Massachusetts General Laws
Chapter 93b - Regulation of Business Practices Between Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Distributors and Dealers
Section 17 - Time Limitations; Cause of Action

Section 17. Except as provided in subsection (f) of section 5 and subsection (e) of section 6, actions arising out of this chapter shall be commenced within 4 years next after the cause of action accrues; but if a person liable hereunder fraudulently conceals the cause of action from the knowledge of the person entitled to bring it, the period prior to the discovery of its cause of action by the person so entitled shall be excluded in determining the time limit for the commencement of the action. If a cause of action accrues during the pendency of any civil, criminal or administrative proceeding against a person brought by the United States or any of its agencies under the anti-trust laws, the Federal Trade Commission Act, or any other federal act, or brought by the commonwealth or any of its political subdivisions under the laws of the commonwealth related to anti-trust laws or to franchising, the actions may be commenced within 1 year after the final disposition of the civil, criminal or administrative proceeding.

Structure Massachusetts General Laws

Massachusetts General Laws

Part I - Administration of the Government

Title XV - Regulation of Trade

Chapter 93b - Regulation of Business Practices Between Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Distributors and Dealers

Section 1 - Definitions

Section 2 - Applicability of Chapter

Section 3 - Unfair Competition and Practices

Section 4 - Violations

Section 5 - Franchise Agreement; Renewal; Termination; Notice; Good Cause; Hearing; Burden of Proof

Section 6 - New Motor Vehicle Dealer Franchise Locations; Relocation of Existing Franchises; Notice; Good Cause; Protest by Other Franchises; Burden of Proof

Section 7 - Advertising by Manufacturer, Distributor or Dealer; New Motor Vehicle Prices; Charges Included

Section 8 - Indemnification of Dealer; Negligence of Manufacturer; Indemnification of Manufacturer, Distributor; Negligence of Dealer; Court Action

Section 9 - Delivery and Preparation Obligations; Express Warranty Agreements; Audit of Claims

Section 10 - Unreasonable Dealer or Franchise Restrictions; Voluntary Restrictions; Right of First Refusal; Dealer Financial Data

Section 11 - Franchise Relationship; Written or Oral Agreements; Applicability

Section 12 - Franchise Agreement Renewals; Void and Unenforceable Notice

Section 13 - Free Association

Section 14 - Enforcement

Section 15 - Loss by Manufacturer, Distributor or Motor Vehicle Dealer; Settlement Conference; Suit for Damages and Equitable Relief; Offer of Settlement; Attorneys' Fees and Costs; Exclusive Rights and Remedies

Section 16 - Franchise Agreement; Void Provisions; Arbitration, Mediation, or Alternative Dispute Resolution Clause; Voluntariness

Section 17 - Time Limitations; Cause of Action

Section 18 - Rights and Remedies