When must the dealer provide a privacy notice to a customer?

The privacy notice must be provided to the customer at the time of signing the retail installment contract or lease to ensure compliance with privacy regulations. This requirement is essential because it allows customers to understand how their personal information will be used and shared by the dealer at a critical moment—when they are making a financial commitment. By providing the notice at this juncture, customers can make informed decisions regarding their personal data and understand their rights.

Providing the notice before the signing of the contract ensures that the customer has all necessary information to consider the implications of sharing their personal information. This proactive approach fosters transparency and helps build trust between the dealer and the customer, ensuring that the customer is aware of how their information will be handled right from the onset of the transaction.