When offering optional products or services in Minnesota, compliance isn’t optional, it’s mandatory. PassTime recommends that dealers use a dedicated Minnesota Optional Products and Services Disclosure when presenting optional items to customers, especially when GPS technology is involved. This disclosure not only supports transparency but also helps ensure compliance with Minnesota’s Motor Vehicle Retail Installment Sales Act (MVRISA).

Why This Disclosure Matters

Minnesota law requires sellers to provide buyers with a clear, written disclosure before a motor vehicle retail installment contract is executed. This disclosure must be a separate form from the retail installment contract and any other vehicle purchase documents, ensuring customers can clearly understand what optional products are being offered and how they impact their payments.

Importantly for dealers using GPS or starter interrupt technology, the disclosure must also clearly state whether a GPS starter interrupt device is installed on the vehicle.

What the MVRISA Requires

Under Minn. Stat. § 53C.08(1a), the disclosure must:

• Be provided to the buyer prior to contract execution
• Be in writing, using at least 10-point type
• Be contained in a single, standalone document

The disclosure must also include:

• A description and total price of each optional item sold, including:
  • Service contracts
  • Insurance products
  • Debt cancellation agreements (such as GAP)
  • Theft deterrent devices
  • Surface protection products
  • GPS products
• The regular installment payment without optional products included
• The regular installment payment with optional products included
• A statement indicating whether a GPS starter interrupt device is installed on the vehicle, and whether it is required as a condition of credit

These elements are designed to help buyers clearly understand both their choices and the potential financial impact of those choices before signing.

Best Practice for Dealers

Using a compliant optional products disclosure, such as the Reynolds & Reynolds Minnesota Products and Services Disclosure form (available for purchase through R&R) helps protect both dealers and consumers. The form outlines optional products, payment differences, and GPS disclosures, while documenting buyer acknowledgment and signatures, as required by law. 

How PassTime Helps

PassTime encourages dealers to incorporate this disclosure as part of their Minnesota optional products process, alongside the required consent documentation. Doing so helps ensure transparency, reduces compliance risk, and supports a smoother sales experience for everyone involved.

Whether you’re operating in Minnesota or in another state, staying compliant is essential to the success of your business.

 If you have questions about GPS disclosure requirements or how PassTime solutions fit into your compliance process, our team is here to help.