Section 475.590  Gifts and Free Offers

a)         It is an unfair or deceptive act to advertise or offer free prizes, gifts or other incentives in connection with the purchase or lease of a vehicle where the vehicle is sold or leased at a price arrived at through bargaining or negotiation, unless the dealer meets the requirements of subsection (b) of this Section.

b)         A free prize, gift or other incentive may be advertised or offered in connection with the purchase or lease of a vehicle if:

1)         the free prize, gift or other incentive is offered through a manufacturer's program or a manufacturer's authorized and approved dealer advertising association without any participation by the dealer, excluding dues or assessments that are required to participate in the advertising association. The program or association shall be clearly and conspicuously disclosed; and

2)         all material terms and conditions relating to the offer are clearly and conspicuously disclosed at the outset of the offer.

c)         Nothing in this Section shall prohibit a dealer from including a warranty with the purchase or lease of a vehicle.  A warranty shall not be advertised as free using the word "free".

(Source:  Amended at 27 Ill. Reg. 7960, effective April 16, 2003)