§ 51-07-26 — Succession to ownership of an automobile, truck, or farm equipment dealership

dealership.
1. The owner of an automobile, truck, or farm equipment dealership may appoint by trust,
will, or any other valid written instrument a successor to the owner's dealership interest
upon the owner's death or incapacity.
2. Unless the manufacturer, wholesaler, or distributor has good cause to refuse to honor
the succession, the successor may succeed to the ownership of the dealership under
the existing franchise if:
a. Within ninety days of the owner's death or incapacity, the successor gives written
notice of the successor's intent to succeed to ownership of the dealership; and
b. The successor agrees to be bound by all the terms and conditions of the
franchise agreement with the prior owner.
3. Upon request, the successor shall promptly provide the manufacturer, wholesaler, or
distributor evidence of the successorship appointment, as well as personal and
financial information reasonably necessary to determine whether the succession
should be honored by the manufacturer, wholesaler, or distributor.