N.D. Cent. Code § 39-22-24: Factory store prohibited - Penalty

A manufacturer, importer, or distributor of new motor vehicles, or a subsidiary thereof, may not own, operate, or control a motor vehicle dealership in this state. This section does not apply if:

1.The ownership and operation is for a temporary period not to exceed one year during the transition from one owner or operator to another;

2.The dealership is being sold under a bona fide contract or purchase option to the operator of the dealership, or a contract exists under which the operator of the dealership can expect to acquire full ownership of or a controlling interest in the dealership, and after the transfer of ownership is completed the dealership will not be owned, operated, or controlled by the manufacturer, importer, or distributor, or a subsidiary thereof; or

3.The department determines there is no prospective independent dealer available to own or operate the dealership in a manner consistent with the public interest and meeting the requirements of this chapter. Any person violating this section is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.