1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2 and NRS 482.3225, a person shall not engage in the activities of a new vehicle dealer, used vehicle dealer, manufacturer, distributor or rebuilder in this State until the person has been issued:

(a) A new vehicle dealer’s, used vehicle dealer’s, manufacturer’s, distributor’s, rebuilder’s or lessor’s license certificate or similar license or permit by every city within whose corporate limits the person maintains an established place of business and by every county in which the person maintains an established place of business outside the corporate limits of a city; and

(b) A license by the Department. The Department shall not issue a license to the person until he or she has been issued all certificates, licenses and permits required by paragraph (a).

2. Except for a manufacturer described in subsection 2 of NRS 482.078, a person licensed as a dealer pursuant to this chapter shall not engage in the activities of a new vehicle dealer until he or she has provided the Department with satisfactory proof that the person is authorized by a manufacturer to display and offer for sale vehicles produced or distributed by that manufacturer.

3. A vehicle dealer’s, manufacturer’s or rebuilder’s license issued pursuant to this chapter does not permit a person to engage in the business of a new or used mobile home dealer, manufacturer or rebuilder.

4. The Department shall investigate any applicant for a dealer’s, manufacturer’s, distributor’s, rebuilder’s or lessor’s license certificate or license and complete an investigation report on a form provided by the Department.

5. A person who violates subsection 1 or 2 is guilty of:

(a) For a first offense, a misdemeanor.

(b) For a second offense, a gross misdemeanor.

(c) For a third and any subsequent offense, a category D felony and shall be punished as provided in NRS 193.130.

(Added to NRS by 1957, 509; A 1963, 68; 1965, 1474; 1971, 1303; 1975, 1072, 1534, 1576; 1979, 1024, 1223; 1981, 1045; 1983, 1001; 1991, 755; 1995, 776, 2355; 2007, 3205; 2014, 28th Special Session, 4)