If a retail dealer has entered into a written contract with a distributor in which the retail dealer agrees to maintain a stock of heavy construction equipment, repair parts, or both heavy construction equipment and repair parts, and either the distributor or the retail dealer desires to cancel or discontinue the contract, the distributor shall pay to the retail dealer, unless the retail dealer desires to keep the equipment or repair parts, the following amounts:
When a distributor has made payment in accordance with this section, title to the heavy construction equipment and repair parts shall pass to the distributor, and the distributor is entitled to possession of the heavy construction equipment and repair parts. This section is supplemental to any provisions contained in any contract between the retail dealer and the distributor relating to the return of heavy construction equipment and repair parts. Thus, the retail dealer can elect to pursue the retail dealer's remedy under this section, or under the contract relating to return of heavy construction equipment and repair parts. An election by a retail dealer to pursue a contractual remedy does not bar the retail dealer's right to the remedy provided by this section with respect to those pieces of heavy construction equipment and repair parts not affected by the contract remedy.
The provisions of this section apply to every contract now in effect which has no stated expiration date, and to all other contracts entered into after June 30, 1981. Contracts in force and effect on June 30, 1981, which by their terms will terminate on a date subsequent to June 30, 1981, shall be governed by the law existing prior to July 1, 1981.
N.D.C.C. § 51-20.1-02