(a) If a manufacturer has established an informal dispute resolution settlement mechanism in this state and is operating in accordance with rules promulgated by the administrator under this article, and the administrator has certified that the informal dispute resolution settlement procedure complies with and is operating in accordance with such rules, a consumer must submit a dispute under this article to the informal dispute resolution settlement procedure before submitting it to the new motor vehicle arbitration panel. The administrator may adopt rules consistent with this article under Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act," regarding the informal dispute resolution settlement mechanisms, including but not limited to the composition, function, training, procedures, and conduct of informal dispute resolution settlement mechanisms and including eligibility requirements and procedures for appeals to a panel. Such rules must be complied with prior to certification.

(b) Informal dispute resolution settlement mechanisms shall take into account the principles contained in this article and in any rules promulgated thereunder and shall take into account all legal and equitable factors germane to a fair and just decision. A decision shall include any remedies appropriate under the circumstances, including repair, replacement, refund, reimbursement for collateral and incidental charges, and compensation for loss of value. For purposes of this Code section, the phrase: "Take into account the principles contained in this article" means to be aware of the provisions of this article, to understand how they might apply to the circumstances of the particular dispute, and to apply them if it is appropriate and fair to both parties to do so.

(c) At any time the administrator has reason to believe that a certified informal dispute resolution settlement mechanism is not acting in conformity with this article or with rules promulgated thereunder, he may initiate proceedings under Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act," to revoke the certification of the informal dispute resolution settlement mechanism. An informal dispute resolution settlement mechanism shall keep such records as prescribed by the administrator in rules under this article and shall submit without notice to inspection and copying of these records by the administrator's employees. Expenses of any copying shall be borne by the informal dispute resolution settlement mechanism.