motor vehicles so as to further their own criminal interests; and (5) close and strict government regulation of vehicle dealers, scrap processors, automotive parts recyclers, repairers and rebuilders will provide a system of tracking the flow of vehicles and their essential parts and therefore significantly reduce the numbers of vehicle-related thefts in this State. It is, therefore, the intent of the General Assembly to establish a system of mandatory licensing and record keeping which will prevent or reduce the transfer or sale of stolen vehicles or their parts within this State.

It further is the intent of the General Assembly that government agencies work in cooperation with vehicle dealers, scrap processors, automotive parts recyclers, repairers and rebuilders, utilizing their professional expertise in the development and execution of programs and strategies to reduce vehicle-related crime and maximize consumer protection while ensuring a healthy business climate for the legitimate automotive industry.

(Source: P.A. 85-572.)

(625 ILCS 5/5-101) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 5-101)

Sec. 5-101. New vehicle dealers must be licensed.

(a) No person shall engage in this State in the business of selling or dealing in, on consignment or otherwise, new vehicles of any make, or act as an intermediary or agent or broker for any licensed dealer or vehicle purchaser other than as a salesperson, or represent or advertise that he is so engaged or intends to so engage in such business unless licensed to do so in writing by the Secretary of State under the provisions of this Section.

(b) An application for a new vehicle dealer's license shall be filed with the Secretary of State, duly verified by oath, on such form as the Secretary of State may by rule or regulation prescribe and shall contain:

1. The name and type of business organization of the applicant and his established and additional places of business, if any, in this State.

2. If the applicant is a corporation, a list of its officers, directors, and shareholders having a ten percent or greater ownership interest in the corporation, setting forth the residence address of each; if the applicant is a sole proprietorship, a partnership, an unincorporated association, a trust, or any similar form of business organization, the name and residence address of the proprietor or of each partner, member, officer, director, trustee, or manager.

3. The make or makes of new vehicles which the applicant will offer for sale at retail in this State.

4. The name of each manufacturer or franchised distributor, if any, of new vehicles with whom the applicant has contracted for the sale of such new vehicles. As evidence of this fact, the application shall be accompanied by a signed statement from each such manufacturer or franchised distributor. If the applicant is in the business of offering for sale new conversion vehicles, trucks or vans, except for trucks modified to serve a special purpose which includes but is not limited to the following vehicles: street sweepers, fertilizer spreaders, emergency vehicles, implements of husbandry or maintenance type vehicles, he must furnish evidence of a sales and service agreement from both the chassis manufacturer and second stage manufacturer.

5. A statement that the applicant has been approved for registration under the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act by the Department of Revenue: Provided that this requirement does not apply to a dealer who is already licensed hereunder with the Secretary of State, and who is merely applying for a renewal of his license. As evidence of this fact, the application shall be accompanied by a certification from the Department of Revenue showing that that Department has approved the applicant for registration under the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act.

6. A statement that the applicant has complied with the appropriate liability insurance requirement. A Certificate of Insurance in a solvent company authorized to do business in the State of Illinois shall be included with each application covering each location at which he proposes to act as a new vehicle dealer. The policy must provide liability coverage in the minimum amounts of $100,000 for bodily injury to, or death of, any person, $300,000 for bodily injury to, or death of, two or more persons in any one crash, and $50,000 for damage to property. Such policy shall expire not sooner than December 31 of the year for which the license was issued or renewed. The expiration of the insurance policy shall not terminate the liability under the policy arising during the period for which the policy was filed. Trailer and mobile home dealers are exempt from this requirement.

If the permitted user has a liability insurance policy that provides automobile liability insurance coverage of at least $100,000 for bodily injury to or the death of any person, $300,000 for bodily injury to or the death of any 2 or more persons in any one crash, and $50,000 for damage to property, then the permitted user's insurer shall be the primary insurer and the dealer's insurer shall be the secondary insurer. If the permitted user does not have a liability insurance policy that provides automobile liability insurance coverage of at least $100,000 for bodily injury to or the death of any person, $300,000 for bodily injury to or the death of any 2 or more persons in any one crash, and $50,000 for damage to property, or does not have any insurance at all, then the dealer's insurer shall be the primary insurer and the permitted user's insurer shall be the secondary insurer.

When a permitted user is "test driving" a new vehicle dealer's automobile, the new vehicle dealer's insurance shall be primary and the permitted user's insurance shall be secondary.

As used in this paragraph 6, a "permitted user" is a person who, with the permission of the new vehicle dealer or an employee of the new vehicle dealer, drives a vehicle owned and held for sale or lease by the new vehicle dealer which the person is considering to purchase or lease, in order to evaluate the performance, reliability, or condition of the vehicle. The term "permitted user" also includes a person who, with the permission of the new vehicle dealer, drives a vehicle owned or held for sale or lease by the new vehicle dealer for loaner purposes while the user's vehicle is being repaired or evaluated.

As used in this paragraph 6, "test driving" occurs when a permitted user who, with the permission of the new vehicle dealer or an employee of the new vehicle dealer, drives a vehicle owned and held for sale or lease by a new vehicle dealer that the person is considering to purchase or lease, in order to evaluate the performance, reliability, or condition of the vehicle.

As used in this paragraph 6, "loaner purposes" means when a person who, with the permission of the new vehicle dealer, drives a vehicle owned or held for sale or lease by the new vehicle dealer while the user's vehicle is being repaired or evaluated.

7. (A) An application for a new motor vehicle dealer's license shall be accompanied by the following license fees:

(i) $1,000 for applicant's established place of business, and $100 for each additional place of business, if any, to which the application pertains; but if the application is made after June 15 of any year, the license fee shall be $500 for applicant's established place of business plus $50 for each additional place of business, if any, to which the application pertains. License fees shall be returnable only in the event that the application is denied by the Secretary of State. All moneys received by the Secretary of State as license fees under this subparagraph (i) prior to applications for the 2004 licensing year shall be deposited into the Motor Vehicle Review Board Fund and shall be used to administer the Motor Vehicle Review Board under the Motor Vehicle Franchise Act. Of the money received by the Secretary of State as license fees under this subparagraph (i) for the 2004 licensing year and thereafter, 10% shall be deposited into the Motor Vehicle Review Board Fund and shall be used to administer the Motor Vehicle Review Board under the Motor Vehicle Franchise Act and 90% shall be deposited into the General Revenue Fund.

(ii) Except for dealers selling 25 or fewer automobiles or as provided in subsection (h) of Section 5-102.7 of this Code, an Annual Dealer Recovery Fund Fee in the amount of $500 for the applicant's established place of business, and $50 for each additional place of business, if any, to which the application pertains; but if the application is made after June 15 of any year, the fee shall be $250 for the applicant's established place of business plus $25 for each additional place of business, if any, to which the application pertains. For a license renewal application, the fee shall be based on the amount of automobiles sold in the past year according to the following formula:

(1) $0 for dealers selling 25 or less automobiles;

(2) $150 for dealers selling more than 25 but less than 200 automobiles;

(3) $300 for dealers selling 200 or more automobiles but less than 300 automobiles; and

(4) $500 for dealers selling 300 or more automobiles.

License fees shall be returnable only in the event that the application is denied by the Secretary of State. Moneys received under this subparagraph (ii) shall be deposited into the Dealer Recovery Trust Fund.

(B) An application for a new vehicle dealer's license, other than for a new motor vehicle dealer's license, shall be accompanied by the following license fees:

(i) $1,000 for applicant's established place of business, and $50 for each additional place of business, if any, to which the application pertains; but if the application is made after June 15 of any year, the license fee shall be $500 for applicant's established place of business plus $25 for each additional place of business, if any, to which the application pertains. License fees shall be returnable only in the event that the application is denied by the Secretary of State. Of the money received by the Secretary of State as license fees under this subparagraph (i) for the 2004 licensing year and thereafter, 95% shall be deposited into the General Revenue Fund.

(ii) Except as provided in subsection (h) of Section 5-102.7 of this Code, an Annual Dealer Recovery Fund Fee in the amount of $500 for the applicant's established place of business, and $50 for each additional place of business, if any, to which the application pertains; but if the application is made after June 15 of any year, the fee shall be $250 for the applicant's established place of business plus $25 for each additional place of business, if any, to which the application pertains. License fees shall be returnable only in the event that the application is denied by the Secretary of State. Moneys received under this subparagraph (ii) shall be deposited into the Dealer Recovery Trust Fund.

8. A statement that the applicant's officers, directors, shareholders having a 10% or greater ownership interest therein, proprietor, a partner, member, officer, director, trustee, manager or other principals in the business have not committed in the past 3 years any one violation as determined in any civil, criminal or administrative proceedings of any one of the following Acts:

(A) The Anti-Theft Laws of the Illinois Vehicle Code;

(B) The Certificate of Title Laws of the Illinois Vehicle Code;

(C) The Offenses against Registration and Certificates of Title Laws of the Illinois Vehicle Code;

(D) The Dealers, Transporters, Wreckers and Rebuilders Laws of the Illinois Vehicle Code;

(E) Section 21-2 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, Criminal Trespass to Vehicles; or

(F) The Retailers' Occupation Tax Act.

9. A statement that the applicant's officers, directors, shareholders having a 10% or greater ownership interest therein, proprietor, partner, member, officer, director, trustee, manager or other principals in the business have not committed in any calendar year 3 or more violations, as determined in any civil, criminal or administrative proceedings, of any one or more of the following Acts:

(A) The Consumer Finance Act;

(B) The Consumer Installment Loan Act;

(C) The Retail Installment Sales Act;

(D) The Motor Vehicle Retail Installment Sales Act;

(E) The Interest Act;

(F) The Illinois Wage Assignment Act;

(G) Part 8 of Article XII of the Code of Civil Procedure; or

(H) The Consumer Fraud Act.

9.5. A statement that, within 10 years of application, each officer, director, shareholder having a 10% or greater ownership interest therein, proprietor, partner, member, officer, director, trustee, manager, or other principal in the business of the applicant has not committed, as determined in any civil, criminal, or administrative proceeding, in any calendar year one or more forcible felonies under the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, or a violation of either or both Article 16 or 17 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or a violation of either or both Article 16 or 17 of the Criminal Code of 2012, Article 29B of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, or a similar out-of-state offense. For the purposes of this paragraph, "forcible felony" has the meaning provided in Section 2-8 of the Criminal Code of 2012.

10. A bond or certificate of deposit in the amount of $50,000 for each location at which the applicant intends to act as a new vehicle dealer. The bond shall be for the term of the license, or its renewal, for which application is made, and shall expire not sooner than December 31 of the year for which the license was issued or renewed. The bond shall run to the People of the State of Illinois, with surety by a bonding or insurance company authorized to do business in this State. It shall be conditioned upon the proper transmittal of all title and registration fees and taxes (excluding taxes under the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act) accepted by the applicant as a new vehicle dealer.

11. Such other information concerning the business of the applicant as the Secretary of State may by rule or regulation prescribe.

12. A statement that the applicant understands Chapter 1 through Chapter 5 of this Code.

13. The full name, address, and contact information of each of the dealer's agents or legal representatives who is an Illinois resident and liable for the performance of the dealership.

(c) Any change which renders no longer accurate any information contained in any application for a new vehicle dealer's license shall be amended within 30 days after the occurrence of such change on such form as the Secretary of State may prescribe by rule or regulation, accompanied by an amendatory fee of $2.

(d) Anything in this Chapter 5 to the contrary notwithstanding no person shall be licensed as a new vehicle dealer unless:

1. He is authorized by contract in writing between himself and the manufacturer or franchised distributor of such make of vehicle to so sell the same in this State, and

2. Such person shall maintain an established place of business as defined in this Act.

(e) The Secretary of State shall, within a reasonable time after receipt, examine an application submitted to him under this Section and unless he makes a determination that the application submitted to him does not conform with the requirements of this Section or that grounds exist for a denial of the application, under Section 5-501 of this Chapter, grant the applicant an original new vehicle dealer's license in writing for his established place of business and a supplemental license in writing for each additional place of business in such form as he may prescribe by rule or regulation which shall include the following:

1. The name of the person licensed;

2. If a corporation, the name and address of its officers or if a sole proprietorship, a partnership, an unincorporated association or any similar form of business organization, the name and address of the proprietor or of each partner, member, officer, director, trustee or manager;

3. In the case of an original license, the established place of business of the licensee;

4. In the case of a supplemental license, the established place of business of the licensee and the additional place of business to which such supplemental license pertains;

5. The make or makes of new vehicles which the licensee is licensed to sell;

6. The full name, address, and contact information of each of the dealer's agents or legal representatives who is an Illinois resident and liable for the performance of the dealership.

(f) The appropriate instrument evidencing the license or a certified copy thereof, provided by the Secretary of State, shall be kept posted conspicuously in the established place of business of the licensee and in each additional place of business, if any, maintained by such licensee.

(g) Except as provided in subsection (h) hereof, all new vehicle dealer's licenses granted under this Section shall expire by operation of law on December 31 of the calendar year for which they are granted unless sooner revoked or cancelled under the provisions of Section 5-501 of this Chapter.

(h) A new vehicle dealer's license may be renewed upon application and payment of the fee required herein, and submission of proof of coverage under an approved bond under the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act or proof that applicant is not subject to such bonding requirements, as in the case of an original license, but in case an application for the renewal of an effective license is made during the month of December, the effective license shall remain in force until the application is granted or denied by the Secretary of State.

(i) All persons licensed as a new vehicle dealer are required to furnish each purchaser of a motor vehicle:

1. In the case of a new vehicle a manufacturer's statement of origin and in the case of a used motor vehicle a certificate of title, in either case properly assigned to the purchaser;

2. A statement verified under oath that all identifying numbers on the vehicle agree with those on the certificate of title or manufacturer's statement of origin;

3. A bill of sale properly executed on behalf of such person;

4. A copy of the Uniform Invoice-transaction reporting return referred to in Section 5-402 hereof;

5. In the case of a rebuilt vehicle, a copy of the Disclosure of Rebuilt Vehicle Status; and

6. In the case of a vehicle for which the warranty has been reinstated, a copy of the warranty.

(j) Except at the time of sale or repossession of the vehicle, no person licensed as a new vehicle dealer may issue any other person a newly created key to a vehicle unless the new vehicle dealer makes a color photocopy or electronic scan of the driver's license or State identification card of the person requesting or obtaining the newly created key. The new vehicle dealer must retain the photocopy or scan for 30 days.

A new vehicle dealer who violates this subsection (j) is guilty of a petty offense. Violation of this subsection (j) is not cause to suspend, revoke, cancel, or deny renewal of the new vehicle dealer's license.

This amendatory Act of 1983 shall be applicable to the 1984 registration year and thereafter.

(k) If a licensee under this Section voluntarily surrenders a license to the Illinois Secretary of State Police or a representative of the Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department due to the licensee's inability to adhere to recordkeeping provisions, or the inability to properly issue certificates of title or registrations under this Code, or the Secretary revokes a license under this Section, then the licensee and the licensee's agent, designee, or legal representative, if applicable, may not be named on a new application for a licensee under this Section or under this Chapter, nor is the licensee or the licensee's agent, designee, or legal representative permitted to work for another licensee under this Chapter in a recordkeeping, management, or financial position or as an employee who handles certificate of title and registration documents and applications.

(Source: P.A. 101-505, eff. 1-1-20; 102-154, eff. 1-1-22; 102-982, eff. 7-1-23.)

(625 ILCS 5/5-101.1)

Sec. 5-101.1. Motor vehicle financing affiliates; licensing.

(a) In this State, no business shall engage in the business of a motor vehicle financing affiliate without a license to do so in writing from the Secretary of State.

(b) An application for a motor vehicle financing affiliate's license must be filed with the Secretary of State, duly verified by oath, on a form prescribed by the Secretary of State and shall contain all of the following:

(1) The name and type of business organization of the applicant and the applicant's established place of business and any additional places of business in this State.

(2) The name and address of the licensed new or used vehicle dealer to which the applicant will be selling, transferring, or assigning new or used motor vehicles pursuant to a written contract. If more than one dealer is on the application, the applicant shall state in writing the basis of common ownership among the dealers.

(3) A list of the business organization's officers, directors, members, and shareholders having a 10% or greater ownership interest in the business, providing the residential address for each person listed.

(4) If selling, transferring, or assigning new motor vehicles, the make or makes of new vehicles that it will sell, assign, or otherwise transfer to the contracting new motor vehicle dealer listed on the application pursuant to paragraph (2).

(5) The name of each manufacturer or franchised distributor, if any, of new vehicles with whom the applicant has contracted for the sale of new vehicles and a signed statement from each manufacturer or franchised distributor acknowledging the contract.

(6) A statement that the applicant has been approved for registration under the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act by the Department of Revenue. This requirement does not apply to a motor vehicle financing affiliate that is already licensed with the Secretary of State and is applying for a renewal of its license.

(7) A statement that the applicant has complied with the appropriate liability insurance requirement and a Certificate of Insurance that shall not expire before December 31 of the year for which the license was issued or renewed with a minimum liability coverage of $100,000 for the bodily injury or death of any person, $300,000 for the bodily injury or death of 2 or more persons in any one crash, and $50,000 for damage to property. The expiration of the insurance policy shall not terminate the liability under the policy arising during the period for which the policy was filed. Trailer and mobile home dealers are exempt from the requirements of this paragraph. A motor vehicle financing affiliate is exempt from the requirements of this paragraph if it is covered by the insurance policy of the new or used dealer listed on the application pursuant to paragraph (2).

(8) A license fee of $1,000 for the applicant's established place of business and $250 for each additional place of business, if any, to which the application pertains. However, if the application is made after June 15 of any year, the license fee shall be $500 for the applicant's established place of business and $125 for each additional place of business, if any, to which the application pertains. These license fees shall be returnable only in the event that the application is denied by the Secretary of State.

(9) A statement incorporating the requirements of paragraphs 8 and 9 of subsection (b) of Section 5-101.

(10) Any other information concerning the business of the applicant as the Secretary of State may prescribe.

(11) A statement that the applicant understands Chapter 1 through Chapter 5 of this Code.

(12) The full name, address, and contact information of each of the dealer's agents or legal representatives who is an Illinois resident and liable for the performance of the dealership.

(c) Any change which renders no longer accurate any information contained in any application for a motor vehicle financing affiliate's license shall be amended within 30 days after the occurrence of the change on a form prescribed by the Secretary of State, accompanied by an amendatory fee of $2.

(d) If a new vehicle dealer is not listed on the application, pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection (b), the motor vehicle financing affiliate shall not receive, possess, or transfer any new vehicle. If a new motor vehicle dealer is listed on the application, pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection (b), the new motor vehicle dealer can only receive those new cars it is permitted to receive under its franchise agreement. If both a new and used motor vehicle dealer are listed on the application, pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection (b), only the new motor vehicle dealer may receive new motor vehicles. If a used motor vehicle is listed on the application, pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection (b), the used motor vehicle dealer shall not receive any new motor vehicles.

(e) The applicant and dealer provided pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection (b) must be business organizations registered to conduct business in Illinois. Three-fourths of the dealer's board of directors must be members of the motor vehicle financing affiliate's board of directors, if applicable.

(f) Unless otherwise provided in this Chapter 5, no business organization registered to do business in Illinois shall be licensed as a motor vehicle financing affiliate unless:

(1) The motor vehicle financing affiliate shall only sell, transfer, or assign motor vehicles to the licensed new or used dealer listed on the application pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection (b).

(2) The motor vehicle financing affiliate sells, transfers, or assigns to the new motor vehicle dealer listed on the application, if any, only those new motor vehicles the motor vehicle financing affiliate has received under the contract set forth in paragraph (5) of subsection (b).

(3) Any new vehicle dealer listed pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection (b) has a franchise agreement that permits the dealer to receive motor vehicles from the motor vehicle franchise affiliate.

(4) The new or used motor vehicle dealer listed on the application pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection (b) has one established place of business or supplemental places of business as referenced in subsection (g).

(g) The Secretary of State shall, within a reasonable time after receipt, examine an application submitted pursuant to this Section and, unless it is determined that the application does not conform with the requirements of this Section or that grounds exist for a denial of the application under Section 5-501, grant the applicant a motor vehicle financing affiliate license in writing for the applicant's established place of business and a supplemental license in writing for each additional place of business in a form prescribed by the Secretary, which shall include all of the following:

(1) The name of the business licensed;

(2) The name and address of its officers, directors, or members, as applicable;

(3) In the case of an original license, the established place of business of the licensee;

(4) If applicable, the make or makes of new vehicles which the licensee is licensed to sell to the new motor vehicle dealer listed on the application pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection (b); and

(5) The full name, address, and contact information of each of the dealer's agents or legal representatives who is an Illinois resident and liable for the performance of the dealership.

(h) The appropriate instrument evidencing the license or a certified copy, provided by the Secretary of State, shall be kept posted conspicuously in the established place of business of the licensee.

(i) Except as provided in subsection (h), all motor vehicle financing affiliate's licenses granted under this Section shall expire by operation of law on December 31 of the calendar year for which they are granted, unless revoked or canceled at an earlier date pursuant to Section 5-501.

(j) A motor vehicle financing affiliate's license may be renewed upon application and payment of the required fee. However, when an application for renewal of a motor vehicle financing affiliate's license is made during the month of December, the effective license shall remain in force until the application is granted or denied by the Secretary of State.

(k) The contract a motor vehicle financing affiliate has with a manufacturer or franchised distributor, as provided in paragraph (5) of subsection (b), shall only permit the applicant to sell, transfer, or assign new motor vehicles to the new motor vehicle dealer listed on the application pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection (b). The contract shall specifically prohibit the motor vehicle financing affiliate from selling motor vehicles at retail. This contract shall not be considered the granting of a franchise as defined in Section 2 of the Motor Vehicle Franchise Act.

(l) When purchasing a motor vehicle by a new or used motor vehicle dealer, all persons licensed as a motor vehicle financing affiliate are required to furnish all of the following:

(1) For a new vehicle, a manufacturer's statement of origin properly assigned to the purchasing dealer. For a used vehicle, a certificate of title properly assigned to the purchasing dealer.

(2) A statement verified under oath that all identifying numbers on the vehicle agree with those on the certificate of title or manufacturer's statement of origin.

(3) A bill of sale properly executed on behalf of the purchasing dealer.

(4) A copy of the Uniform Invoice-transaction report pursuant to Section 5-402.

(5) In the case of a rebuilt vehicle, a copy of the Disclosure of Rebuilt Vehicle Status pursuant to Section 5-104.3.

(6) In the case of a vehicle for which a warranty has been reinstated, a copy of the warranty.

(m) The motor vehicle financing affiliate shall use the established and supplemental place or places of business the new or used vehicle dealer listed on the application pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection (b) as its established and supplemental place or places of business.

(n) The motor vehicle financing affiliate shall keep all books and records required by this Code with the books and records of the new or used vehicle dealer listed on the application pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection (b). The motor vehicle financing affiliate may use the books and records of the new or used motor vehicle dealer listed on the application pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection (b).

(o) Under no circumstances shall a motor vehicle financing affiliate sell, transfer, or assign a new vehicle to any place of business of a new motor vehicle dealer, unless that place of business is licensed under this Chapter to sell, assign, or otherwise transfer the make of the new motor vehicle transferred.

(p) All moneys received by the Secretary of State as license fees under this Section shall be deposited into the Motor Vehicle Review Board Fund and shall be used to administer the Motor Vehicle Review Board under the Motor Vehicle Franchise Act.

(q) Except as otherwise provided in this Section, a motor vehicle financing affiliate shall comply with all provisions of this Code.

(r) If a licensee under this Section voluntarily surrenders a license to the Illinois Secretary of State Police or a representative of the Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department due to the licensee's inability to adhere to recordkeeping provisions, or the inability to properly issue certificates of title or registrations under this Code, or the Secretary revokes a license under this Section, then the licensee and the licensee's agent, designee, or legal representative, if applicable, may not be named on a new application for a licensee under this Section or under this Chapter, nor is the licensee or the licensee's agent, designee, or legal representative permitted to work for another licensee under this Chapter in a recordkeeping, management, or financial position or as an employee who handles certificate of title and registration documents and applications.

(Source: P.A. 102-154, eff. 1-1-22; 102-982, eff. 7-1-23; 103-154, eff. 6-30-23.)