RCW 46.96.240
Venue.
Notwithstanding the provisions of a franchise agreement or other provision of law to the contrary, the venue for a cause of action, claim, lawsuit, administrative hearing or proceeding, arbitration, or mediation, whether arising under this chapter or otherwise, in which the parties or litigants are a manufacturer or distributor and one or more motor vehicle dealers, is the state of Washington. It is the public policy of this state that venue provided for in this section may not be modified or waived in any contract or other agreement, and any provision contained in a franchise agreement that requires arbitration or litigation to be conducted outside the state of Washington is void and unenforceable.
This section does not apply to a voluntary dispute resolution procedure that is not binding on the dealer.
[ 2003 c 21 § 6.]
NOTES:
Captions not law—2003 c 21: See note following RCW 46.96.020.
Structure Revised Code of Washington
Chapter 46.96 - Manufacturers' and Dealers' Franchise Agreements.
46.96.010 - Legislative findings.
46.96.030 - Termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal of franchise restricted.
46.96.040 - Determination of good cause, good faith—Petition, notice, decision, appeal.
46.96.050 - Determination of good cause, good faith—Hearing, decision, procedures—Judicial review.
46.96.060 - Good cause, what constitutes—Burden of proof.
46.96.070 - Notice of termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal.
46.96.080 - Payments by manufacturer to dealer for inventory, equipment, etc.
46.96.090 - Payments by manufacturer for dealership facilities.
46.96.100 - Mitigation of damages.
46.96.110 - Designated successor to franchise ownership.
46.96.140 - Relevant market area—Definition—New or relocated dealerships, notice of.
46.96.150 - Protest of new or relocated dealership—Hearing—Arbitration.
46.96.160 - Factors considered by administrative law judge.
46.96.170 - Hearing—Procedures, costs, appeal.
46.96.185 - Unfair practices—Exemptions—Definitions.
46.96.190 - Prohibited practices by manufacturer.
46.96.194 - Prohibited practices by manufacturer—Dealer waiver of chapter—Exceptions.
46.96.196 - Practices by brand owner.
46.96.200 - Sale, transfer, or exchange of franchise.
46.96.210 - Petition and hearing—Filing fee, costs, security.
46.96.220 - Right of first refusal.
46.96.230 - Manufacturer incentive programs.
46.96.250 - Immunity of franchisees and assigns.