Regulatory & licensing

We help clients secure necessary licenses and certification, and comply with all regulatory requirements unique to their businesses.

Our expertise includes matters that pertain to these agencies:

  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
  • The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
  • US Trade Representative (USTR)
  • International Trade Commission (USITC)
  • National Highway Traffic Safety Commission (NHTSA)
  • Various state motor vehicle boards and agencies

We successfully shepherded a national retail chain through compliance with California complex consumer protection, finance, and contract laws

And these related areas:

  • Distribution networks
  • Franchise development
  • Consumer regulations
  • Advertising

Transportation and Automotive Licensing and Certification

We advise clients on all aspects of laws and regulations applicable to automotive dealers, brokers, electric vehicle manufactures, and other emerging and established automotive companies, including Internet/mobile app-based platforms.

Automotive Dealership Regulatory Compliance (F&I and Sales)

The SR team can provide expert guidance on and services in:

  • Best practices for California dealers
  • Compliance with applicable state and federal law for vehicle sales and financing:
    • California’s Automobile Sales Financing Act,
    • The Vehicle Leasing Act
    • The Truth In Lending Act
  • Implementing federal and state regulations (such as TILA and CARB)
  • Training of legal, compliance and sales/F&I personnel
  • Development and implementation of internal policies
  • Tailored auditing services

Motorcycle, RV and Bus Dealer Regulatory Compliance (DMV, BAR, CARB)

We help these clients navigate individual state and federal roadmaps on complex licensing, franchising and advertising matters. This includes:

  • Assisting clients with obtaining necessary regulatory approvals
  • Performing regulatory due diligence reviews and operational risk reviews
  • Providing multi-state solutions at the municipality, state and federal levels
  • Having partners who are certified Dealership Compliance Officer Professionals (DCOP) and certified Corporate Compliance and Ethics professionals

Privacy/Cybersecurity

We provide counsel and regulatory solutions for compliance with privacy and cybersecurity requirements and best practices, including:

  • California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and its implications for all types of businesses
  • Developing CCPA Compliance Programs for clients
  • Providing counsel on legal issues and compliance programs involving the CCPA

Credit and Finance

We provide:

  • Effective solutions for compliance in retail/consumer finance
  • Guidance and counsel on credit and finance compliance, and transactional matters

Outside general counsel services

Given the many state and federal regulations with which auto dealers must comply, along with franchise and general business legal issues, having experienced automotive industry legal counsel is a necessity. Scali Rasmussen can provide the same level of service that an in-house lawyer would provide, but at a fraction of what an hourly-billing law firm would charge.

Our clients include:

  • Automotive dealerships
  • Automotive Industry Partners and Vendors
  • Industry Vendors and Partners
  • Advertising Companies
  • Banks
  • Electric Vehicle Manufacturers
  • Internet/Mobile based companies
  • Vehicle Aftermarket Manufacturers
  • Venture capital and private equity advisors