(a) A dealer shall accept from a person at the point of transfer a used lead-acid battery of a type listed in paragraph (1), (2), or (4) of subdivision (f) of Section 25215.1, but shall not be required to accept from any person more than six used lead-acid batteries per day. A dealer shall not charge a fee to receive a used lead-acid battery.
(b) On and after April 1, 2017, a dealer shall charge to a person who purchases a replacement lead-acid battery of a type listed in paragraph (1), (2), or (4) of subdivision (f) of Section 25215.1 and who does not simultaneously provide the dealer with a used lead-acid battery of the same type and size a refundable deposit for each such battery purchased. The dealer shall display the amount of the deposit separately on the receipt provided to the purchaser. The dealer shall refund the deposit to that person if, within 45 days of the sale of the replacement lead-acid battery, the person presents to the dealer a used lead-acid battery of the same type and size. A dealer may require the person to provide a receipt documenting the payment of the deposit before refunding any deposit. A dealer may keep any lead-acid battery deposit moneys that are not properly claimed within 45 days after the date of sale of the replacement lead-acid battery, not including any sales tax reimbursement charged to the consumer. Sales tax reimbursement charged to the consumer on the amount of the deposit shall be remitted to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.
(c) A dealer shall post a written notice that is clearly visible in the public sales area of the establishment, or include on the purchaser’s receipt, the following language:
This dealer is required by law to charge a nonrefundable $1 California battery fee and a refundable deposit for each lead-acid battery purchased. A credit of the same amount as the refundable deposit will be issued if a used lead-acid battery is returned at the time of purchase or up to 45 days later along with this dealer’s receipt. |
(d) The department shall provide notice of an alleged violation of subdivision (c) to any person alleged to be in violation of that subdivision no less than 60 days before the issuance of an order or filing an action imposing a civil penalty pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 25189.2. If the person corrects the alleged violation before the order is issued or the action is filed the department shall not impose the civil penalty.
(e) Subdivision (c) does not apply to any of the following:
(1) A person whose ordinary course of business does not include the sale of lead-acid batteries.
(2) A person that does not sell lead-acid batteries directly to consumers, such as over-the-counter, but instead removes nonfunctional or damaged batteries and installs new lead-acid batteries as a part of an automotive repair dealer service.
(3) A business that removes lead-acid batteries and installs new lead-acid batteries as a part of roadside services. “Roadside services,” for purposes of this paragraph, means the services performed upon a motor vehicle for the purpose of transporting the vehicle or to permit it to be operated under its own power, by or on behalf of a motor club holding a certificate of authority pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 12160) of Part 5 of Division 2 of the Insurance Code.
(f) Except as authorized by this article, a dealer shall not collect a refundable deposit for a lead-acid battery from a person.
(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 860, Sec. 3. (AB 142) Effective October 13, 2019.)