§2803 Trial and Interim Franchises

Summary

A franchisor may choose not to renew a franchise that is a "trial" or an "interim" franchise if certain written and notice rules are followed. A trial franchise must have started on or after June 19, 1978, be the first franchise the franchisee has had with that franchisor, have an initial term of no more than 1 year, and be in writing that clearly says it is a trial, shows the initial term, warns the franchisor may not renew by giving notice under section 2804, and states that the renewal limits of section 2802 do not apply. A trial franchise does not include an unexpired part of a transferred non-trial franchise. An interim franchise must start on or after June 19, 1978, and the total time of all interim franchises between the parties cannot exceed 3 years. It must begin right after a prior franchise at the same place was not renewed because of the kind of decision described in section 2802(b)(2)(E), and the conditions in that part were met. It must be written and clearly say it is interim, give its length, and say the franchisor may not renew at the end of the term if the franchisor, in good faith and in the normal course of business, decides to stop selling motor fuel through retail outlets in that market area and the requirements of section 2802(b)(2)(E)(ii) and (iii) are satisfied. If the notice rules in section 2804 are met, the franchisor may end the trial or interim franchise at the stated time under these rules.