CT SB00214

Allows battery electric vehicle manufacturers to obtain new and used car dealer licenses in Connecticut without maintaining franchise agreements with other dealers, provided they only manufacture and sell battery electric vehicles and meet ownership independence requirements.

Prohibits other manufacturers from holding dealer licenses, except on a temporary basis (up to 2 years maximum) while actively selling the dealership to a qualified buyer or in limited rental fleet situations.

Protects new car dealers from franchise termination by requiring the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to pause license surrender demands during contested termination proceedings until all administrative, judicial, and appellate reviews are exhausted.

Exempts battery electric vehicle manufacturers licensed as dealers from certain franchise agreement filing requirements that apply to traditional manufacturers, streamlining their licensing process.

Effective date is October 1, 2022 for all amendments to Connecticut motor vehicle dealer and manufacturer licensing statutes.