(1) The manufacturer may informally dispute the authority's determination of a violation under this chapter.

(2) The manufacturer must submit a request for an informal dispute resolution conference to the authority in writing, in a manner that provides proof of receipt by the authority, within 28 calendar days after receipt of the notice violation and fine(s).

(3) Requests must specify:

(a) The name of the manufacturer requesting the informal dispute resolution conference and the manufacturer's, or representative's, mailing address, telephone number, and email address (if available);

(b) The items, facts, or conclusions in the notice of violation being contested; and

(c) The basis for contesting the authority's action, including any mitigating factors upon which the manufacturer relies and the outcome the manufacturer is seeking.

(4) The conference occurs within 60 calendar days of the date the manufacturer received the authority's written acceptance of the request for a dispute resolution conference.

(5) The manufacturer must notify the authority of who will attend the dispute resolution conference on the manufacturer's behalf at least five business days before the conference.

(6) The authority may terminate the dispute resolution process at any time and will provide the manufacturer with the reason for the termination.

(7) Upon completion or termination of the informal dispute resolution process, the authority will issue a final notice of violation and fine(s).

(8) Nothing in this chapter prevents settlement discussions between the parties. All settlement discussions are informal and without prejudice to the rights of the participants in the discussions.