It shall be a violation of this division for any franchisor, directly or indirectly, through any officer, agent or employee, to restrict or inhibit the right of franchisees to join a trade association or to prohibit the right of free association among franchisees for any lawful purposes. Notwithstanding Section 31410, a violation of this section shall not constitute a crime.

(Added by Stats. 1977, Ch. 510.)